Tips

Tips

Virtual desktop management

• How to properly set user expectations about VDI performance

  VDI performance can be a problem for end users, leading to a tense relationship between them and IT staff. Here's how to set expectations to prevent these issues among others.  Continue Reading

• Manage Windows Virtual Desktop with a PowerShell script

  IT admins can use PowerShell scripting to manage Microsoft Windows Virtual Desktop. In this step-by-step guide, IT can learn the details of this management method.  Continue Reading

• How to avoid VDI overprovisioning

  IT must allocate VDI resources in a balanced way to prevent VDI overprovisioning. Explore some ways to properly allocate resources, such as using a performance monitoring tool.  Continue Reading

• Maximize application performance with VDI optimization tools

  IT administrators should look into different VDI optimization tools to reduce the amount of resources used and maximize performance. Learn all about these tools and their benefits.  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

• 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 AI for IT operations improves VDI management

  Enterprise AI tools help IT pros improve VDI management by providing accurate estimates of resource requirements, root cause analysis of issues and more.  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

• What IT pros need to know about Citrix certifications

  Citrix offers a slew of certifications that prove how well an IT pro knows a certain technology. To earn a certification, IT pros must pass exams that Citrix issues.  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

• How desktop and app virtualization vendors handle mobile devices

  If IT pros want to provide their users with access to virtual desktops and apps on mobile devices, they should know which vendors offer which virtualization services.  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

• 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

• 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

• Monitor VDI performance in these five key areas

  To help maintain a good user experience, IT should turn to VDI monitoring products that look at the performance of deployment automation tools, write cache and more.  Continue Reading

• How to create a VDI test deployment with VMware Workstation

  It's a good idea for IT pros to test out their VDI deployment before they move users to virtual desktops. They can use VMware Workstation to do just that.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Follow the recipe for successfully deploying VDI

  When creating the recipe for a successful VDI deployment, IT needs to include automated build processes, hypervisor clusters, golden VMs and more.  Continue Reading

• How to gain VDI support from users and decision-makers

  VDI can help IT with mobile workers, contract workers and data control, but to get a project off the ground, it needs to communicate the benefits to users and decision-makers.  Continue Reading

• Compare types of virtual desktop user experience monitoring

  When it comes to user experience monitoring for VDI, IT has a choice between an agent-based or a virtual user-based approach. Each one has its pros and cons.  Continue Reading

• Five tasks your desktop-as-a-service provider won't do

  Even if IT pros turn to a DaaS provider to deliver virtual desktops to users and take some management tasks off their plates, there are still some jobs they have to do.  Continue Reading

• Take a walk down the VDI image management tightrope

  It's easy for the number of VDI images to spiral out of control in an organization. IT can turn to app virtualization and app layering to avoid image bloat.  Continue Reading

• Why should IT virtualize Windows 10?

  There are several key benefits to virtualizing Windows 10, including making the entire deployment process easier and simplifying patch management.  Continue Reading

• A look into the VDI capacity planning crystal ball

  Planning for VDI capacity is daunting. There are certain measures IT can take to better prepare, such as estimating resources and determining workflows.  Continue Reading

• When workspace tools can stand in as VDI brokers and when they can't

  For smaller companies, workspace tools, which bring users' resources into one access point, can work as VDI brokers. VMware and Citrix offer options, as well as some other vendors.  Continue Reading

• How a third-party RDP client can help VDI shops

  VDI shops can use Microsoft's built-in RDP client to connect users to remote desktops and apps, but some third-party options provide extra features that can really help.  Continue Reading

• Virtual desktop security isn't all it's cracked up to be

  It may seem like VDI is more secure than a physical deployment, but its deep connection to back-end systems actually makes it more risky in many ways.  Continue Reading

• How to create personal virtual desktops with nonpersistent VDI

  User personalization can be hard for IT to deliver on nonpersistent virtual desktops. Layering VDI can provide the perfect amount of customization and security.  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 to implement a Windows 10 virtual license for desktops

  When it comes to licensing Windows 10 virtual desktops, things can get complicated. Use these tips to make the process run smoothly.  Continue Reading

• Nonpersistent or persistent desktop approach? That's still the question

  VDI shops have a tough choice between persistent and nonpersistent desktops. Persistent desktops, for example, give users customization, but they also consume a lot of storage.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Wi-Fi connectivity holds the key in the mobile zero client market

  Mobile zero clients are appealing in concept, but they are a challenge because zero clients do not usually include Wi-Fi connectivity. Toshiba is one vendor looking to change that.  Continue Reading

• Are portable desktops good virtualization alternatives?

  Portable desktops can deliver high performance and top-notch security, depending on the form factor. But they aren't a fit for as many use cases as desktop virtualization.  Continue Reading

• How to pick between VDI vs. DaaS for desktop virtualization

  IT admins have a big decision in picking between VDI and DaaS. For most organizations it comes down to ease of management, level of control, performance needs, security and costs.  Continue Reading

• Explore how application layering works and why to consider it

  Application layering offers an alternative to app virtualization or installing apps directly on the virtual desktop. This approach can save IT valuable resources.  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

• Five features good user profile management tools should include

  When looking for user profile management tools, VDI admins should search for the best possible user experience, multi-platform support and more.  Continue Reading

• Discover the top sources of shadow IT risk for VDI shops

  The presence of shadow IT is a challenge for VDI shops. Users can circumvent IT with unauthorized applications and cloud-hosted virtual desktops.  Continue Reading

• How AppSense gives LANDesk management a virtual boost

  Prior to its acquisition of AppSense, LANDesk customers required third parties for VDI management. AppSense fills the gap with centralized management for physical and virtual machines.  Continue Reading

• How NVIDIA vGPU aims to lighten the graphics rendering load

  The number of users working with graphics-intensive apps on virtual desktops is rising. IT should take time to learn about vGPU options, including what NVIDIA brings to the table.  Continue Reading

• How EMM tools can complement VDI

  Many organizations that support mobile users are adopting EMM tools. EMM can also help manage smartphones and tablets that access virtual desktops.  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

• 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

• Considerations for virtual application delivery vs. full desktops

  Deciding whether to deploy full virtual desktops or just a few virtual applications -- or a combination of the two -- comes down to issues of compatibility and end-user productivity.  Continue Reading

• Why Google Chromeboxes are a good budget VDI client

  Picking the right endpoint for a VDI deployment is important. Organizations can turn to Google Chromebox devices to save money and simplify management.  Continue Reading

• How application layering reinvents remote app delivery

  VDI shops don't need to install applications within virtual desktops for apps to interact with the host operating system. Instead, they can deliver and manage applications separately using app layering.  Continue Reading

• Digital workspaces embody end-user computing evolution

  Applications and data used to all live on Windows desktops, but today's users access many of their resources elsewhere. Workspaces might be the best way for IT to regain central management.  Continue Reading

• How to set up an IT disaster recovery plan for VDI

  VDI shops should keep a few key considerations in mind when planning for virtual desktop disaster recovery, such as which applications are most important to business operations.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to guarantee VDI users a top-notch UX

  There's no point in deploying virtual desktops that perform poorly. Luckily, there are several ways to help guarantee a strong user experience.  Continue Reading

• Citrix SCOM Management Packs provide holistic XenDesktop monitoring

  Citrix XenDesktop Platinum customers can now benefit from the company's acquisition of management packs for a key Microsoft infrastructure monitoring tool.  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

• Liquidware Labs ProfileUnity brings users, apps and data together

  Windows roaming profiles and VDI vendors' user profile management tools often fall short of the user experience and IT control companies want, which is where Liquidware Labs ProfileUnity comes in.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Take a closer look at what's in VMware Workspace One

  After Citrix released a cloud-based management platform in 2015, VMware answered with Workspace One, which combines enterprise mobility management, user authentication and a virtual desktop platform.  Continue Reading

• How Citrix Workspace Cloud compares to XenApp and XenDesktop

  Citrix Workspace Cloud includes XenDesktop and XenApp, but it also contains other features, such as mobile device management capabilities, and it's easier for IT and workers to use.  Continue Reading

• Digital workspace products unite user resources

  Digital workspaces provide central access to, and management of, users' corporate resources, making it easier for IT and users to do their jobs. It's no surprise the workspace market is also the latest battle ground for Citrix and VMware.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• When to support virtual GPU technology

  The debate over the usefulness of virtual graphics processing units is over. Now it's a matter of deciding whether GPU virtualization is worth the price tag and which users need that extra hardware acceleration.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Remote desktop USB redirection is still a tightrope act

  Workers want to use their USB devices with virtual desktops, but to match the performance of a physical PC, IT has to provide a strong network connection and overcome the various hurdles of VDI software.  Continue Reading

• Be picky about which devices USB redirection supports

  Enabling USB redirection can help win over virtual desktop users, but IT has to be smart about how it treats devices that can cause performance issues, such as scanners and webcams.  Continue Reading

• A good VDI pilot gets deployments off the ground

  Countless VDI projects circle the drain because administrators don't test virtual desktop performance thoroughly enough. A good pilot program positions a VDI implementation for success.  Continue Reading

• How to handle Windows 10 virtual desktops

  Don't expect the transition to Windows 10 VDI to be a breeze. Admins have to plan the upgrade process and deal with any problems around app compatibility, virtual desktop images and VM density.  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

• Smackdown: Citrix User Profile Management vs. VMware View Persona Management

  VMware and Citrix's user profile management tools help secure virtual desktop data and reduce latency during login and logoff better than basic Windows roaming profiles. Learn how the two vendors treat profiles differently.  Continue Reading

• How to set up a virtual desktop access policy

  For happy users and safe VDI, IT should set up an acceptable use policy that limits the number and type of devices users can connect to their virtual desktops with.  Continue Reading

• How do AppSense DesktopNow and RES ONE Suite compare?

  AppSense and RES Software started out creating virtual desktop management products. Both vendors now offer well-rounded workspace management suites, but with slightly different areas of focus.  Continue Reading

• Parallels Desktop makes virtualizing Windows on a Mac easy

  Plenty of companies use a mix of Windows and Mac computers. IT administrators can use Parallels Desktop Business Edition to provide employees with access to Windows on any computer.  Continue Reading

• How to set up Parallels Desktop for Mac Business Edition

  Parallels Desktop for Mac provides a way to run Windows applications on Mac computers, and the business edition allows IT to take control of configuring, deploying and managing virtual machines.  Continue Reading

• VMware Project Enzo takes EUC management to the cloud

  Following in the footsteps of Citrix Workspace Cloud, VMware is readying a cloud-based platform of its own, which aims to make workspace design, delivery and management easier than ever.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Focus VDI security plans on malware prevention

  Don't underestimate the security hazards associated with desktop virtualization. IT shops still need to protect all aspects of their VDI environment against malware.  Continue Reading

• Printing from remote desktops on iOS devices isn't impossible

  Citrix's X1 Mouse makes accessing a remote session from an iOS device doable, but what if you have to print? ThinPrint's Mobile Print feature simplifies what was once a multi-step process.  Continue Reading

• Differences between server and desktop virtualization density

  Virtual desktops and virtual servers have a similar concept but act in different ways. Memory and OS are among the factors affecting each technology.  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

• 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

• Four options for VDI disaster recovery

  Having a DR plan in place is important, especially if you host virtual desktops. But how should you plan for VDI disaster recovery? Consider Hyper-V, Windows To Go, storage replication and offline virtual desktops.  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

• Top tips: Testing updates for virtual desktops

  Deploying bad changes to desktop images can spell disaster for some organizations. That's why testing updates and being prepared to do a rollback are so important.  Continue Reading

• Three ways virtualization increases IP address consumption

  Virtual environments use at least twice as a many IP addresses as physical ones because each desktop and endpoint used to access it need their own addresses. Luckily, IPAM tools can help you keep track of your addresses.  Continue Reading

• Why Microsoft's VDI licensing changes won't help DaaS or SMBs

  Per-user SA licensing doesn't make doing VDI or DaaS any easier for SMBs: There's still no SPLA for Windows client OSes, and the licensing changes benefit only large shops.  Continue Reading

• Per-user licensing for SA comes with gotchas

  The per-user licensing model for SA applies only to Windows 8.1 Enterprise, which you can upgrade to from only certain versions of Windows. The perk is also available only to companies with 250+ seats, and the price of a license is still unknown.  Continue Reading

• Four strategies for dealing with high-demand applications

  Delivering high-demand applications on virtual desktops with good performance takes enough hardware and resources, plus some strategic moves like pre-booting VMs.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Silence demanding apps with GPU sharing, pass-through and vGPUs

  It's OK to give in to application demands with GPU sharing, pass-through and vGPU. They render graphics on the back end rather than on users' devices, which means better performance on virtual desktops.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to deploy a hybrid storage system

  Hybrid storage lets you keep costs reasonable but still reap the rewards that come with flash. There are three ways you can implement your hybrid approach: use solid-state drives or a shared flash appliance, or install PCIe flash devices on servers.  Continue Reading