Tips

Tips

• 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 the move to Windows 10 could lead IT to deploy VDI

  When IT moves users to Windows 10, it should take the time to also look at the potential of VDI, a technology that has grown a lot in recent years and become more affordable.  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 keep DaaS pricing stable and consistent

  It's easy for DaaS subscription costs to spiral out of control unless IT takes the following five steps, including understanding how they will put the cloud-based desktops to use.  Continue Reading

• Put application virtualization products under the microscope

  Get to know the four main components that make up any app virtualization product, including client access, management and monitoring, and the delivery infrastructure.  Continue Reading

• How to select the right VDI hypervisor

  IT has several decisions to make when selecting a hypervisor for VDI, including choosing between a free hypervisor or a more feature-rich, paid option.  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

• Remote display protocols dictate virtual desktop experience

  Citrix, VMware and Microsoft all offer remote display protocols with their VDI products. Each one brings a little something different to the table.  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

• Three root cause analysis methods to help solve VDI issues

  From performing a manual assessment to working with VDI vendors' proprietary tools, IT professionals have options for figuring out why problems are happening in their deployments.  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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Pros and cons of using an HTML5 browser as a VDI client

  Although HTML5 clients don't provide enough security for some organizations, they're one of the easiest and most widely available options for delivering remote desktops to employees.  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

• How to virtualize apps with VMware ThinApp, step by step

  It's fairly easy to virtualize apps with VMware ThinApp, you just need to know a few basic steps, including setting up a VM, taking snapshots and using the Setup Capture utility to run scans.  Continue Reading

• Let their powers combine: Use Intune, RemoteApp combo for virtual app delivery

  Microsoft Intune, App-V and RemoteApp all let you deliver apps to mobile devices, but no one approach is perfect. A combination of Intune and RemoteApp for virtual app delivery can work well.  Continue Reading

• Comparing three options for VDI endpoints

  There are a few ways admins can provide users with the hardware that makes it possible to access their virtual desktops. Get to know the three major options.  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

• Tablets and smartphones can be thin clients, too

  The experience of using a mobile device as a thin client has improved and it's no longer out of the question, but some pain points remain, such as connectivity and text entry.  Continue Reading

• The difference between Citrix Workspace Suite and Workspace Services

  Citrix's Workspace Services and the Workspace Suite aren't one in the same. The Suite is a bundle of products and Workspace Services is a delivery platform and control plane.  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

• Zero client buying guide

  There are lots of client options to choose from for VDI. Get the details on four of the most popular zero clients and how they can meet your needs in this buying guide.  Continue Reading

• Components, features and use cases for XenDesktop 7.5

  XenDesktop 7.5 comes with XenApp, hybrid cloud integration and HDX enhancements, as well as an improved experience for workers who use mobile devices to access desktops and apps. But is there room for upgrades in products such as Profile Management?  Continue Reading

• Mobile thin client basics

  Companies with regulated information can still give road warriors secure access to virtual desktops via mobile thin clients.  Continue Reading

• What's the difference between a DaaS provider and a DaaS platform?

  Some DaaS providers also have DaaS platforms, but the terms aren't synonymous. The platform is what makes DaaS run; the provider supplies it to you.  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

• 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

• The right way to do old-PC-to-thin-client conversions

  Turning old PCs to thin clients can help keep the Capex associated with VDI down, but a bad conversion can spell support troubles for IT.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• Preparing for an IT audit in your VDI environment

  When preparing for an audit in your VDI environment, the best defense is a strong offense. Find out what you need to archive and who's auditing.  Continue Reading

• From VDI pilot to production: Four tips for the move

  Don't leave users out of the equation when you move from your VDI pilot project to the production environment.  Continue Reading

• Making thin client performance priority No. 1

  Thin client performance is the key to a successful endpoint because it's the issue that most affects your end users.  Continue Reading

• Three important VDI application deployment considerations

  Consider app compatibility and the frequency of updates when you choose VDI application deployment methods. Oh, and don't forget cost.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Making Citrix XenDesktop play nice with a VMware hypervisor

  You can run XenDesktop on a VMware hypervisor, but what does that entail? Learn how clustering and vCenter Server work in a mixed VDI environment.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• VMware View components: What you need and how they work

  To use VMware View for VDI, you need a few different View components, including the View Agent, vCenter Server and View Connection Server.  Continue Reading

• Zero client vs. thin client computing: Why zero clients are better

  Zero clients and thin clients both offer virtual desktop access, but they aren't the same when it comes to performance and scalability.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Choosing thin client devices: What to look for

  On the lookout for thin client devices? Don't forget to consider application compatibility, protocol support, features and cost.  Continue Reading

• Four virtual disk formats every VDI admin needs to know

  VDI admins need to understand the underlying disk image files that store data in their environments. Learn about the four most common formats.  Continue Reading

• Application and OS updates for virtual desktops: Not so simple

  Think virtual desktops make app and OS updates easier? Think again. Patching and updating virtual desktops can require more steps than physical ones.  Continue Reading

• 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

• How to install Microsoft RDS in Windows Server 2012

  When you're ready to install Microsoft RDS, keep an eye on each component. Some are mandatory in Windows Server 2012 and others aren't.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• How to emulate the Windows 8 touch interface on a virtual desktop

  You can use a virtual desktop to test the new OS, but it's tricky to mimic the Windows 8 touch interface.  Continue Reading

• Configuring Remote Desktop Services roles for high availability

  Although Windows Server 2012 RDS comes with new high availability capabilities, configuring Remote Desktop Services HA is no simple task.  Continue Reading

• Application virtualization Q&A: Streaming and remote app delivery

  Application virtualization can simplify upgrading and management. Just remember, streaming and remote apps are two different things.  Continue Reading

• Using Portable-VirtualBox to run any OS from a USB device

  Portable-VirtualBox allows you to run OSes from a USB drive, which helps you test them for use in server and desktop virtualization environments.  Continue Reading

• Turn to Microsoft RemoteApp Programs when VDI and RDS just won't do

  VDI and RDS aren't always the best fit for remote app delivery. For a lightweight approach, try Microsoft RemoteApp Programs in Windows Server 2012.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• VirtualBox VM recovery: Two ways to salvage your data

  If you have to recover a VirtualBox VM, you're in for a grand old time. Keep these tricks in mind to help get your data back.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft RemoteFX requirements in Windows Server 2012

  There are new hardware requirements for using RemoteFX in Windows Server 2012, but it's hard to find where to configure certain settings.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Reverse seamless windows: The secret to local apps on remote desktops

  Some apps just run better as local applications. Reverse seamless windows technology allows you to run apps locally while presenting them on remote desktops.  Continue Reading

• How do you stop a VDI deployment in its tracks? Scale up!

  When a VDI deployment doesn't get past the pilot stage, scalability is often the culprit. A small VDI project is a completely different animal than a large one.  Continue Reading

• 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

• 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