Tips

Tips

• How to configure Microsoft RDS Personal Session Desktops

  Microsoft has found a balance for virtual desktops in Windows Server 2016. Personal Session Desktops give IT the option to deploy VDI in Microsoft Azure.  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

• Rise of the graphics-intensive mainstream apps

  VDI shops can no longer assume mainstream apps, such as Microsoft Office, do not require GPUs. This type of app, as well as websites and more, are increasingly graphics-intensive.  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

• Ensure software and hardware get along after a VDI platform upgrade

  IT admins must be careful when handling VDI upgrades, because platform vendors and certain endpoint devices don't always play nice together.  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

• How to decide to deliver apps through VDI vs. installing them locally

  Admins have a tough choice in how they deliver new apps to their users. In some situations it's better to do it through VDI while in others its best to install them locally.  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

• Four questions to ask before choosing virtual or web-based apps

  Picking between virtual or web-based apps is complex. It comes down to key factors such as what types of apps IT must deliver and what features users need to get their jobs done.  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

• Dell Wyse thin clients offer VDI shops a diverse device selection

  Dell Wyse offers a wide variety of thin clients that span from high-end to cheap zero clients. The Wyse 3030 and 7040 are two of the newer offerings from the company.  Continue Reading

• Save space for flash-based storage in your VDI deployment

  VDI shops are accustomed to storage issues. Moving to a flash-based storage array could solve a lot of problems and help prevent performance-related issues.  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

• Citrix HDX SoC technology empowers VDI shops to use cheap thin clients

  VDI shops can take advantage of thin clients, which are cheaper and easier to manage than full-fledged laptops and desktops, by using Citrix's HDX SoC program.  Continue Reading

• VMware HCI and VDI form a storage-focused tag team

  By combining its HCI offering, which is powered by VSAN, with Horizon View for VDI, VMware offers a storage-centric way to deploy virtual desktops.  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

• VDI vendor lock-in might not be as bad as it seems

  Vendor lock-in sounds like a dark cloud IT shops should avoid. But when it comes to VDI, it's not always the end of the world.  Continue Reading

• Citrix Linux Virtual Desktop provides Windows VDI alternative

  Windows isn't going anywhere, but with Citrix's Linux Virtual Desktop, VDI admins who want to work with open source desktops can actually do so.  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

• VDI monitoring tools are crucial to the end-user experience

  A few performance hiccups are all it takes for users to lose their cool with VDI. Fortunately, VDI monitoring tools can help IT pinpoint and fix issues.  Continue Reading

• Find the right home for each of the four VMware Horizon editions

  There are four editions of VMware Horizon IT admins should know about: Horizon for Linux, Standard, Advanced and Enterprise. Each one addresses different needs.  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

• Three benefits Citrix NetScaler Unified Gateway delivers to VDI shops

  Citrix NetScaler Unified Gateway helps VDI shops by providing one point of network entry, enabling single sign-on and delivering a consistent user experience.  Continue Reading

• Citrix XenDesktop features make it a fit for BYOD, graphics workloads

  Citrix XenDesktop isn't perfect for every organization, but it can be a good fit for companies with BYOD and a lot of graphics-intensive applications.  Continue Reading

• Understand the basics of VMware Blast Extreme vs. PCoIP

  For years PCoIP has been the go-to remote display protocol for View shops, but VMware's in-house protocol, Blast Extreme, is ready to take over.  Continue Reading

• How to use Azure Resource Manager with XenApp and XenDesktop

  Now that XenApp and XenDesktop in Citrix Cloud work with Azure Resource Manager, IT can more easily deploy cloud-based virtual desktops and apps to users.  Continue Reading

• What makes VMware Horizon Air Hybrid-Mode tick?

  With VMware Horizon Air Hybrid-Mode, you get the control of on-premises virtual desktops with the simplified management of desktop as a service.  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

• A hands-on look at VMware Horizon View 7

  Reading up on VMware Horizon View 7 has value, but you never know how the company's desktop virtualization platform will work in production until you use it. One expert gives a hands-on tutorial.  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

• Three reasons cloud-hosted virtual desktops haven't taken off

  Three major concerns prevent desktops as a service from infiltrating IT shops -- cost, security and the maturity of the technology. Find out which one really isn't much of an issue.  Continue Reading

• Software-only options poised to change VDI storage market

  The VDI storage market is heating up, with an array of options for software-only storage platforms. Each one differs significantly from the next.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs. Remote Desktop Session Host

  Microsoft Remote Desktop Services has made significant strides since its early days, but Remote Desktop Session Host has built up a lot of good will over the years.  Continue Reading

• How to support Microsoft's Skype for Business tool on virtual desktops

  Skype for Business is finally viable for VDI shops. Find out why unified communications apps are tough to support on virtual desktops and how Microsoft fixed the issues.  Continue Reading

• Hardware-based 3D graphics acceleration brings CAD to remote corners

  Graphics acceleration technology improves virtual desktop performance at the VM level, not over the network. One company deployed it for heavy-duty field work in the boondocks.  Continue Reading

• How desktop provisioning works with VMware Instant Clone

  IT can use Instant Clones in VMware Horizon View to provision multiple virtual desktops with shared RAM and disk resources, which can improve overall performance.  Continue Reading

• Explore five hyper-converged infrastructure vendors for VDI

  HCI deployments are good for VDI, but finding the right vendor is tough. Nutanix, Cisco, SimpliVity and others offer strong options for VDI shops.  Continue Reading

• Three ways to deliver VDI cost savings

  Desktop virtualization has become more affordable, but its price is still a top concern. IT can achieve VDI cost savings by choosing the right hardware and software.  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 to deliver Linux desktops using VMware Horizon

  VMware added support for Linux VDI in Horizon View 6.1. It still has some work to do to match the functionality of Windows desktop virtualization.  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

• Calculate the TCO of hyper-converged appliances for VDI

  It's straightforward to evaluate the price of purchasing hyper-converged infrastructure, but IT also needs to consider factors such as ease of deployment and management into the total cost of ownership.  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

• How to bake up Raspberry Pi thin clients for VDI

  Raspberry Pis are one of the lowest-cost computing options out there, so it's only natural for IT to wonder whether they're suitable as thin clients for some enterprise use cases.  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

• Weigh hyper-converged vs. converged infrastructure systems

  Converged and hyper-converged infrastructure can help IT streamline performance and management of its VDI deployment. Despite similar names, CI and HCI use distinctly different architectures.  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

• How Liquidware Labs FlexApp tackles application layering

  For all the security and management benefits of delivering applications rather than full virtual desktops, it can often cause too much app isolation. FlexApp tries to find a balance between IT's competing interests.  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

• 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

• Consider using cheap Chromebook and Raspberry Pi devices for VDI

  The benefits of inexpensive VDI endpoints don't end with saving money. These devices, such as low-cost Google Chromebooks, can also improve security and make endpoint management easier.  Continue Reading

• How to use Citrix AppDisk for application layering

  With Citrix AppDisk, XenApp and XenDesktop customers have another tool for delivering virtualized applications to users. IT administrators might also be able to reduce the amount of time they spend managing base images.  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

• Compare Citrix, VMware and Microsoft remote display protocol options

  As desktop and app virtualization technologies advance, the top vendors' remote display protocols are keeping pace. Citrix HDX, Microsoft RemoteFX, VMware Blast and Teradici PCoIP protocol can all support modern end-user computing.  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

• Dell Windows 10 thin clients boost virtual desktop security

  Dell is banking on the success of Microsoft's Windows 10 IoT Enterprise operating system by incorporating it into two of its Wyse 5000 and 7000 series thin clients.  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

• Four ways mobile VDI access is changing -- and one way it's not

  The mobile device landscape is constantly advancing, and it's altering how IT shops deliver virtual desktops and applications to on-the-go employees. Learn how to keep up with the times.  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

• Three security features to look for in DaaS providers

  Concerns about cloud-hosted virtual desktop security are mostly overblown. IT should be okay as long as it evaluates DaaS providers by how well they ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability.  Continue Reading

• Finding a compliant DaaS platform isn't always easy

  DaaS providers meet most common compliance standards that affect virtual desktops, but IT shops dealing with industry-specific regulations need to find vendors that specialize in those requirements.  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

• Explore the ins and outs of Microsoft Azure RemoteApp

  Azure RemoteApp is useful for delivering apps via the cloud, but admins should keep licensing and app compatibility in mind, and learn how apps function differently in the cloud.  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

• Why and how to migrate from Citrix XenApp 6.5

  With all the tumult around XenApp over the last few years, some Citrix shops stuck with version 6.5. But it's time to start planning the switch over to the FlexCast Management Architecture.  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

• Ditch Windows virtual desktops and deliver apps individually

  Windows isn't going anywhere, but its role in desktop virtualization is changing. Users want their apps, and there are plenty of ways to deliver them rather than full Windows virtual desktops.  Continue Reading

• How to nail your VDI migration from pilot to production

  To transition from a VDI pilot program to a full production environment, move users over in waves and keep your old PCs, at least for a while, to handle any unexpected problems.  Continue Reading

• How VMware App Volumes works

  VMware App Volumes offers IT admins a way to deliver persistent applications from a nonpersistent virtual desktop pool. Learn exactly how this technology works.  Continue Reading

• Evaluate SimpliVity vs. Nutanix hyper-converged infrastructure for VDI

  Nutanix and SimpliVity are chief competitors in the hyper-converged infrastructure market. The former has a longer track record, but SimpliVity is turning heads with its resource efficiency.  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

• Why the help desk needs VDI training too

  Help desk workers will get lots of user questions about their virtual desktops, so it's essential that staff know the ins and outs of VDI, including how connectivity works.  Continue Reading

• VMware App Volumes and ThinApp are better together

  VMware has two app virtualization tools, but organizations don't need to choose one or the other. Using App Volumes and ThinApp together gives IT departments plenty of app delivery options.  Continue Reading