Virtual desktop delivery tools
An organization could have the perfect VDI or DaaS infrastructure and service agreement, but without a proven method to deliver these desktops, an organization risks poor UX and a lack of productivity. IT teams should learn how to set up, test and roll out the right virtual desktop delivery tools, services and infrastructure.
Top Stories
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Tip
04 Dec 2024
Understand the limitations of running Hyper-V in Windows 11
There are many reasons to use Hyper-V on Windows 11 instead of hosting on Windows Server, but there are some key limitations to keep in mind before deploying this technology. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
26 Nov 2024
How to get the right Hyper-V window size in Windows 11
When users work from a Hyper-V VM session in Windows 11, they need to ensure a properly sized window to avoid UX and functionality issues with the session and business apps. Continue Reading
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News
03 Apr 2018
TetherView desktop disaster recovery offers a way into VDI
With standby virtual desktops from TetherView, IT can forgo full-fledged backup data centers for disaster recovery. The company CEO details use cases for the technology and more. Continue Reading
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News
27 Mar 2018
IT mulls multi-user Windows 10 as Server 2019 drops RDSH
Multi-user Windows 10 could replace RDSH, which isn't in the first Windows Server 2019 preview. The move has ramifications for app compatibility, XenApp and Windows licensing. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Mar 2018
CloudJumper (formerly part of nGenx) is targeting Citrix customers with their new migration tool
Several years ago, CloudJumper was a big Citrix partner. Now they’ve acquired their key technology partner, IndependenceIT, and are targeting Citrix migrations. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Mar 2018
Are we there yet? An update on Citrix Workspace experience
Citrix is pushing a security message, and they have a lot of interesting components they could put together. But how far will they go, and will Citrix become an IDaaS? Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2018
Compare top desktop and application virtualization products
Each company has different desktop and app virtualization needs. Buyers must compare what vendors offer for mobility and data governance to make the right purchase. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Mar 2018
Best of Citrix Synergy 2018 Awards criteria and nomination form
Get to know the rules and criteria for this year's Best of Citrix Synergy 2018 Awards below. The deadline to enter has passed. Continue Reading
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Opinion
21 Feb 2018
Where does Citrix Analytics fit, and where does it not fit?
Citrix Analytics service is on its way, but will its visibility be broad enough? Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Feb 2018
The key features in an app, desktop virtualization product
Desktop and app virtualization tools help admins deliver services to users regardless of where they work and what devices they work on. Learn how to make a smart buying decision. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Feb 2018
What are the differences between TCP and UDP?
When it comes to using TCP or UDP for sending packets of data through a network across devices, IT must know the differences and when each option is a good fit. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Feb 2018
Why deploy desktop and application virtualization?
Virtualizing desktops and apps can enable tighter security and a more agile environment and can simplify maintenance and enhance productivity, particularly for remote workers. Continue Reading
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Answer
12 Feb 2018
What root cause analysis software exists for virtual desktops?
When trying to get to the bottom of virtual desktop problems, IT should turn to root cause analysis tools from vendors such as ControlUp and Lakeside Software. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Feb 2018
How each remote display protocol handles codecs
The codecs that remote display protocols use to transfer an image to a virtual desktop have a large effect on the quality of both videos and text. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Feb 2018
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
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News
25 Jan 2018
Meltdown and Spectre patches hit XenApp performance especially hard
Organizations with VDI and RDSH will likely take a performance hit after patching Meltdown and Spectre, according to test results from Lakeside Software. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Jan 2018
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
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Opinion
20 Nov 2017
Do you UDP your Citrix traffic with HDX Adaptive Transport?
HDX Adaptive Transport picks up where Framehawk left off, and can be the silver bullet to improving the user experience. Jo Harder explains why. Continue Reading
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Answer
30 Oct 2017
What are the open source remote display protocol options?
Fluctuating VDI costs can catch any organization by surprise. Consider open source remote display protocols to keep the price tag low and user experience high. Continue Reading
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Opinion
23 Oct 2017
Stratodesk NoTouch replaces the OS on any x86 thin client or PC, now works on Raspberry Pi
Stratodesk NoTouch is a Thin Client OS that will run on any x86 device from other thin client vendors. They've recently added Raspberry Pi support, which makes NoTouch unique in the industry. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Sep 2017
How to handle increasing VDI graphics processing needs
With more applications, including seemingly straightforward ones, such as Microsoft Word, going graphics-intensive, VDI shops must know how to deliver a quality user experience. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Sep 2017
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
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Answer
05 May 2017
How does Office 365 licensing work in VDI deployments?
Licensing Office 365 for VDI deployments is not simple. The requirements change depending on the deployment type. Microsoft RDS, for example, completely alters how it works. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Apr 2017
How does VMware Horizon View licensing work?
Licensing is a critical component of VDI. VMware offers two main licensing options with Horizon View; a per user model and a per concurrent connection model. Continue Reading
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Opinion
01 Feb 2017
How does Citrix traffic cross the wire(less)? An overview of Citrix networking technologies.
Jo Harder takes us on a tour of ICA, Session Reliability, HDX, Framehawk, and Enlightened Data Transport. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Oct 2016
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
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Tip
09 Sep 2016
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
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Tip
23 Aug 2016
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
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Feature
13 May 2016
Compare Citrix Provisioning Services and Machine Creation Services
One of the most important parts of setting up and managing a XenDesktop deployment is choosing which provisioning tool to use. Citrix provides one streaming option and another that creates VM clones. Continue Reading
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Opinion
13 Apr 2016
Plan the next 9 years of your life: EOL dates for all your favorite MS, Citrix, and VMware products!
Knowing the End of Life dates for the products you use can help determine when to tackle certain projects. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2016
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
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Answer
05 Feb 2016
How does Citrix StoreFront work with XenApp and XenDesktop?
Citrix's enterprise app store can help VDI shops transition to a mobile-friendly virtual desktop and application strategy by broadening remote access and providing a simpler user interface for employees. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Jan 2016
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
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Definition
30 Nov 2015
Citrix DesktopPlayer
Citrix DesktopPlayer is a desktop virtualization platform with a Type 2 hypervisor that administrators install locally on top of a Windows or Mac OS X operating system. DesktopPlayer allows users to access a separate virtual desktop when they are using wireless internet or are not connected to the company network. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Oct 2015
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
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Opinion
25 Sep 2015
Citrix XenClient is going away, but what will replace it?
Citrix's announcement that it will stop selling XenClient didn't include any plans to replace its Type 1 hypervisor. VDI shops are left wondering what's next. Continue Reading
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Answer
23 Jul 2015
Do I really need Citrix NetScaler?
NetScaler or not, you need an application delivery controller. But XenApp and XenDesktop shops that use a non-Citrix gateway run the risk of losing Citrix's support. Continue Reading
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Guide
03 Apr 2015
Complete guide to RDS management and RDSH
RDS is the backbone of Windows desktop virtualization from Microsoft. Learn about features -- such as RemoteFX -- problems and more. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Oct 2014
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
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Tip
27 Jun 2014
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
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Tip
24 Apr 2014
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
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Tip
17 May 2013
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
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Answer
30 Apr 2013
Why you need VDI training and how to go about it
VDI requires new hardware and software, so make sure you get some VDI training and certifications under your belt before you deploy virtual desktops. Continue Reading
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Answer
24 Apr 2013
What exactly is included in the Microsoft VDA license cost?
The Virtual Desktop Access license lets users remotely access Windows from more types of devices, but it costs more than Software Assurance. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Apr 2013
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
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Feature
19 Feb 2013
Comparing remote display protocols: RemoteFX vs. HDX vs. PCoIP
Are you puzzled by protocols? This comparison reviews top remote display protocols from major vendors so you'll know what each has to offer. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Feb 2013
User environment virtualization leaves roaming profiles in the dust
As users connect to more devices than ever, user environment virtualization is a blossoming trend in the desktop virtualization market. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Jan 2013
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
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Tip
15 Nov 2012
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
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Feature
24 Sep 2012
Demystifying Microsoft virtual desktop licensing: SA vs. VDA vs. CDL
Virtual desktops are so dynamic that licensing them isn't easy. Microsoft's complex VDI licensing rules certainly don't help. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Aug 2012
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
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Tip
03 Aug 2012
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
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Tip
17 Jul 2012
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
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Tip
06 Jul 2012
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
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Tip
27 Feb 2012
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
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Tip
20 Oct 2011
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
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Tip
21 Sep 2011
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
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Tip
17 Aug 2011
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
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Tip
09 Aug 2011
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
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Tip
28 Feb 2011
Using AppLocker to lock down Remote Desktop Services apps
The time it takes to get AppLocker fully functional negates its benefits, but with Remote Desktop Services, the Windows 7 application security tool is a no-brainer. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Dec 2010
Remote desktop access vs. mobile access: What's the difference?
While remote access is always remote, it's not always mobile. There's a difference between the two, each with its own use case. Continue Reading
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Opinion
15 Aug 2010
"Advanced Format" 4k disk drives and performance: How will this impact your virtual disks?
Oh those disk drive guys... you'd better pay attention to what they are doing! Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Apr 2010
Deploying Remote Desktop Web Access
With Remote Desktop Web Access, users can connect to a remote desktop or an application through a Web browser. Follow these steps to start using the feature. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Mar 2010
Deploying a Remote Desktop Session Host
The Remote Desktop Session Host in Windows Vista and Windows 7 performs the role of a terminal server. Deploying a session host isn't difficult -- if you plan ahead. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
23 Mar 2010
The basics of Remote Desktop Services: The connection broker
Part traffic cop, part telephone operator, the connection broker handles the authentication and connection between clients and virtual machine images. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Sep 2009
Deploying Terminal Services Web Access
Need to facilitate a remote Terminal Services session? The easiest method to use -- and set up -- is Terminal Services Web Access, a feature of Windows Server 2008. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Feb 2008
How to troubleshoot Terminal Services connection problems
Having a problem with your Terminal Services connection resource limits? Find out how a registry key can help troubleshoot the issue. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Aug 2007
32-bit Remote Desktop Connection Client - Terminal Services for Windows Server 2003
Since most users who access Terminal Server environments do so from 32-bit Windows client devices, this is the client platform that Microsoft has spent the most effort on. Continue Reading
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Opinion
19 Feb 2007
Updated: Lanmanserver and Lanmanworkstation Tuning
Follow Michel Roth's advice on how to tune fileserving environments; a complicated endeavor not everyone can handle on their own. Continue Reading