Virtual desktop management
Top Stories
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Feature
14 Mar 2025
Understanding persistent vs. nonpersistent VDI
Should you go with persistent or nonpersistent VDI? The choice often comes down to storage. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2025
How to fix 7 common remote desktop connection problems
When the connection between a desktop and its host fails, it's time to do some remote desktop troubleshooting. Check firewalls, security certificates and more if a remote desktop is not working. Continue Reading
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Guide
23 Apr 2018
The go-to guide for managing VDI users
VDI shops can help keep their end users happy by using user profile management to enable personalization and by taking advantage of VDI monitoring tools. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2018
Understand the benefits of user profile management software
Profile management tools can be valuable assets to address failure recovery, migration support, KPI improvement, as well as profile corruption, so long as they fit your environment. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
17 Apr 2018
Citrix Synergy 2018 conference coverage
Citrix Synergy is May 8-10 in Anaheim, Calif. Stay up to date on all the news and analysis that comes out of the conference. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Apr 2018
Ten Citrix Synergy 2018 sessions to attend
Get a jump start on your Citrix Synergy planning with this rundown of 10 interesting sessions that explore Linux-based virtual desktops, scalability and planning, and more. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Apr 2018
Three key VDI installation decisions IT must make
Deploying VDI effectively comes down to several key decisions, including whether to run the back-end infrastructure on premises or with a DaaS provider. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Apr 2018
How can IT combat rogue RDP access?
Hackers can gain remote access to users' desktops through RDP hijacking. As a result, IT pros must know what they can do to prevent such an attack. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2018
User profile management software in the modern enterprise
Profile management tools help admins keep track of important details about users, like their bookmarks, browser histories, wallpapers, documents and more. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2018
TetherView desktop disaster recovery offers a way into VDI
With standby virtual desktops from TetherView, IT can forgo full-fledged backup data centers for disaster recovery. The company CEO details use cases for the technology and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Apr 2018
How to deploy GPU-enabled virtual applications
More apps are graphics-intensive than ever before. As a result, VDI shops must know the steps it takes to deliver said apps to users without too much hassle. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2018
Three VDI capacity planning steps IT must follow
When planning its VDI deployment, IT must account for the resources users will need to avoid over or under provisioning the virtual desktops and anticipate potential growth. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Mar 2018
How does user location affect VDI capacity planning?
When coming up with a VDI capacity plan, IT must account for exactly where users are located and possibly consider an SD-WAN or edge computing. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2018
The definitive DaaS provider criteria checklist
If IT wants to move its virtual desktops to a DaaS vendor, it's critical to know what to look for, including the disaster recovery options and monitoring capabilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Mar 2018
Six VDI testing steps to take with any deployment
Whether IT is upgrading an existing VDI deployment or implementing VDI, there are a series of tests it should run, including making sure users can access their virtual desktops. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2018
What are the differences between TCP and UDP?
When it comes to using TCP or UDP for sending packets of data through a network across devices, IT must know the differences and when each option is a good fit. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2018
What root cause analysis software exists for virtual desktops?
When trying to get to the bottom of virtual desktop problems, IT should turn to root cause analysis tools from vendors such as ControlUp and Lakeside Software. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Feb 2018
How desktop virtualization vendors are improving management
IT pros want to see better security and more monitoring capabilities in their virtual desktop management tools. The ultimate goal is a quality user experience, though. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2018
Four root cause analysis benefits VDI shops should know
When it comes to pinpointing the source of a VDI problem, IT should turn to root cause analysis, which can also help enhance the user experience and save time. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2018
How to quantify VDI user experience
IT can take steps to quantify the virtual desktop user experience by recording data on factors such as latency and image quality, as well as conducting user surveys. Continue Reading
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Guide
17 Jan 2018
The ultimate guide to VDI planning
There is no standard VDI deployment. Each one takes on a life of its own depending on key decisions, including the remote display protocol and the underlying infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2018
How to pick out the right VDI use cases
VDI can help organizations, but only if IT applies it to the right use cases. Identifying those virtual desktop use cases starts with understanding the user type and location. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
29 Nov 2017
Journey to the center of a successful VDI project plan
Not all VDI projects turn out to be winners. Stay on the good side of a VDI deployment by creating a strong plan and using a pilot for testing, with a focus on user experience. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2017
IT gains a secret weapon with VDI monitoring
IT admins can use VDI monitoring to gain X-ray vision into their VDI deployments. These tools help strengthen the user experience and pinpoint problem areas. Continue Reading
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Opinion
11 Jul 2017
Consider key factors in the physical vs. virtual desktop debate
When deciding between physical or virtual desktops, IT admins must evaluate the costs, look at their application requirements and understand their users' needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jun 2017
Get into the groove of Office 365 licensing for VDI
Virtual desktops change the traditional licensing game. Office 365 typically allows for five device installs, but the rules are different in an Office 365 VDI deployment. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
25 May 2017
The Best of Citrix Synergy 2017 Awards winners
Find out who won at the Best of Citrix Synergy 2017 Awards in categories such as New Technology and Desktop and Application Delivery, as well as who took home the Best of Show award. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Mar 2017
Don't let VDI drain the IP address pool
IP addresses can get gobbled up in VDI deployments because each virtual desktop and each endpoint takes up an address. Admins can fight back with IP address management tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Mar 2017
Is VDI susceptible to ransomware threats?
VDI environments are in danger of ransomware attacks. They can encrypt personal and professional data that cannot be decoded once the user's session ends. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Mar 2017
Roaming profiles help deliver a consistent virtual desktop experience
Nonpersistent VDI strips users of their ability to customize their desktops. With user environment management methods such as roaming profiles, they can take some ownership back. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2017
How to make your VDI project plan a winner
VDI can simplify life for IT admins, but they must plan the project out from the pilot phase through implementation. Keeping unexpected cost and complexity in mind is critical. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
30 Sep 2016
Five VDI thin clients worthy of enterprise consideration
Choosing the right endpoints for VDI is essential. Explore five options for VDI thin clients -- including Raspberry Pi devices and Google Chromebooks -- and what differentiates them from each other. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Aug 2016
Four problem areas to watch for when VDI troubleshooting
When it comes to VDI, IT must be ready to troubleshoot common problems associated with virtual desktop performance, back-end infrastructure, product platforms and persona management. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Aug 2016
Take control of virtual desktop access with two-factor authentication
Traditional passwords simply aren't good enough for VDI shops. Instead they need to make users' devices require a second form of authentication or use one-time passwords that change frequently. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jun 2016
Don't let VDI network latency grind virtual desktops to a halt
Network latency problems can make even the simplest tasks impossible on a virtual desktop. IT needs to use performance monitoring to identify the source of latency to fix the problem. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2016
Go for gold with VDI image management
VDI golden images allow IT to deliver multiple virtual desktops based off a single base image. This setup simplifies desktop management in a lot of ways but also complicates updates. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2016
Four questions to ask before using Chromebook thin client devices
Using Google Chromebooks as VDI clients can save organizations money and simplify IT management, but they're not the perfect fit for every company. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 May 2016
When single sign-on technology is a good fit for VDI
As more VDI shops deliver virtual desktops separately from applications, single sign-on provides a way for IT to reduce users' burdens when it comes to multiple logins and remembering passwords. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2016
Compare Citrix Provisioning Services and Machine Creation Services
One of the most important parts of setting up and managing a XenDesktop deployment is choosing which provisioning tool to use. Citrix provides one streaming option and another that creates VM clones. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2016
Five burning questions about remote desktop USB redirection
When it comes to USB device redirection, IT administrators must pay close attention to network bandwidth, latency and reliability issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Apr 2016
Why VDI is perfect for managing remote employees
Organizations trying to support remote employees should look to VDI, which puts users in a controlled environment and makes it easier to provide support, manage licenses and ensure security. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Mar 2016
How to set up a Chromebook remote desktop
It's easier than you think to set up a Google Chromebook remote desktop, thanks to low-cost devices that make for great VDI thin clients. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2016
How Citrix USB redirection supports stylus peripherals
A new feature in XenDesktop and XenApp makes it easier for stylus users, artists and engineers to link USB peripheral devices to their virtual desktops and applications, even when they're far away from the office. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
23 Dec 2015
Top six VDI news stories of 2015
It was a big year for VDI news. Citrix lost its CEO. Dell will own EMC and VMware. One thing didn't change though: Citrix and VMware are still battling for supremacy in the desktop virtualization market. Continue Reading
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Answer
16 Nov 2015
How do physical and virtual desktop patch deployment differ?
Patching virtual desktops and PCs isn't exactly the same. VDI puts more strain on your storage system, and read-only virtual desktop images often erase patches at the end of a user's session. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Oct 2015
How Microsoft UE-V syncs physical and virtual desktop settings
Users expect the same experience whether they're on a virtual desktop at home or their work PC in the office. Microsoft UE-V syncs users' settings, so they're up to date in all their Windows sessions. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Sep 2015
What's the difference between a VM clone and a template?
Creating virtual machine templates and clones are quick-and-easy ways to deploy multiple VMs, but for your VDI environment to thrive, you should know the best use cases for each method. Continue Reading
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Photo Story
08 Jul 2015
Top five VDI-related help desk questions
VDI has many benefits, but it will also open the flood gates for help desk questions from users: Why can't I login? Where am I printing? IT better have the answers. Continue Reading
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Guide
29 May 2015
Guide to calculating ROI from VDI
Calculating ROI from VDI requires a solid VDI cost analysis. Consider ROI calculation models, storage costs and more to determine how much you'll benefit from VDI -- if at all. Continue Reading
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Guide
29 May 2015
VDI assessment guide
Wait! Don't implement VDI technology until you know your goals and needs. A VDI assessment should consider the benefits of a VDI environment and its effects on end users. Continue Reading
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Guide
03 Apr 2015
Complete guide to RDS management and RDSH
RDS is the backbone of Windows desktop virtualization from Microsoft. Learn about features -- such as RemoteFX -- problems and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Feb 2015
VDI hardware evaluation checklist
Picking the right hardware for your VDI deployment is critical, but it doesn't have to be difficult. To start, check to see if your VDI software vendor has a list of compatible components. Continue Reading
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News
18 Dec 2014
New per-user Windows license pricing cuts VDI costs
Early quotes for Windows' new per-user Software Assurance licensing could save significant money for IT shops doing VDI. Continue Reading
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Answer
04 Nov 2014
Can I use a tablet for VDI?
Technology-wise, it's possible to access a virtual desktop from a tablet, but the user experience may not be ideal. On the other hand, if you have a mouse and keyboard hooked up to the tablet, it can be a great way to access VDI. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Oct 2014
Do I need antivirus for VDI deployments?
Virtual desktop environments aren't immune to viruses and malware, so it's important to have an antivirus tool and strategy in place before your deployment gets infected. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Sep 2014
Top tools for user profile management
You can manage profiles with Active Directory or the tools built into your VDI software, but third-party options from AppSense, RES software and Liquidware Labs offer more features and can reduce storage needs. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2014
How to troubleshoot remote and virtual desktop connection issues
There are lots of reasons that remote and virtual desktop connection issues come up because there are so many components that make the technology work. Learn some of the most common reasons for connection troubles and how to fix them. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 May 2014
Troubleshoot problems remotely with desktop shadowing
Desktop shadowing tools come standard in Windows Server and Windows OSes, but you'll have to use different techniques for RDSH and VDI users. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 May 2014
How log monitoring tools prepare VDI environments for audits
Log monitoring tools allow you to troubleshoot VDI problems, but they also make sure that you're ready for an audit whenever one may crop up. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2014
Why remote connectivity problems happen and how to fix them
Remote connectivity problems such as latency and bouncing have easy fixes that just take careful planning when you're setting up your VDI deployment. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2013
How to load balance a Citrix or VMware VDI implementation
Whether your VDI implementation is based on Citrix or VMware, certain load-balancing techniques will keep performance on target. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Nov 2013
How to handle peripherals support on virtual desktops
Peripherals support can be especially tricky on virtual desktops because you often need redirection technology to make the devices work. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Nov 2013
A sampler of VDI-friendly Windows PowerShell scripts
You can automate desktop provisioning, monitoring and more in a VDI environment, so check out these handy Windows PowerShell scripts for VDI admins. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2013
Where virtual desktops need certificate management
Virtual desktops don't always trust certain security certificates, especially when applications are accessed through the Web. 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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Tip
17 Jun 2013
Taking advantage of VM snapshots in a virtual desktop environment
With VM snapshots, you can make one desktop VM into many. Just watch out for performance when snapshotting in a virtual desktop environment. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2013
Using Active Directory activation and other new Office 2013 tools
Among the new Office 2013 tools for IT admins are a method for volume activation, administrative template files and files for custom installations. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 May 2013
Using passthrough disks for desktop VM storage? Keep 5 tips in mind
Connecting desktop VMs to passthrough disks can enhance performance, but it does add complexity. Watch out for these five hang-ups. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2013
Tips for VDI user profile management
Unique user profiles are key to a successful VDI environment, so you need user profile management techniques to create, store and secure profiles. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Apr 2013
Best practices for allocating resources to virtual desktops
It's important to do a good job allocating resources to virtual desktops. Make sure you understand your VM system and allocate based on your users. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Apr 2013
Breaking down five desktop delivery methods
There are a lot of ways to accomplish desktop delivery these days, and they all come in shorthand: VDI, SBC, DaaS and more. 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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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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Tip
18 Feb 2013
User profile backup methods for virtual desktops
First you need to decide whether it's worth backing up user data. If you decide yes, check out these user profile backup techniques. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Feb 2013
User environment virtualization leaves roaming profiles in the dust
As users connect to more devices than ever, user environment virtualization is a blossoming trend in the desktop virtualization market. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Jan 2013
User profile management tools: 16 options to consider
There are tons of user profile management tools out there. Check out these options to learn what they offer -- and which ones are free. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Jan 2013
How to ensure VDI network connectivity, security
A virtual desktop isn't worth a nickel if a user can't connect to it. Keep your VDI network strong with traffic prioritization and security policies. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2012
GPU vs. CPU: Three ways to run graphics-heavy apps on virtual desktops
It's a pain trying to accommodate graphics-intensive applications on a virtual desktop, but don't despair. There are ways to deliver these apps fast. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Dec 2012
Eliminating VDI network bottlenecks and latency issues
On a VDI network, you want lots of bandwidth and low latency levels. To hit that target, learn what policies you need to put in place. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Sep 2012
Demystifying Microsoft virtual desktop licensing: SA vs. VDA vs. CDL
Virtual desktops are so dynamic that licensing them isn't easy. Microsoft's complex VDI licensing rules certainly don't help. 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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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
27 Feb 2012
Microsoft RemoteFX USB redirection: Four key considerations
With Microsoft RemoteFX USB redirection, you can have full native USB support for virtual desktops, despite some device limitations. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2011
Tips for running PowerShell against remote Windows 7 desktops
Setting up PowerShell to manage remote Windows 7 desktops can be tricky. These tips help you properly configure PowerShell and use it for remote desktop troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Oct 2011
Five helpful commands for managing Remote Desktop Services
In Windows Server 8, server management will be command-line oriented. Prepare for the shift by learning some commands for managing Remote Desktop Services. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Aug 2011
Why using a bare metal client hypervisor on a Mac makes no sense
Apple supports running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in a client hypervisor VM on Mac hardware, but is there any value in virtualizing the Mac OS with Type-1 products such as XenClient? 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
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
29 Nov 2010
Microsoft SCCM 2012: built for PCs, smart enough for VDI
Microsoft broadened Systems Center Configuration Manager 2012 to manage physical and virtual desktops and mobile devices, and it’s not just an answer to customer demand. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2010
The first hurdle of deploying a VDI environment: The user persona
Ensure the quality of the user experience by properly managing the user persona. These five techniques can help with virtual desktop infrastructure deployment. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2010
How to make user profiles delete themselves in any VDI environment
Do you need to keep Windows profiles but delete virtual desktops from shared machines? Nonpersistent desktops and these Active Directory tricks can help. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jul 2010
Using login banners with VMware View 4
Windows XP login banners can force VMware View end-users to log in twice when they're trying to access their virtual desktops. But there's a better way that uses a single sign-on. 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
28 Jan 2010
How to build a native-boot VHD for Windows 7 in a few simple steps
Booting natively to a VHD in Windows 7 can be a complicated. This step-by-step guide breaks down and simplifies the process. 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