Since the original intent is lost to time, let’s speculate:
Unlike RAW images that allocate all space immediately, a 40GB QCOW2 file only takes up as much space as the data actually stored (initially around 193KB).
Wait, maybe they're an archivist, trying to preserve software from the XP era, and face challenges with limited resources. Using top to optimize the VM to run efficiently. The emotional core could be about preservation and the importance of not losing the technological history.
What are tha main differences between an ISO and a QCO2 image?