Tips

Tips

• How to install and configure Citrix XenDesktop's GRID vGPU feature

  Nvidia's GRID vGPU technology is now supported in XenDesktop, so take a minute to learn how this feature works and some tips for configuring it.  Continue Reading

• Three considerations for malware protection in VDI environments

  VDI environments aren't immune to malware, especially because the user profiles can lead directly to a breach.  Continue Reading

• How browser virtualization overcomes pesky Web app demands

  A new tool from Spoon virtualizes any browser and streams it from the Web, which helps cut through some of the more annoying app demands.  Continue Reading

• One way to ensure VDI uptime? Manage the user persona

  While journeying through your virtual desktop migration, two important steps are to ensure VDI uptime and data availability -- especially on the go.  Continue Reading

• Getting a grip on your application packaging and delivery strategy

  Before you deploy VDI, you need to take stock of your applications, how often they're used, and how users access them. Plus, make a long-term plan.  Continue Reading

• Don't like change? Develop a change management strategy for VDI

  As Sam Cooke said, a change is gonna come. In a VDI environment, that means you need a good change management strategy in place.  Continue Reading

• Four options for third-party VDI assessment tools

  Before you take steps to deploy a virtual desktop infrastructure, it's a good idea to use VDI assessment tools to track resources, app usage and more.  Continue Reading

• Patch management strategies for dedicated vs. shared virtual desktops

  You need to rethink your patch management strategies when VDI comes into the picture, especially if you're deploying shared desktops.  Continue Reading

• How VDI implementation brings the winds of change

  VDI brings a lot of change to an organization. IT needs to revamp their perspective of the traditional desktop.  Continue Reading

• Taking charge of user support with virtual desktop remote control

  One of the best ways to support your virtual desktop users is to employ some kind of desktop remote control tool or method.  Continue Reading

• An overview of VMware and Citrix virtual GPU support

  Graphics-intensive apps sure are hungry, but you can keep them satiated with virtual GPU features from the major desktop virtualization vendors.  Continue Reading

• Determining if cloud-hosted desktops are right for you

  VDI and cloud have shaken hands in recent years, but Desktop as a Service isn't necessarily right for every organization.  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

• Selecting the right thin client devices prevents years of regret

  Don't spend years of your life kicking yourself for choosing the wrong thin client. Learn how to select the right thin client devices.  Continue Reading

• Choosing a VDI hypervisor? Consider licensing and labor

  The VDI hypervisor you choose depends on your existing infrastructure components and your long-term VDI requirements.  Continue Reading

• Five steps to VDI recovery when disaster strikes

  When disaster strikes your virtual desktops, start by assessing the damage. Read what steps come next in the road to VDI recovery.  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

• A DaaS market pricing comparison

  In today's growing DaaS market, it's important to look at the price of cloud-hosted desktops from vendors such as Amazon, VMware and Citrix to determine whether it's effective over in-house VDI.  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

• Three considerations for scaling your VDI deployment

  The ability to scale is critical to the success of your VDI deployment. Take storage and virtualization hosts into account.  Continue Reading

• A CEO's personal voyage through virtual desktop migration

  Learn about one man's journey through the perils of VDI as he converts his physical workspace to a virtual desktop environment.  Continue Reading

• Vendor options for VDI deployment -- sans Microsoft

  In this story about the state of the desktop-virtualization union, we provide a rundown of the current players in the market.  Continue Reading

• How to enable native Windows Server data deduplication for VDI

  Windows Server 2012 R2 offers native data deduplication for virtual desktops, but there are a few requirements for enabling this feature.  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

• Broadening your VDI horizon beyond thin client devices

  Think you need thin client devices to run VDI? Think again. You can employ existing PCs or even mobile devices.  Continue Reading

• Delivering remote Mac, Linux and Windows desktops with NoMachine NX

  Get to know NoMachine, a lesser-known product for desktop virtualization that focuses on delivering remote Mac and Linux desktops.  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

• Why you need a readiness assessment before deploying VDI

  Some vendors and organizations may think a readiness assessment is unnecessary, but before you deploy VDI better assess your needs and use cases.  Continue Reading

• Taking advantage of nonpersistent VDI for one-off applications

  You didn't think there were many uses for nonpersistent VDI, did you? There's one you might not have thought of.  Continue Reading

• Why IT needs to hand the desktop delivery reins to users

  IT can't just stand in its ivory tower when deciding how to deliver desktops and applications to users; they need to take users into account.  Continue Reading

• Implementing NIC teaming to keep VDI in balance

  NIC teaming can improve network traffic flow in a virtual desktop infrastructure, and Windows Server 2012 added native support for it.  Continue Reading

• Keeping VDI user credentials under wraps

  If you don't keep VDI user credentials secure, hackers can easily get into a virtual desktop. Encryption and two-factor authentication can help.  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

• FSLogix takes a straightforward approach to Windows app management

  Companies such as FSLogix are coming up with new, simpler ways to manage all the Windows apps that IT still has to support.  Continue Reading

• What tasks are fair game for VDI automation?

  If you want more free time to play video games and ponder the meaning of life, check into VDI automation tools that reduce management tasks.  Continue Reading

• Establishing a BYOD policy with VDI in mind

  If you're using VDI to help manage BYOD, put that on paper, and make sure it's a part of your BYOD policy.  Continue Reading

• What to expect from Desktop as a Service providers

  If you're putting your eggs in a Desktop as a Service provider's basket, figure out what features and support you want from them first.  Continue Reading

• Making the case for non-Windows desktops in the cloud

  Is it plausible to run an Apple OS X or Linux desktop in the cloud? Learn the pros and cons of non-Windows Desktop as a Service.  Continue Reading

• Striking gold with VDI image management techniques

  Proper management of gold and base images for virtual desktops can mean cost savings and less storage capacity needed.  Continue Reading

• A look at VDI market underdog Virtual Bridges

  Virtual Bridges is just one of a few smaller companies in the VDI market. Can its quick install and protocol integration keep it in step?  Continue Reading

• Five drawbacks to running Android as a desktop OS

  If you're an Android lover, you can run it as a desktop OS inside a VM -- just remember it won't run like Windows.  Continue Reading

• Tips for VDI success: Tackling networking, security and app selection

  For a reliable virtual desktop environment, make sure you take into account network latency, back-end security and application requirements.  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

• When virtualizing applications is a good idea -- and when it's not

  Virtualizing applications can bring a lot of benefits, but take a step back and assess your environment and delivery options before going for it.  Continue Reading

• Using Parallels Access to get Mac remote desktops on iOS

  The Parallels Access tool for accessing remote desktops on iOS devices may be perfect for some use cases, but watch out for employees' admin rights.  Continue Reading

• Running Windows Server on desktop hardware: Why do it?

  Ever think about running Windows Server on a regular old computer? Consider these hang-ups before you go installing it on desktop hardware.  Continue Reading

• When is a small-scale VDI implementation the right fit?

  A VDI implementation doesn't need to tackle every corner of your organization. Sometimes, a small-scale environment is a better fit.  Continue Reading

• Seeking and finding virtual desktop reliability

  With the proper VM-to-host ratio and storage system, you can ensure virtual desktop reliability in your VDI environment.  Continue Reading

• How Dell vWorkspace compares to VDI competitors

  Multi-hypervisor support and flexibility give Dell vWorkspace a leg up over competitors in the VDI market such as VMware and Citrix.  Continue Reading

• Pros and cons of delivering desktops with Microsoft Windows To Go

  After a year experimenting with Windows To Go, an expert recommends the technology but says to watch out for corrupted drives and other problems.  Continue Reading

• Tips for pitching a VDI project to upper management

  What might look good to IT on paper might not look so good to upper management, so do your homework before pitching a VDI project to higher-ups.  Continue Reading

• Shopping for thin client devices? Focus on manageability

  Learn about four options for thin client devices from a variety of vendors -- and make sure you take management into account.  Continue Reading

• Managing VirtualBox desktops through a Web interface

  Accessing VirtualBox through a Web interface is easier than using a remote client to connect through another machine.  Continue Reading

• Mobile protocols could be the answer to Windows apps on mobile devices

  A mobile protocol that works alongside the desktop virtualization platform's native protocol could help deliver Windows apps to mobile devices.  Continue Reading

• Taking the Microsoft certification path to VDI

  You can't jump into the VDI pool with no prior knowledge, so learn about Microsoft certifications for VDI if you're deploying on Windows Server.  Continue Reading

• Nonpersistence and Windows thin client security with Deep Freeze

  If all you need is nonpersistent desktops, Deep Freeze imaging technology could be the answer.  Continue Reading

• Choosing thin client vendors -- and making them stick

  Thin client vendors are an important choice in your VDI environment, and you want to make sure yours will stick around.  Continue Reading

• When to send thin client terminals into retirement

  Even thin client terminals have to retire at some point -- but when should you put them out to pasture?  Continue Reading

• Oracle Secure Global Desktop: Stepping up to the plate

  Now that Oracle's Sun Ray clients lost their spot on the team, Secure Global Desktop is in the company's starting rotation.  Continue Reading

• Getting to know Dell vWorkspace

  Dell vWorkspace's enticing features help it compete with the likes of VMware View, Citrix XenDesktop and other more popular VDI products.  Continue Reading

• Hosted virtual desktops suffer from licensing, operational costs

  Challenges are standing in the way when organizations try to deploy hosted virtual desktops in the cloud. Let's start with Microsoft licensing.  Continue Reading

• Four alternatives to the major VDI vendors

  VDI software and management tools from smaller VDI vendors may be the way to go if you don't have the budget or manpower to use industry giants.  Continue Reading

• P2V migration for desktops: Need it or leave it?

  P2V migration isn't usually necessary when deploying virtual desktops, unless you really want to preserve some functionality of a physical PC.  Continue Reading

• VDI cost models: Avoiding the 'creative marketing' trap

  When you look at a VDI cost model, make sure you're including all the possible costs and benefits -- even 'soft' costs.  Continue Reading

• Advantages of the cloud-hosted desktop model

  Moving to a cloud-hosted desktop model means you can outsource desktop management and pay as you go.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Legacy applications on cloud-hosted desktops: Migrate or not?

  If you think legacy applications won't work well in the cloud, you just might be wrong.  Continue Reading

• How inline deduplication is changing the VDI storage landscape

  VDI storage has long been a challenge for virtual desktop admins, but inline deduplication is changing all that.  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

• Boosting VDI performance with SSDs

  If you want better VDI performance, don't look only to the network for help. Start by considering solid-state storage.  Continue Reading

• Top 5 causes of virtual desktop and application downtime

  If your virtual desktops experience slowness or application downtime, keep these five factors in mind to locate the problem.  Continue Reading

• How virtual desktop printing works on mobile devices

  The world isn't paperless quite yet, and if you're accessing a virtual desktop from a mobile device, attempting to print can be especially awkward.  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

• How to create Citrix XenDesktop vs. VMware View virtual desktop pools

  Not all virtual desktop pools are made equal. Creating and managing them calls for different processes in VMware View and Citrix XenDesktop.  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

• Citrix XenClient 4.5 improves remote user experience, adds hardware

  Increased hardware compatibility and VM performance make Citrix XenClient 4.5 even more enticing to enterprises interested in a client hypervisor.  Continue Reading

• Creating and managing Windows virtual desktop pools

  Take the dive into Windows virtual desktop pools. They make it easier to provision desktops, manage OS images and control application installation.  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

• Taking stock of zero-client hardware options for VDI

  Using zero-client hardware to run virtual desktops makes management and user access easier. Check out some of the product options available.  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

• Recommendations for virtual desktop network settings

  Network settings can make or break virtual desktop connectivity and performance. Determine whether you need NAT, bridged adapters or other options.  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

• Letting Windows XP support go: Why it's time to start OS migration

  If you're still holding on to Windows XP support in your environment, Gabe Knuth gives a few reasons why it's time for desktop admins to let go.  Continue Reading

• Sampling four VDI monitoring tools

  There are a lot of options for VDI monitoring tools out there. Learn about a few products that can help you keep virtual desktops in check.  Continue Reading

• Secret weapon of user application installation: OS components

  If you let users do their own application installation, try assigning or publishing apps through Active Directory. That way, you're still in control.  Continue Reading