Problem solve

Problem solve

Get help with specific problems with your technologies, process and projects.

• VMware Horizon View troubleshooting guide for desktop admins

  IT pros can read this VMware Horizon View troubleshooting guide to learn how to set up desktop troubleshooting in Horizon and identify connection, UX and authentication issues. Continue Reading

• Understand VDI market shifts from traditional VDI to cloud

  As the VDI market shifts to cloud-based VDI and DaaS, it's important to understand the bigger picture. Understand the benefits and complexities of the changing market. Continue Reading

• Navigate Office 365 licensing issues with VDI

  Office 365 can come with some tricky licensing situations, especially for VDI admins. Explore this rundown of licensing issues and some potential solutions. Continue Reading

• How to identify and eliminate Citrix performance issues

  Citrix performance issues can be difficult to deal with. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent them using a variety of techniques, such as automation. Continue Reading

• Best practices to prevent RDP security issues

  IT can prevent RDP security issues in a few ways. Learn how to use Group Policy and other best practices to protect against an RDP-based attack, and learn about BlueKeep. Continue Reading

• How to manage Windows Virtual Desktop printing problems

  Windows Virtual Desktop printing is somewhat complicated. Learn about the products that can simplify print management for IT and make printing more seamless for end users.Continue Reading

• How to use PowerShell to track VDI resources

  It's never ideal to have underutilized servers in a VDI environment. Here's how IT pros can create a PowerShell script to track VDI resource utilization.Continue Reading

• How to fix 5 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

• Find alternatives when Citrix Smart Scale reaches end of life

  Citrix will retire Smart Scale in May 2019, and its replacement is only for Citrix Cloud customers. Here's how IT pros can find alternatives to this VDI power management tool.Continue Reading

• Five reasons Microsoft RDP printer redirection is not working

  Windows printing problems are a pain. If you have printer redirection issues with the Remote Desktop Protocol in RDS, check user permissions, client requirements and more.Continue Reading

• How app layering can overcome app virtualization challenges

  App layering allows IT to manage applications independently. Learn about the other benefits of app layering and how it differs from application virtualization.Continue Reading

• Top 4 challenges of hyper-converged infrastructure for VDI

  HCI and VDI often go well together, providing simpler scalability and flexibility for virtual desktops. But what happens when a VDI deployment has requirements outside the norm?Continue Reading

• How RDS licensing rules work and recommendations to follow

  Microsoft's Remote Desktop Services licensing policies can be confusing if you don't know the Client Access Licenses and Remote Desktop Services roles.Continue Reading

• Integrate legacy Windows applications with modern device capabilities

  Enabling virtual desktop users to open apps in the format that allows the apps to function best would be ideal, but there's work to do to enable this capability.Continue Reading

• How can IT improve its virtual application capacity plan?

  When IT deploys virtual apps, it must plan for the applications' capacity needs. Two common planning methods are monitoring app performance and load simulation.Continue Reading

• How VDI performance monitoring tools help IT

  When deciding on a VDI monitoring tool, IT must understand the unique functions and limitations of each tool. IT should find a tool that matches the exact needs of its organization.Continue Reading

• 5 decisions for application and desktop virtualization

  IT has to make several major decisions to ensure that it makes the most of its application and desktop virtualization deployment, such as selecting a hosting method and end-user devices.Continue Reading

• How can IT identify and manage VDI usage fluctuations?

  Unpredictable user behavior and boot storms can cause VDI resource usage fluctuations throughout the day. IT can take steps to identify and curtail the effects of these changes.Continue Reading

• How to make virtual desktop images easier to manage

  There are several common mistakes VDI shops make, including allowing users to gain elevated privileges, that make it more difficult to deliver a quality end-user experience.Continue Reading

• Mitigate VDI performance issues with resource management

  To improve user experience, IT can take advantage of virtual desktop configurations that limit resource usage. This frees up resources for all desktops to perform basic functions.Continue Reading

• Can IT add digital watermarks to its virtual desktops?

  As part of a larger security strategy, watermarking virtual desktops can help IT discourage data leakage by adding user-specific text to each desktop.Continue Reading

• How to simulate a multisite network with VMware Workstation

  If you want to test out a WAN link between two networks with VDI, VMware Workstation can help. Here's how it works.Continue Reading

• Ready to start VDI capacity planning? Prove it

  Planning VDI capacity can be challenging and confusing. See if you have what it takes to plan for factors such as remote access and future changes.Continue Reading

• How to accurately assess your VDI hardware needs

  Overestimating or underestimating hardware needs for a VDI deployment can cause major problems for IT. With a few simple pieces of advice, IT pros can get a more accurate picture.Continue Reading

• Six ways to simplify Citrix App Layering

  App layering can deliver a lot of benefits to IT administrators, but only if they know how to keep management simple. Start by understanding ELMs and keeping Windows up to date.Continue Reading

• Does deploying VDI affect other systems?

  VDI can affect areas of a company network, such as internet bandwidth. IT can mitigate the effects of VDI users by allocating resources and monitoring system performance.Continue Reading

• 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

• Get a jump on VDI issues with root cause analysis

  The right root cause analysis tools and methods can help IT identify the source of VDI problems and resolve them quickly to minimize the effect on user experience.Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Monitor VDI with these top tools

  VDI monitoring is critical to understand why problems occur. IT can use tools in XenApp, XenDesktop and Horizon or try third-party options from the likes of Quest Foglight.Continue Reading

• 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

• Get to know root cause analysis tools for VDI

  Not all VDI monitoring tools provide the same features. IT admins in search of a root cause analysis tool may want to turn to third-party vendors.Continue Reading

• Four bad VDI management habits to kick in 2018

  Bad habits with VDI can kill a deployment. In 2018, it will be critical to keep storage, graphics processing, thin client savings and security monitoring in mind.Continue Reading

• Keep the cost of VDI in check

  VDI costs are coming down thanks in large part to the growth of hyper-converged infrastructure and the availability of inexpensive thin clients and open source options.Continue Reading

• Remote display protocol class is in session

  VDI shops must understand the ins and outs of remote display protocols to make sure users are having a good experience with the virtual images they receive.Continue Reading

• What are the open source remote display protocol options?

  Fluctuating VDI costs can catch any organization by surprise. Consider open source remote display protocols to keep the price tag low and user experience high.Continue Reading

• How to handle increasing VDI graphics processing needs

  With more applications, including seemingly straightforward ones, such as Microsoft Word, going graphics-intensive, VDI shops must know how to deliver a quality user experience.Continue Reading

• IGEL thin clients help credit union handle VDI peripherals

  Thin clients aren't always designed to work well with peripheral devices, but one company found a product that could meet its needs, particularly when it came to USB ports.Continue Reading

• Don't let network latency issues slow your VDI or DaaS roll

  Data can get to users faster if it is closer to them. As a result IT must keep that distance in mind when setting up a VDI or DaaS deployment.Continue Reading

• Three VDI best practices you need to know

  VDI comes with challenges around graphics support, user personalization and more. Administrators should keep in mind these tips for deployment success.Continue Reading

• Are you a master of user environment management tools for VDI?

  Prove your knowledge of user environment management tools with this quiz, covering VMware's built-in UEM tool, UEM alternatives and more.Continue Reading

• Get schooled on nonpersistent and persistent VDI

  Knowing the pros and cons of nonpersistent and persistent VDI is a great place to start when becoming a VDI deployment master. Find out more with this quiz.Continue Reading

• Compete in the Citrix terminology decathlon

  Citrix is a big player in the IT world, and it comes with a bit of its own language. Use this quiz to make sure the top Citrix terms don't trick you.Continue Reading

• VDI performance monitoring helps IT improve end-user experience

  To keep users happy in VDI deployments IT must measure and monitor what the user experience is truly like. That means looking beyond the infrastructure itself.Continue Reading

• How does Office 365 VDI licensing work in nonpersistent deployments?

  Setting up Office 365 generally involves multiple devices. With nonpersistent VDI, the rules of the game change for IT admins.Continue Reading

• How does Citrix XenDesktop licensing work?

  Licensing is a key component to virtual desktop infrastructure. Citrix XenDesktop provides businesses with the option of user or device specific models.Continue Reading

• Take a quest for knowledge on DaaS vs. VDI

  Companies stuck contemplating Daas vs. VDI -- or deploying both -- should know all the facts first. Test your knowledge about the two delivery methods with this quiz.Continue Reading

• Ready to put a VDI project plan in place? Take this quiz to prove it

  VDI projects can fail easily. See how well you're prepared for VDI with this quiz, which asks about how to track user experience, what makes a successful pilot program and more.Continue Reading

• IT shop uses VMware Fusion software to unite Windows and macOS

  When a manufacturer needed to run Windows-only applications on Macs for a specific project, the IT department turned to desktop virtualization software.Continue Reading

• 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

• Are you a VMware Blast Extreme expert? Take this quiz and prove it

  You've probably heard about VMware Blast Extreme at this point, but do you really understand the technology? Take this quiz, which covers some of its key features, to find out.Continue Reading

• Three VDI challenges that can derail any project

  IT shops need to look out for complexity, cost and performance problems when they put a VDI implementation plan in place.Continue Reading

• Test your knowledge of mobile VDI access

  Users require access to virtual resources on their mobile devices. IT can manage VDI on smartphones and tablets using authentication methods, individual virtual app delivery and more.Continue Reading

• Five signs it's time to upgrade your VDI software

  If your VDI software doesn't support the latest hardware, or if it won't scale, it might be time to upgrade. Learn about some other signs to keep an eye out for.Continue Reading

• 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

• How does Citrix SmartAccess boost XenDesktop security?

  Citrix shops looking to enable secure remote access can employ the SmartAccess feature in XenApp and XenDesktop to require endpoint analysis using the company's NetScaler Gateway delivery controller.Continue Reading

• 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

• Seven questions to test your Microsoft Azure RemoteApp knowledge

  Think you know everything about Microsoft Azure RemoteApp? Prove it by taking this quiz on how Azure RemoteApp uses the cloud to deliver applications, which operating systems it works on and more.Continue Reading

• How to shelter users from a VDI boot storm

  Boot storms bring VDI deployments to a grinding halt, but batch booting and network interface card teaming can prevent the problem without having to buy new hardware.Continue Reading

• Hyper-converged infrastructure systems put VDI on cruise control

  Hyper-converged infrastructure makes delivering virtual desktops easier, because all the back-end resources -- including central management software -- run together in one isolated, tightly integrated location.Continue Reading

• Prove your remote desktop USB redirection skills

  Take this quiz to test your knowledge of remote desktop USB redirection, including the ins and outs of Citrix's USB redirection features and which devices raise red flags.Continue Reading

• Navigate the complexities of remote desktop printer redirection

  Printing from virtual desktops is never easy. IT must decide whether to configure network or local printing and how to manage a multitude of printer drivers.Continue Reading

• See if you're an expert on Citrix Workspace Cloud

  Prove your knowledge of Citrix Workspace Cloud with this quiz that covers how CWC works, what a workspace is and what Citrix's competition looks like.Continue Reading

• What's new in VMware App Volumes 3.0?

  App Volumes was a big addition to VMware's application virtualization portfolio. Learn how new features in version 3.0, such as AppToggle, could fix some of its deficiencies.Continue Reading

• How to detect virtual desktop configuration drift

  Checking for configuration compliance is a time-consuming job, but administrators need to make sure virtual desktops don't drift too far away from their organization's preferred settings.Continue Reading

• 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

• Glut of application management tools a sign of the times

  For desktop virtualization administrators, managing apps has become a difficult task. There are many apps and many users, and the old ways of updating and maintaining applications isn't working anymore. Enter: new app management tools.Continue Reading

• Keep the cost of VDI storage under control

  Layering, persona management tools and flash arrays help keep virtual desktop users happy and VDI storage costs down.Continue Reading

• Cloud-based Windows Server desktops bring app compatibility concerns

  You can use Windows Server-based desktops to bypass Windows licensing complexity, but you may have app compatibility issues to content with instead.Continue Reading

• 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

• How to get management to agree to your cloud desktop project

  If you want to get a cloud desktop project off the ground, you'll have to sell your superiors on the idea first. Remind them that DaaS can save money, improve security and put some control over desktops back in your hands.Continue Reading

• Turning to the cloud for VDI disaster recovery

  The cloud makes it possible for any business to have a strong VDI disaster recovery plan. You can choose to back up data by file, or you can back up the whole image.Continue Reading

• How to use DRaaS and DaaS for DR in the cloud

  DaaS providers offer a great way to do DR, and they often have DRaaS built in. When you find a vendor you can trust, it often makes sense to host desktops with them, too.Continue Reading

• Cloud desktops don't get it done for everyone

  DaaS has appeal, but that doesn't mean it works for everyone. If you have bandwidth limitations or workers would suffer from poor performance, it might not be right for you.Continue Reading

• Pitfalls of HTML5 clients

  Using an HTML5 client to access a virtual desktop isn't for everyone. Workers who need high-resolution graphics or use Web apps that require local access could experience decreased performance.Continue Reading

• Four considerations for delivering VDI to mobile workers

  Before you let mobile workers use their tablets and smartphones to access virtual desktops and applications, consider the kinds of sessions you host, whether the UE will be any good and how many IP addresses it will take.Continue Reading

• Citrix AppDNA finds compatibility issues, remediates apps

  The AppDNA tool from Citrix lets you find and solve application compatibility problems before they even happen. It also locates apps that need remediation.Continue Reading

• Five steps for a more secure cloud desktop environment

  You can't really make the cloud more secure, but you can take some steps to make hosting desktops and applications in the cloud a little less scary, such as picking the right provider and crafting a favorable SLA.Continue Reading

• VDI and power users don't have to be oil and water

  For a long time, it's been a fact of VDI that power users and VDI don't mix. But with advances in technology and a little planning, your power users could soon be booting up their persistent VMs.Continue Reading

• 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

• Cybercriminals, rogue users cause DaaS security concerns

  DaaS has advantages, but don't discount cloud security concerns. Competitors, disgruntled employees and careless users can all put the data and desktops you host with DaaS providers at risk.Continue Reading

• How cloud security concerns affect trust in DaaS providers

  DaaS providers tout hosted desktops as more efficient and secure than traditional VDI, but cloud security concerns persist. Companies looking to do DaaS have to trust their provider's staff and back-end security measures without first-hand insight.Continue Reading

• How does hot desking work?

  Hot desking is the practice of maintaining fewer desks or PCs than there are employees who need them. The model helps cut overhead costs, but it can cause productivity issues if there aren't enough workstations.Continue Reading

• How do I calculate VDI ROI?

  There's no magic formula or one-size-fits-all approach to figuring VDI ROI. Look at vendor calculators to see which costs they factor in, but do the calculations on your own.Continue Reading

• Can I use XenClient to change a PC to thin client?

  With Citrix XenClient, you can easily turn a PC into a thin client. If you have XenDesktop Enterprise or Platinum licenses already, you can do it for free.Continue Reading

• Troubleshooting XenApp and HDX connectivity

  If you're having problems with HDX on XenApp servers, check TCP port 1494 first. If that doesn't work, consider turning off Session Reliability temporarily.Continue Reading

• Application-refactoring tools evolve, go social with PowWow

  Many app-refactoring tools have catches: They either don't work on Web apps or they need source code access. But with a new product from startup PowWow, you can deliver Windows and Web applications to devices without access to the source code.Continue Reading

• Five ways to fix a broken VDI implementation

  It's easy for your VDI implementation to start off on the wrong foot or break once it's in place. Ask yourself a few questions and find out if your VDI is broken, then take five steps to fix it.Continue Reading

• 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

• Breaking down VMware GPU virtualization options: Soft 3D, vSGA and vDGA

  VMware GPU virtualization options Soft 3D, vSGA and vDGA have different uses and benefits, but they all help companies reap performance rewards.Continue Reading

• Delivering virtual apps? Consider app streaming and remoting

  Virtual apps are easier to deliver than entire desktops, but they still require planning and management. Consider app streaming and remoting.Continue Reading

• How to tell if you're using a zero client

  If your device uses a configuration server, it might be a zero client. But it might not. Here’s how to find out.Continue Reading

• Get the skinny on zero clients vs. thin clients

  Thin clients used to be the thinnest, but now zero clients are giving them a run for their money with almost no storage or configuration requirements.Continue Reading

• Control desktop customizations with user profile management

  Controlling and managing users' desktop customizations in a VDI environment can seem daunting, but user profile management tools can help.Continue Reading

• A tale of two hardware acceleration methods: Protocol vs. GPU offload

  There are two ways hardware acceleration can improve virtual desktop performance: offloading GPU processing or offloading the remote display protocol.Continue Reading

• VDI assessment tools put the horse before the cart

  Many shops dive into a virtualization migration without assessing first. Save yourself time and (maybe) money by using VDI assessment tools first.Continue Reading

• Top options for buying thin client hardware

  There are a lot of options out there for thin client hardware, so get to know a few popular choices that might suit your VDI environment.Continue Reading

• How storage, network and server technology have matured to meet VDI

  Network, storage and server technology are now mature enough that they help VDI environments scale and perform well without outrageous expenses.Continue Reading

• How VMware Horizon View stacks up

  VMware View's storage features, ease of use and manageability help it stand out against other VDI software candidates.Continue Reading