Tips

Tips

• Top 5 VDI questions your help desk will get

  If you've implemented virtual desktops, your help desk is sure to get an influx of VDI questions from users.  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

• How Microsoft RDP 8.0 addresses WAN, graphics shortcomings

  Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol improves the user experience with the release of RDP 8.0 in Windows Server 2012, but there are some limitations.  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

• Four frustrating changes to Remote Desktop Services 2012

  Remote Desktop Services 2012 is missing the old Remote Control feature from 2008 R2, and there are some added requirements to the platform.  Continue Reading

• USB redirection for remote desktops: A step in the right direction

  Virtual desktop users want to connect to printers and thumb drives just like anyone else, but you might need USB redirection to make that happen.  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

• Understanding Windows Group Policy management for virtual desktops

  Windows Group Policy management can help you keep virtual desktops and their profiles consistent. Just watch out for disk consumption.  Continue Reading

• Using Citrix XenClient Enterprise to convert PCs to thin clients

  A hidden trick inside Citrix XenClient Enterprise lets you convert old PCs to thin clients for your virtual desktop users.  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

• Desktop virtualization challenges -- and how they'll change

  Some of the most frustrating desktop virtualization challenges today may be overcome by changes happening in the industry.  Continue Reading

• Five things to consider before you deploy VDI

  VDI isn't a cure-all for your remote computing woes. It can be costly and complex to deploy if you don't know what you're getting into.  Continue Reading

• VDI comparison: Citrix XenDesktop vs. VMware View

  A VDI comparison of XenDesktop vs. View reveals more similarities than differences, but organizations must decide which features are essential.  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

• How VDI user profiles personalize desktop VMs

  A virtual desktop user profile doesn't include personalized settings, but there are ways to make sure a user's favorites don't get lost in the fray.  Continue Reading

• How Desktop as a Service licensing works

  Hosted desktop licensing is complicated because you need to license Windows OSes, desktop virtualization software and the endpoint devices themselves.  Continue Reading

• Desktop as a Service explained: What DaaS customers need to know

  If you're considering Desktop as a Service or you've already implemented cloud-hosted desktops, remember that the long-term costs are similar to VDI.  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

• Pros and cons of four endpoint devices for VDI

  When it comes to VDI clients, don't put all your eggs in one basket. There are many endpoint devices out there, including zero clients and tablets.  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

• Straightening out virtual desktop snags with VDI monitoring tools

  When you run into a problem, such as connectivity or authentication, with a virtual desktop, you need VDI monitoring tools to find and solve it.  Continue Reading

• Teradici PCoIP for RDS: What it means for VMware View shops

  Customers can now use Teradici PCoIP in VMware View and Microsoft RDS environments, so how does this affect the vendors? And what about Citrix?  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

• Breaking down Remote Desktop Services roles

  Because each Remote Desktop Services component has its own job, you need to know which RDS roles are required and what they do.  Continue Reading

• Users are unique, and their VDI user profiles should be too

  You're a unique individual, so shouldn't your VDI user profile be special too? Learn how IT can provide user personalization for virtual desktops.  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

• Using hardware emulation tools to run embedded OSes

  Hardware emulation is surprisingly similar to desktop virtualization. Test your virtualization skills by using emulation to run embedded OSes.  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

• Reviving a dead PC with physical-to-virtual conversion

  No need to have a funeral just yet. If your PC experiences a failure, you can use a P2V conversion of the hard drive to access all your applications and data from a virtual desktop.  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

• Why graphics-intensive applications require special treatment for VDI

  CAD users and other graphics-intensive workers need extra-special attention if you're going to give them virtual desktops.  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

• Top eight new features in Oracle VM VirtualBox 4.2

  Oracle VM VirtualBox 4.2 comes with a lot of new features for desktop and server admins. With increased graphics support, it's ideal for testing Windows 8.  Continue Reading

• Choosing a VDI storage system: What to look for

  There are a lot of choices when it comes to VDI storage. As you select storage for virtual desktops, learn what features the major vendors provide.  Continue Reading

• Alternative application virtualization tools to VMware ThinApp

  Take a bite out of these application virtualization tools and see what strikes your fancy.  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

• VDI network best practices: Ensuring resilience and redundancy

  Network traffic takes a hard hit when you implement VDI. Make sure your network is reliable enough for virtual desktop connections.  Continue Reading

• What's new in Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop Services

  Dig into Windows Server 2012 Remote Desktop Services and you'll find some pleasant surprises. It's easier to provision and preserve pooled desktops, for instance.  Continue Reading

• Direct-attached vs. shared storage for VDI

  Most organizations use shared storage for VDI, but it's important to review the pros and cons of DAS and other storage options before you implement virtual desktops.  Continue Reading

• How to perform a virtual desktop migration between Type 1 hypervisors

  There are numerous tools available for virtual desktop migration from one platform to another, but not all of them support all the popular disk formats.  Continue Reading

• How VDI enriches -- and reduces -- desktop security

  Virtual desktop security is a slippery subject. VDI can improve an organization's security, but it can also present new weaknesses.  Continue Reading

• Desktop as a Service FAQ: Pros and cons of hosted virtual desktops

  Desktop as a Service is an enticing way to host virtual desktops in the cloud without the upfront costs of VDI, but it comes with some downsides.  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

• Why go with solid-state storage for VDI?

  See why solid-state drives are all the rage and how they can be especially useful in virtual desktop 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

• How to run VirtualBox VMs as headless servers

  Launching a GUI can create overhead and unnecessary clutter, so if you don't need to interact with the interface, you can run VirtualBox VMs in headless mode.  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

• Choosing a DaaS provider: Five questions to ask before committing

  Before hiring a babysitter or taking on a new roommate, you'd ask them a few questions about themselves first, right? The same goes for DaaS providers.  Continue Reading

• How Microsoft RDS in Windows Server 2012 simplifies VDI deployment

  VDI deployment gets a little easier with updates to Microsoft RDS in Windows Server 2012, but is it enough to inch past Citrix and other vendors?  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

• Offline VDI pros and cons: Who needs virtual desktop connectivity?

  Going with an offline VDI strategy can help with a BYOD initiative and facilitate mobile and remote workers, but disconnected VDI comes with a few challenges.  Continue Reading

• Physical vs. virtual desktop security: It's just not the same

  You can't use the same methods to secure physical and virtual desktops. Here's how to change your tactics when it comes to antivirus scans and more.  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

• VDI benchmark testing: How to boost the virtual desktop user experience

  You wouldn't buy a cell phone without playing with it in the store first, right? The same goes for VDI. To get the best user experience, you need to test virtual desktops before you deploy.  Continue Reading

• Graphics-intensive application performance: You can't have it both ways

  It's notoriously difficult to glean good performance from graphics-heavy apps through a remote display protocol. You might have to give up low bandwidth or the user experience.  Continue Reading

• VDI hypervisor selection: Does it matter what you pick?

  Management tools that work with multiple hypervisors have made it easier for IT pros to avoid vendor lock-in, which is especially helpful in virtual desktop environments.  Continue Reading

• Five Desktop as a Service challenges holding up enterprise adoption

  Desktop as a Service is an up-and-coming trend in IT, but cloud-hosted desktops present some obstacles, such as DaaS licensing and security. See what other issues made our list.  Continue Reading

• Using desktop virtualization for BYOD security and management

  Managing mobile devices is a major headache for IT departments, but desktop virtualization is here to help. Before you pop an aspirin, learn how VDI can improve BYOD security.  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

• How to set up VirtualBox remote display for VM access anywhere

  IT admins searching for an easy way to remotely access VMs can use Oracle VM VirtualBox remote display. Still, setting up remote access doesn't come without its headaches.  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

• VDI thin client options: How to choose the best thin clients

  When you're assessing VDI thin client options, consider management style, deployment options and display protocol support. You want the best thin clients to fit your environment.  Continue Reading

• VDI software for SMBs: Citrix VDI-in-a-Box vs. XenDesktop

  Small businesses now have a tricky choice: Citrix VDI-in-a-Box 5 or XenDesktop? The all-in-one VDI software suite VDI-in-a-Box gets points for pricing and simplicity.  Continue Reading

• Using VDI as a software test environment

  VDI isn't just for desktop delivery. Virtual desktops can also serve as a software test environment, where you can do OS and app testing quickly and easily.  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

• Citrix XenDesktop 5.5, 5.6 features boost virtual desktop performance

  New features in Citrix XenDesktop 5.5 and 5.6 offer a more visually appealing user experience, improved virtual desktop performance and better mobile compatibility.  Continue Reading

• Citrix VM Hosted Apps: Using VDI for application hosting

  Among all the glitz and glam of VDI, people often forget it's also a means of application hosting. Citrix VM Hosted Apps is a new application delivery method worth checking out.  Continue Reading

• VDI storage requirements: Do you need a new storage array?

  Implementing VDI could mean a new storage array on your part. Figure out your VDI storage requirements and learn what types of storage arrays are best for VDI.  Continue Reading

• Choosing PCs to repurpose as thin clients: To reuse or not to reuse?

  Should you repurpose existing PCs or use dedicated thin clients for your VDI project? That is the question. Start by considering the benefits of reusing PCs and what it will cost.  Continue Reading

• Preparing your network for VDI: What affects VDI network performance

  Implementing VDI can throw your network into a state of shock. By monitoring traffic peaks and understanding the performance impact, you can make sure the network is prepared.  Continue Reading

• Microsoft RemoteFX USB redirection: Four key considerations

  With Microsoft RemoteFX USB redirection, you can have full native USB support for virtual desktops, despite some device limitations.  Continue Reading

• What Windows 8 on ARM means for tablets and desktops

  Details have emerged about Windows 8 running on ARM-based tablets and PCs, but will Microsoft's Windows 8 tablet strategy succeed?  Continue Reading

• Defining VDI users: Who should really be using virtual desktops?

  To figure out whether your company really needs VDI, break down who your potential VDI users are and what exactly they need.  Continue Reading

• Application whitelisting for virtual desktops

  Citrix and other virtual desktop vendors now support User Installed Applications. IT can prevent UIA from running amuck using these strategies and application whitelisting tools.  Continue Reading

• IGEL thin clients provide HP, Wyse alternative

  IGEL thin clients support nearly every major desktop virtualization product and remote desktop protocol, providing an alternative to HP and Wyse.  Continue Reading

• Cloud app vs. Web app -- what's the difference?

  What's the difference between a cloud app and a Web app? Gabe Knuth explains the difference between these similar terms and asks readers to share their input on the distinction.  Continue Reading

• Web apps are browser-based, not browser independent

  Web apps aren't a free pass on IT management. Issues such as plug-ins, security settings and browser version requirements mean that managing Web apps can be a lot of work.  Continue Reading

• Replacing home PCs with virtualized thin clients

  Gabe Knuth imagines a world where ISPs deliver virtualized desktops to thin clients in homes the same way cable and telephone services are provided. It's possible, but practical?  Continue Reading

• What VDI can -- and can't -- do for you

  VDI is not a silver bullet solution to replace the old PC paradigm. Here are some myths surrounding what VDI can do and the truth about better desktop virtualization alternatives.  Continue Reading

• Tips for running PowerShell against remote Windows 7 desktops

  Setting up PowerShell to manage remote Windows 7 desktops can be tricky. These tips help you properly configure PowerShell and use it for remote desktop troubleshooting.  Continue Reading

• Choosing the right tablets for virtual desktop infrastructure

  Planning to deliver virtual desktop tablet devices using VDI? Issues with connection brokers, bandwidth and even screen size could impact performance on these devices.  Continue Reading

• Five helpful commands for managing Remote Desktop Services

  In Windows Server 8, server management will be command-line oriented. Prepare for the shift by learning some commands for managing Remote Desktop Services.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating remote desktop connection brokers

  In part three of our virtual desktop toolbox series, we explain remote desktop protocols and how to choose the best connection broker for your environment.  Continue Reading

• Solutions to common remote desktop printing problems

  Microsoft Easy Print improved remote desktop printing in Windows Server 2008 R2, but network admins still struggle with printer redirection. Use these tips to fix common problems.  Continue Reading

• Why using a bare metal client hypervisor on a Mac makes no sense

  Apple supports running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion in a client hypervisor VM on Mac hardware, but is there any value in virtualizing the Mac OS with Type-1 products such as XenClient?  Continue Reading

• More tools for converting PCs to thin clients

  You don't need to replace all your PCs to move to virtual desktops. Here are six non-Windows tools to help you convert old hardware to thin clients for desktop virtualization.  Continue Reading

• Repurposing old PCs as thin clients with Windows-based software

  The latest PC-to-thin client conversion tools make repurposing old PCs for desktop virtualization a viable option. Part one of this two-part series covers Windows-based tools.  Continue Reading