What Are Virtual Desktops?

An operating system, such as Microsoft Windows, may be operated and controlled in a data center using a virtualization technique known as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). What are Virtual Desktops? The virtual desktop picture is provided to an endpoint device through a network, allowing the user to interact only with the operating system and its apps as if they have been running locally. You may use a regular PC, a thin client, or a mobile device as the endpoint of your network.

End-user computing encompasses the idea of offering virtualized programs and desktops to customers (EUC). Since its inception, Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) has been used as a standard technological abbreviation. VDI for Windows is the most frequent, but Linux virtual desktops are also a viable alternative for those who prefer Linux. The user's access to VDI relies on the organization's setup, which ranges from needing the user to pick the virtual desktop and then activate it to presenting the virtual desktop automatically upon login.

What's A Virtual Desktop's Purpose?

A virtual desktop allows workers to work from any location, as long as they have an Internet connection. The workstation's operating system and programs are hosted on a distant server and controlled by an administrator. Using a lightweight client application and the hosting server's IP address, employees may log onto their workstations from any device (s).

How Do Virtual Desktops Work?

It is possible to construct the virtual desktop infrastructure either persistently or non-persistently so that it may serve virtual desktops to various connected devices.

Users have their own desktop appearance that they may modify with programs and data while using a persistent virtual desktop. No matter how many times a person logs in to their computer, their apps, data, and preferences are saved. As a result of this consistency, consumers have an easier time getting used to the system, and it is better suited to power users. Compared to non-persistent virtual desktops, customized individual virtual desktops have various storage and software update concerns in the lifecycle management process.

Users of a non-persistent virtual desktop infrastructure can access the same virtual desktop from an identical pool of desktops. Users who log in to a virtual desktop are presented with a new instance of the same golden desktop picture. Personalization may be achieved by user profiles, scripts, or other customized applications for non-persistent virtual desktops. Users' session settings, such as the installation of programs, are deleted. Less storage is needed since user configuration settings and data are saved separately, and the virtual machine reverts to its actual image state when the user logs out. It's simpler for administrators to handle non-persistent desktops since the underlying image is always constant. As a result, non-permanent desktops are often preferred over persistent desktops.

The Azure Virtual Desktop

Microsoft has renamed Windows Virtual Desktop to Azure Virtual Desktop since we've previously discussed it being hosted in the cloud. Additionally, it's compatible with Windows 11 and features a more modern, multi-session-capable interface. To save money, we may use previously owned Windows licenses that match the following conditions in Azure Virtual Desktop.

Features of the Azure Virtual Desktop

The following are the primary characteristics of this platform, which enables virtual desktops and remote apps to allow flexibility:

• Windows 11 desktops and programs may be used on any device, including tablets and smartphones.
• Automatic threat detection and response are built into the system.
• Getting up and running in a matter of minutes.
• Reduced costs by reusing existing licenses and just paying for what you use.
• Unified management for Windows 10, Windows Server, including Windows 7 desktops and apps.
• Create a remote desktop environment on any machine using Remote Desktop Services (RDS).
• Optimizing Microsoft 365 programs for multi-user virtual environments.

Benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop

We've previously covered some of the benefits of utilizing Azure Virtual Desktop, but the most crucial ones are:

• Thanks to our move to the cloud, users and technical staff will be able to access their desktops and programs from any location and on any device,
• You'll save money because you won't have to buy ICT infrastructure and licenses.
• Streamlined Microsoft Teams and Office experience: Any program, whether on your local desktop or laptop, will have the same feel (Outlook, OneDrive, or Teams).
• Modernization of Citrix and VMware infrastructure enables you to make the most of your current desktop and application virtualization investments and expertise.

Conclusion

Virtual desktops are becoming more popular, and it's not hard to understand why. Because of the growing number of employees working from home or other distant locations, IT organizations cannot control individual PCs efficiently. It is possible to preserve centralized control and security while yet allowing remote workers to have access to essential systems and data via the use of virtual desktops.