Virtual desktop infrastructure and architecture
Top Stories
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News
06 Aug 2021
VMware expands VD management tools for Microsoft Azure
VMware's latest Horizon virtual desktop management tools improve the performance of the product on Microsoft Azure. The changes appear in the Horizon Control Plane. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2021
How to configure Remote Desktop in Windows Server 2008 R2 step by step
Learn how to install and configure Remote Desktop Services on Windows Server 2008 R2 to use Terminal Services and Remote Desktop Gateway Manager. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jun 2014
Mobile thin client basics
Companies with regulated information can still give road warriors secure access to virtual desktops via mobile thin clients. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2014
The right way to do old-PC-to-thin-client conversions
Turning old PCs to thin clients can help keep the Capex associated with VDI down, but a bad conversion can spell support troubles for IT. Continue Reading
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Guide
29 Jan 2014
Best practices guide: Making VDI deployment magic
Implementing VDI isn't always a cakewalk. Learn how to make a production VDI deployment go smoothly. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Jan 2014
Preparing for an IT audit in your VDI environment
When preparing for an audit in your VDI environment, the best defense is a strong offense. Find out what you need to archive and who's auditing. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2014
What virtualized GPU technology is doing for VDI
Virtualized GPU technology brings VDI to more users than ever before, which could spur desktop virtualization adoption. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Jan 2014
From VDI pilot to production: Four tips for the move
Don't leave users out of the equation when you move from your VDI pilot project to the production environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jan 2014
Making thin client performance priority No. 1
Thin client performance is the key to a successful endpoint because it's the issue that most affects your end users. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Sep 2013
Pros and cons of using VDI for BYOD management
Virtual desktop infrastructure eases the stress of managing employee-owned devices in the enterprise, but beware connectivity and compatibility snags. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2013
Apple iOS devices and VDI: Connecting the cult and the corporation
If your organization wants to access virtual desktops from Apple iOS devices, keep these tips in mind to make the transition smooth. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jun 2013
Storage design and sizing guidelines for VDI
When people started building VDI environments, they approached the storage design the same way they had always done with server environments: VDI vendor lab tests gave some indication about the required IOPS and all was well. How wrong they were! Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2013
Weighing connected vs. disconnected VDI
Offline VDI lets users work from anywhere -- even without an Internet connection -- but that brings up a few challenges regarding user experience. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Apr 2013
Why you need VDI training and how to go about it
VDI requires new hardware and software, so make sure you get some VDI training and certifications under your belt before you deploy virtual desktops. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Apr 2013
Zero client vs. thin client computing: Why zero clients are better
Zero clients and thin clients both offer virtual desktop access, but they aren't the same when it comes to performance and scalability. Continue Reading
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Opinion
05 Apr 2013
Nonpersistent vs. persistent desktops: Why VDI should persist
Using persistent desktops for VDI makes application delivery more flexible; plus, they're similar to the physical desktops you already have. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2013
Four desktop virtualization use cases
Knowing why you're deploying virtual desktops is the first step to success -- whether it's for better security, simplified management or BYOD support. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Mar 2013
Ten ways to make your VDI deployment fail
When it comes to VDI, there's a lot of room for error. Check out the ten most common reasons a VDI deployment fails. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2013
Creating a golden image for VDI: 13 things to consider
When you build a golden image for virtual desktops, make sure that virtual disk image has the proper security settings and pre-installed apps. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2013
Comparing remote display protocols: RemoteFX vs. HDX vs. PCoIP
Are you puzzled by protocols? This comparison reviews top remote display protocols from major vendors so you'll know what each has to offer. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2013
Choosing thin client devices: What to look for
On the lookout for thin client devices? Don't forget to consider application compatibility, protocol support, features and cost. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jan 2013
hosted virtual desktop (HVD)
A hosted virtual desktop (HVD) is a user interface that connects to applications and data that are stored on a cloud provider's servers rather than on the user's computer or the corporate network. An HVD is sometimes referred to as a cloud-hosted virtual desktop. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Sep 2012
Using Portable-VirtualBox to run any OS from a USB device
Portable-VirtualBox allows you to run OSes from a USB drive, which helps you test them for use in server and desktop virtualization environments. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Aug 2012
FAQ: Using Windows PowerShell commands to manage virtual desktops
Windows PowerShell commands aren't just for traditional desktops. Learn how to use PowerCLI, XenApp cmdlets and more to make VDI management a snap. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2012
VDI backup strategies: Copying, storing and securing virtual desktops
If you’re not backing up your virtual desktops, here are a few VDI backup strategies that might make you re-think that decision. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jul 2012
Desktop virtualization comparison: VDI vs. Remote Desktop Services
For desktop virtualization, you have a choice between the paths of VDI and Remote Desktop Services. Robert Frost took the road less travelled, but you don't have to choose just one. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2012
How to stagger your VDI project rollout: Start with a VDI POC
Slow and steady wins the race. After analyzing a VDI POC, stagger your VDI project rollout so resources aren't overwhelmed and users can get used to the new technology. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2012
Five reasons a VDI project stalls: What's the holdup?
Here's one way to send a VDI project down the tubes: Ignore the end user experience. See four more factors that can hit the brakes on your implementation. Continue Reading
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News
04 Apr 2012
Microsoft updates roaming profiles for the desktop virtualization age
Microsoft has finally delivered a new version of its roaming user profiles tool called UE-V, providing profile management for virtual desktops. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2012
How a virtualization stack provides simplicity, scalability for VDI
VDI products can run on integrated virtualization platforms, bringing simplicity and deliverability to VDI deployments. But converged infrastructure may not be suitable for all. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Mar 2012
Using the iPad as a VDI client: Does it work and who needs it?
If your users are always on the go and sick of lugging their laptops around, they may want to use the iPad as a VDI client instead. But they shouldn't expect a full PC experience. Continue Reading
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Opinion
28 Mar 2012
Why VDI? (5 Reasons people really use VDI)
I've recently posted a few negative articles about VDI. (Well, I don't think they're negative, but I've definitely been accused of being a VDI hater.) Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2012
Preparing your network for VDI: What affects VDI network performance
Implementing VDI can throw your network into a state of shock. By monitoring traffic peaks and understanding the performance impact, you can make sure the network is prepared. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Aug 2011
More tools for converting PCs to thin clients
You don't need to replace all your PCs to move to virtual desktops. Here are six non-Windows tools to help you convert old hardware to thin clients for desktop virtualization. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Mar 2011
The pros and cons of using hosted apps in the enterprise
Hosted applications can reduce IT management burdens, but they can leave you at the mercy of service providers. Here are the pros and cons to weigh before moving to the cloud. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2011
Using AppLocker to lock down Remote Desktop Services apps
The time it takes to get AppLocker fully functional negates its benefits, but with Remote Desktop Services, the Windows 7 application security tool is a no-brainer. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jan 2011
The Layer 4 protocols behind PCoIP and HDX: Which is better for VDI?
VMware uses UDP for its remote desktop protocol, PC-over-IP, and Citrix uses TCP for HDX. Consider the pros and cons of these technologies for your VDI environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2011
Troubleshooting virtual desktop connectivity issues
Users occasionally have trouble connecting to their virtual desktops. These steps in the process of elimination can help troubleshoot network problems as quickly as possible. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2010
Remote desktop access vs. mobile access: What's the difference?
While remote access is always remote, it's not always mobile. There's a difference between the two, each with its own use case. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Mar 2010
Setting up virtual hard disk storage
VMware and Hyper-V can easily connect virtual machines to storage, but it crucial to pick the right method for your enterprise. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Feb 2010
Assessing your IT infrastructure for desktop virtualization
Enterprises are increasingly using desktop virtualization for centralized application management. Make sure to remember performance and storage requirements when making VDI plans. Continue Reading
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Opinion
09 Aug 2009
Emulation, paravirtualization, and pass-through: what you need to know for client hypervisors
Since desktop virtualization is fairly new, no one's really started out their careers from scratch focusing on this space. Instead, people start in another area of IT and kind of "fall into" (or are forced into) desktop virtualization after they've been working awhile. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
04 Aug 2009
Ten steps to a Windows Server 2003 virtual cluster configuration
Configure and test a Windows Server 2003 cluster on your desktop using virtualization technology with these ten easy steps. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Jun 2009
Configuring Active Directory GPOs in a VDI environment
For an easy transition to virtual desktops, focus on configuring Group Policy Objects for VDI OS images. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2009
How to determine your virtual machine per-core ratio
Discover industry standards, real-world examples and a sample equation to help you determine how many virtual machines can fit onto a core server. Continue Reading