UNIT-II

Virtual machine defined

A VM is a virtualized instance of a computer that can perform almost all of the same functions as a computer,
including running applications and operating systems.
Virtual machines run on a physical machine and access computing resources from software called a hypervisor. The
hypervisor abstracts the physical machine’s resources into a pool that can be provisioned and distributed as needed,
enabling multiple VMs to run on a single physical machine.
How multiple virtual machines work

Multiple VMs can be hosted on a single physical machine, often a server, and then managed using virtual
machine software. This provides flexibility for compute resources (compute, storage, network) to be distributed among
VMs as needed, increasing overall efficiency. This architecture provides the basic building blocks for the advanced
virtualized resources we use today, including cloud computing.
Types of Virtual Machines
1. System virtual machines
These kinds of VMs are completely virtualized to replace a real machine. The way they virtualize depends on
a hypervisor such as VMware ESXi, which can operate on an operating system or bare hardware.
The hardware resources of the host can be shared and managed by more than one virtual machine. This makes
it possible to create more than one environment on the host system. Even though these environments are on the same
physical host, they are kept separate. This lets several single-tasking operating systems share resources concurrently.

Different VMs on a single computer operating system can share memories by applying memory
overcommitment systems. This way, users can share memory pages with identical content among multiple virtual
machines on the same host, which is helpful, especially for read-only pages.
Advantages of system VMs are:
A System virtual machines have the capability, either via emulators or by using just-in-time compilation, of
providing a simulated hardware environment. This environment is distinct from the instruction set architecture of the
host (ISA).
The virtual machine software users choose comes packed with application provisioning that allows users to
create packages, high availability, maintenance, and disaster recovery. This makes the tools for virtual machines more
straightforward to use, making it possible for many operating systems to operate effectively on a single host.
The presence of a virtual partition allows for multiple OS environments to co-exist on the same primary drive.
This partition allows for sharing files generated from the host or the guest operating environment. Other processes,
such as software installations, wireless connections, and remote replications, such as printing, can be performed
efficiently in the host’s or guest’s environment.
 It allows developers to perform tasks without changing operating systems. All the generated data is stored on
the host’s hard drive.
Disadvantages of system virtual machines are:
When virtual machines indirectly access the host’s hard drive, they become less efficient than actual machines.
Depending on the system, the performance of several virtual machines running on the same host can be different. The
speed of execution and the protection against malware can also vary, leading to unstable behaviour. Users can mitigate
this problem using virtual machine software that provides temporal isolation.
The guest operating system may not necessarily be compatible with the malware protections provided by the
host resources. Therefore, it may require additional separate software leading to increased costs.
Process virtual machines
These virtual machines are sometimes called application virtual machines or Managed Runtime Environments
(MREs). They run as standard applications inside the host’s operating system, supporting a single process. It is
triggered to launch when the process starts and destroyed when it exits. It offers a platform-independent programming
environment to the process, allowing it to execute similarly on any platform.
The Process virtual machines are implemented using interpreters and they provide high-level abstractions.
They are often used with Java programming language, which uses Java virtual machines to execute programs. There
can be two more examples of process VMs i.e., The Parrot virtual machine and the .NET Framework that runs on
the Common Language Runtime VM. Additionally, they operate as an abstraction layer for any computer language
being used.

A process virtual machine may, under some circumstances, take on the role of an abstraction layer between its
users and the underlying communication mechanisms of a computer cluster. In place of a single process, such a virtual
machine (VM) for a process consists of one method for each real computer that is part of the cluster.
A Special case process VMs enable programmers to concentrate on the algorithm instead of the communication
process provided by the virtual machine OS and the interconnect.
These VMs are based on an existing language, so they don’t come with a specific programming language.
Their systems provide bindings for several programming languages, such as Fortran and C. In contrast to other process
VMs, they can enter all OS services and aren’t limited by the system model. Therefore, it cannot be categorized strictly
as virtual machines.
Components of a Virtual Machine:
1. Virtual CPU: Emulates a physical CPU, allowing the VM to execute instructions.
2. Virtual Memory: Simulates physical RAM, providing the VM with its own
memory space.
3. Virtual Hard Drive: Stores the VM's data and configuration files.
 4. Virtual Network Interface Card (NIC): Allows the VM to communicate with other devices on the
network.
Benefits of Using Virtual Machines:
1. Isolation and Security: Each VM operates in its own isolated environment, reducing the risk of malware
spreading between machines.
2. Resource Management: VMs can be easily allocated and reallocated
resources based on demand, optimizing hardware utilization.
3. Flexibility and Portability: VMs can be easily moved between different hardware platforms, providing
flexibility in deployment and management.
4. Cost-Efficiency: VMs can help reduce hardware costs by consolidating
multiple applications onto a single physical server.
5. Testing and Development: VMs provide a controlled environment for testing new software or
experimenting with different configurations without affecting the production environment.

How Virtual Machines Work:

1. Initialization: When a VM is started, the hypervisor loads the VM's configuration and creates the
necessary virtual devices.
2. Resource Allocation: The hypervisor allocates CPU cycles, memory, and
other resources to the VM based on its needs and the available resources.
3. Instruction Execution: The VM's virtual CPU executes instructions, accessing memory and virtual
devices as needed.
4. I/O Operations: When the VM needs to perform I/O operations (e.g., reading
from a disk, sending data over the network), the hypervisor intercepts the request and translates it into physical
hardware operations.
5. Guest OS Interaction: The VM's guest operating system interacts with the virtual hardware, unaware that
it is running on a virtual machine.
Advantages of Server Virtualization

1. Independent Restart

In Server Virtualization, each server can be restart independently and does not affect the working of other
virtual servers.

2. Low Cost

Server Virtualization can divide a single server into multiple virtual private servers, so it reduces the cost of
hardware components.

3. Disaster Recovery
 Disaster Recovery is one of the best advantages of Server Virtualization. In Server Virtualization, data can
easily and quickly move from one server to another and these data can be stored and retrieved from anywhere.

4. Faster deployment of resources

Server virtualization allows us to deploy our resources in a simpler and faster way.

5. Security

It allows uses to store their sensitive data inside the data centres.

Disadvantages of Server Virtualization

The biggest disadvantage of server virtualization is that when the server goes offline, all the websites that are
hosted by the server will also go down.
There is no way to measure the performance of virtualized environments.
It requires a huge amount of RAM consumption.
It is difficult to set up and maintain.
Some core applications and databases are not supported virtualization.
It requires extra hardware resources.

Uses of Server Virtualization

Server Virtualization is used in the testing and development environment.
It improves the availability of servers.
It allows organizations to make efficient use of resources.
It reduces redundancy without purchasing additional hardware components.

Uses of Virtual Server Consolidation

Virtual server consolidation is a process of combining multiple physical servers into a single
logical server, often using virtualization technology. This consolidation offers numerous
benefits for organizations, including:

1. Increased Resource Utilization

• Improved Efficiency: By consolidating multiple servers onto a single physical
machine, organizations can significantly reduce the number of underutilized servers.
This leads to improved resource efficiency and cost savings.
• Optimized Power Consumption: Fewer physical servers mean lower power
consumption and reduced environmental impact.
2. Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability
• Rapid Deployment: Virtual servers can be created, modified, or deleted
quickly, allowing for rapid application deployment and scaling.

• Dynamic Resource Allocation: Virtualization enables resources to be

dynamically allocated to applications based on demand, ensuring optimal
performance and avoiding bottlenecks.

• Simplified Disaster Recovery: Virtual servers can be easily replicated and backed
up, making disaster recovery and business continuity planning more efficient.
 3. Reduced Hardware Costs
• Fewer Physical Servers: By consolidating multiple servers onto a single
physical machine, organizations can reduce the overall number of servers
required, leading to significant hardware cost savings.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Fewer physical servers also mean lower
maintenance costs, as there are fewer machines to manage, patch, and upgrade.

4. Improved Data Center Management

• Simplified Infrastructure: Virtualization can help simplify data center
infrastructure, making it easier to manage and maintain.
• Centralized Management: Virtual servers can be managed centrally, reducing the
need for multiple administrators and improving overall efficiency.
• Enhanced Security: Virtualization can help improve security by isolating
applications and preventing unauthorized access.
5. Enhanced Application Performance
• Optimized Resource Allocation: Virtualization allows for more precise resource
allocation to applications, ensuring they have the resources they need to perform
optimally.
• Improved Load Balancing: Load balancing can be implemented more
effectively in a virtualized environment, distributing traffic across multiple
virtual servers and preventing bottlenecks.

Specific Use Cases

• Cloud Computing: Virtualization is a fundamental component of cloud computing,
enabling the delivery of on-demand computing resources over the internet.
• High-Performance Computing: Virtualization can be used to create clusters of
virtual servers that can be used for high-performance computing tasks, such as
scientific simulations and data analysis.
• Web Hosting: Many web hosting providers use virtualization to host multiple
websites on a single physical server.
• Enterprise Applications: Virtualization can be used to consolidate enterprise
applications, improving efficiency and reducing costs.

Selecting a Server Virtualization Platform: A Comprehensive Guide

Server virtualization has become an essential component of modern IT infrastructure,

enabling organizations to optimize resource utilization, improve flexibility, and
enhance disaster recovery capabilities. When selecting a server virtualization
platform, several key factors need to be considered to ensure a successful
implementation.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Platform Compatibility and Requirements:
o Hardware: The virtualization platform must be compatible with your
existing server hardware, including processors, memory, and storage.
o Operating Systems: Ensure that the platform supports the guest
operating systems you plan to run on the virtual machines (VMs).
o Applications: Verify that the platform can accommodate the specific
applications and workloads you intend to virtualize.
2. Performance and Scalability:
o Resource Allocation: The platform should provide efficient mechanisms for
allocating and managing CPU, memory, storage, and network resources
across VMs.
o Scalability: Consider the platform's ability to handle future growth and
increased workloads without significant performance degradation.
o Performance Metrics: Evaluate the platform's performance metrics, such as
CPU utilization, memory usage, and I/O latency, to ensure it meets your
requirements.
3. Management and Administration:
o Ease of Use: The platform should offer a user-friendly interface for
creating, managing, and monitoring VMs.
o Automation: Look for features that enable automation of tasks like VM
provisioning, configuration, and patching to reduce administrative overhead.
o Centralized Management: If you have multiple physical servers,
consider a platform that allows for centralized management and
monitoring of all VMs.
4. High Availability and Disaster Recovery:
o Redundancy: The platform should support features like high
availability clustering and live migration to ensure business continuity in case
of hardware failures.
o Disaster Recovery: Evaluate the platform's capabilities for creating and
managing backup and recovery plans to protect your virtualized
environment.
5. Cost and Licensing:
o Initial Costs: Consider the upfront costs of purchasing the
virtualization software and hardware.
 o Ongoing Costs: Factor in licensing fees, maintenance costs, and
potential upgrade expenses.
o Cost-Benefit Analysis: Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to
determine the long-term savings and benefits that virtualization can
provide.
6. Security and Compliance:
o Security Features: Ensure that the platform offers robust security
features like role-based access control, encryption, and intrusion
detection.
o Compliance: Verify that the platform meets industry-specific
compliance requirements, such as HIPAA, PCI DSS, or GDPR.
Popular Virtualization Platforms
• VMware vSphere: A leading virtualization platform known for its
comprehensive feature set, scalability, and management tools.
• Microsoft Hyper-V: A native virtualization solution included with Windows
Server, offering a good balance of performance and features.
• Red Hat Virtualization: A platform based on KVM (Kernel-based Virtual
Machine), providing a reliable and open-source option.
• Citrix XenServer: A commercial virtualization platform with a focus on
scalability and high availability.

Desktop Virtualization: A Comprehensive Guide

Desktop virtualization is a technology that allows users to access a centralized virtual

desktop environment from any device with an internet connection. This environment is
hosted on a remote server, providing flexibility, scalability, and enhanced security.

How Does Desktop Virtualization Work?

1. Centralized Server: A powerful server, often in a data center, hosts multiple virtual
desktops.
2. Client Devices: Users access these virtual desktops using various devices, such as
computers, laptops, tablets, or smartphones.
3. Network Connection: A network connection, typically the internet, links the client
devices to the centralized server.
4. Protocol: A protocol, like Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or Citrix Virtual Apps
and Desktops, facilitates communication between the client and server, enabling the
user to interact with the virtual desktop.

Benefits of Desktop Virtualization

 • Enhanced Flexibility: Users can access their work environment from anywhere
with an internet connection, promoting remote work and flexible work
arrangements.
• Improved Security: Centralized management and control of virtual desktops
simplify security measures, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized
access.
• Cost-Effective: Desktop virtualization can reduce hardware and software costs by
consolidating IT resources and eliminating the need for expensive client devices.
• Scalability: The technology can easily scale to accommodate growing user needs,
ensuring that resources are efficiently allocated.
• Disaster Recovery: Virtual desktops can be easily restored from backups in case of
hardware failures or natural disasters, minimizing downtime.

Types of desktop virtualization

1.Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
A virtual desktop interface (VDI) uses host-based virtual machines (VMs) to run the operating system. It
delivers non-persistent and persistent virtual desktops to all connected devices. With a non-persistent virtual desktop,
employees can access a virtual desktop from a shared pool, whereas in a persistent virtual desktop, each user gets a
unique desktop image that can be customized with data and applications. VDI gives each user their virtual machine
and supports only one user per operating system.
2. Remote Desktop Services
Remote desktop services (RDS) or remote desktop session host (RDSH) are beneficial where only limited
applications require virtualization. They allow users to remotely access Windows applications and desktops using the
Microsoft Windows Server operating system. RDS is a more cost-effective solution, since one Windows server can
support multiple users.
3.Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS)
Desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) is a flexible desktop virtualization solution that uses cloud-based virtual machines
backed by a third-party provider. Using DaaS, organizations can outsource desktop virtualization solutions that help
a user to access computer applications and desktops from any endpoint platform or device.
To understand which type of solution suits your business, you should:
Identify the costs associated with setting up the infrastructure and deployment of virtual desktops
Determine whether you have the required resources and expertise to adopt these solutions
Determine the infrastructure control capabilities of the virtualization providers
Determine the level of elasticity and agility you want in your desktop virtualization solution
Why do you need desktop virtualization for your business.
Beyond saving money and time, desktop virtualization offers various other benefits for organizations. These
include:
Better security and control: Virtual desktops store data in a secure environment and allow central management of
confidential information to prevent data leaks. Desktop virtualization solutions restrict the users from saving or
copying data to any source other than its servers, making it hard to get crucial company information out.Reliable
virtualization solution providers offer multiple layers of cloud safeguards such as the highest quality encryption,
switches, routers and constant monitoring to eliminate threats and protect users’ data.
Ease of maintenance: Unlike traditional computers, virtual desktops are far easier to maintain. All end-users don’t
need to update or download the necessary programs individually since these are centrally managed by the IT
department.
IT admin can also easily keep track of the software assets through a virtual desktop. Once a user logs off from the
virtual desktop it can reset, and any customizations or software programs downloaded on the desktop can be easily
removed. It also helps prevent system slowdown caused by customizations and software downloads.
Remote work:Since virtual desktops are connected to a central server, provision for new desktops can be made in
minutes so they are instantly available to new users. Instead of manually setting up a new desktop for new employees,
IT admins can deploy a ready-to-go virtual desktop to the new user’s device using desktop virtualization. The users
can access and interact with the operating systems and applications from virtually anywhere with an internet
connection.
Resource management: Resources for desktop virtualization are located in a data center, which allows the pooling
of resources for better efficiency. With desktop virtualization, IT admins can maximize their hardware investment
returns by consolidating the majority of their computing in a data center. This helps eliminate the need to push
application and operating system updates to the end-user machines.
Organizations can deploy less expensive and less powerful devices to end-users since they are only used for
input and output. IT departments can save money and resources that would otherwise be used to deploy more
expensive and powerful machines.
Reduced costs: Desktop virtualization solutions help shift the IT budget from capital expenses to operating expenses.
Organizations can prolong the shelf life of their traditional computers and other less powerful machines by delivering
compute-intensive applications via VMs hosted on a data center.
IT departments can also significantly save costs on software licensing as you only need to install and update
the software on a single, central server instead of multiple end-user workstations. Savings on energy bills, capital
costs, licensing costs, IT support costs and upfront purchasing costs can reduce the overall IT operating costs by almost
70%.
Increased employee productivity: Employees’ productivity may increase when they can easily access the
organization’s computing resources from any supported device, anywhere and anytime. Employees can work in a
comfortable environment and still be able to access all applications and software programs that would otherwise only
be available on their office desktops. Desktop virtualization allows for a seamless and faster employee onboarding
process, productivity and provisioning for remote workers.
Improved flexibility: Desktop virtualization reduces the need to configure desktops for each end-user. These
solutions help organizations manage and customize desktops through a single interface and eliminate the need to
personalize each desktop. Desktop virtualization lets the administrator set permissions for access to programs and files
already stored on the central server with just a few clicks. Employees can access the required programs from anywhere,
offering them better work flexibility.
 UNIT II -SERVER AND
DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION
VIRTUAL MACHINE BASICS- TYPES OF VIRTUAL MACHINES- UNDERSTANDING
SERVER VIRTUALIZATION- TYPES OF SERVER VIRTUALIZATION- BUSINESS CASES
FOR SERVER VIRTUALIZATION – USES OF VIRTUAL SERVER CONSOLIDATION –
SELECTING SERVER VIRTUALIZATION PLATFORM-DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION-TYPES
OF DESKTOP VIRTUALIZATION
 VIRTUAL MACHINE BASICS

• A VIRTUAL MACHINE (VM) IS A SOFTWARE-BASED EMULATION OF A PHYSICAL

COMPUTER THAT ALLOWS MULTIPLE OPERATING SYSTEMS (OS) TO RUN ON A
SINGLE HARDWARE PLATFORM.
• IT BEHAVES JUST LIKE A REAL COMPUTER, WITH ITS OWN OPERATING SYSTEM,
APPLICATIONS, AND RESOURCES (CPU, MEMORY, STORAGE).
• VMS ARE WIDELY USED IN DEVELOPMENT, TESTING, CLOUD COMPUTING, AND
SERVER VIRTUALIZATION.
•Host Machine – The physical computer that provides resources
(CPU, RAM, disk) to run virtual machines.

•Guest Machine – The virtualized OS running within a VM.

•Hypervisor – Software that creates and manages VMs,

allocating resources from the host to the guest OS.
• TYPES OF HYPERVISORS:
• TYPE 1 (BARE-METAL):
• RUNS DIRECTLY ON THE HARDWARE.
• MORE EFFICIENT, OFTEN USED IN DATA CENTERS.
• EXAMPLES: VMWARE ESXI, MICROSOFT HYPER-V (IN SOME CONFIGURATIONS), KVM.

• TYPE 2 (HOSTED):
• RUNS ON TOP OF AN EXISTING OPERATING SYSTEM.
• EASIER TO SET UP, OFTEN USED ON PERSONAL COMPUTERS.
• EXAMPLES: VMWARE WORKSTATION, ORACLE VIRTUALBOX.
ADVANTAGES OF VMS
• RESOURCE EFFICIENCY – MULTIPLE VMS CAN RUN ON A SINGLE PHYSICAL
SERVER.
• ISOLATION – EACH VM OPERATES INDEPENDENTLY, REDUCING SECURITY RISKS.
• PORTABILITY – VMS CAN BE MOVED ACROSS DIFFERENT HARDWARE EASILY.
• TESTING & DEVELOPMENT – SAFE ENVIRONMENTS FOR TESTING SOFTWARE AND
OS WITHOUT AFFECTING THE HOST MACHINE.
• CLOUD COMPUTING: VMS ARE THE FOUNDATION OF MANY CLOUD SERVICES.
 TYPES OF VIRTUAL MACHINES:

• 1.SYSTEM VIRTUAL MACHINES.

• 2.PROCESS VIRTUAL MACHINES.

System Virtual Machines (Hardware Virtual Machines):

•These VMs emulate an entire physical computer.

•They allow you to run complete operating systems within them,

independent of the host operating system.

•This is what most people think of when they hear "virtual machine."

•Examples: VMs created by VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, or VirtualBox.

• PROCESS VIRTUAL MACHINES (APPLICATION VIRTUAL MACHINES):
• THESE VMS ARE DESIGNED TO RUN A SINGLE APPLICATION OR PROCESS.
• THEY PROVIDE A PLATFORM-INDEPENDENT ENVIRONMENT FOR THAT SPECIFIC
APPLICATION.
• THE MOST WELL-KNOWN EXAMPLE IS THE JAVA VIRTUAL MACHINE (JVM),
WHICH ALLOWS JAVA APPLICATIONS TO RUN ON ANY SYSTEM WITH A JVM.
Understanding Server
Virtualization
• What is Server Virtualization?
Server virtualization is the process of partitioning a physical server into
multiple virtual servers using specialized software. Each virtual server
operates independently, running its own operating system (OS) and
applications. This is achieved through a hypervisor, which manages the
virtualized environments.
Types of Server Virtualization
• Full Virtualization
• Para-Virtualization
• Kernel level Virtualization
• OS level Virtualization
Kernel level Virtualization
• Kernel-level virtualization is a type of server virtualization where multiple
virtual machines (VMs) run on a single physical host, sharing the same
kernel as the host operating system (OS). Unlike traditional virtualization,
where a hypervisor manages virtual machines, kernel-level virtualization
integrates directly into the OS kernel, making it more efficient.
• How Kernel-Level Virtualization Works
• The host OS runs a special virtualization module (such as KVM – Kernel-
based Virtual Machine in Linux).
• Guest operating systems (VMs) run as separate processes on the host.
• Instead of full hardware emulation, the VMs share the kernel’s system calls
and resources, improving performance.
OS-level virtualization
• OS-level virtualization is a type of server virtualization where multiple
isolated user-space instances, called containers, run on a single host
operating system (OS) kernel. Unlike traditional virtualization, which
requires a hypervisor, OS-level virtualization shares the same host OS
kernel across all virtual environments.
Business Cases for Server
Virtualization
• Cost savings: One of the primary business cases for server
virtualization is cost savings. By consolidating multiple physical
servers into a single physical server with multiple virtual machines,
organizations can reduce hardware costs, power consumption,
cooling costs and data center space requirements.
• Resource optimization : Server virtualization allows for efficient
resource utilization by dynamically allocating CPU, memory, storage
and networking resources to virtual machines based on their needs.
This results in better utilization of server resources, reducing
underutilization or over - provisioning of resources.
• Scalability and flexibility : Server virtualization enables
organizations to easily create, provision and manage virtual
machines, allowing for quick scaling up or down of resources based
on business needs.
• Improved disaster recovery and business continuity : Virtualization
provides built-in features such as snapshots, replication and
migration that facilitate efficient backup, recovery and replication of
virtual machines to remote sites, enhancing disaster recovery and
business continuity capabilities.
• Simplified management : Server virtualization simplifies IT
management by providing centralized management tools and
interfaces for creating, provisioning, monitoring and managing
virtual machines. This allows for streamlined and unified
management of virtual machines, making it easier to deploy,
configure and manae If resources, leading improved operational
efficiency and reduced management complexity.
• Testing and development : Virtualization provides an isolated
and controlled environmer for testing and development of software
applications, allowing for quick provisioning qr virtual machines,
cloning of environments and efficient testing of different
configuration,This speeds up development cycles, reduces the
need for physical hardware and improve, the quality of software
applications.

• Green IT and sustainability : Server virtualization can contribute

to green IT initiatives and sustainability efforts by reducing the
physical server footprint, power consumption and overall energy
usage.
Desktop Virtualization
And Types of Desktop
Virtualization
• Desktop Virtualization is a technology that allows users to access a
desktop environment (like Windows or Linux) from a central server
rather than from their own personal computer. This means the
desktop and all its data are stored and run on a remote server, but
the user interacts with it as if it were running locally on their machine.
• Traditional Setup (Non-Virtualized): You have a physical desktop
computer at your office. The computer has its own operating system
(e.g., Windows) and all of your personal work files and applications
are stored directly on that machine.
• Virtualized Desktop Setup: Instead of having a physical desktop at
your desk, you have a thin client (a simple, low-cost computer with
minimal processing power) or even just a laptop or tablet. This device
does not run the full operating system or apps locally.
• The desktop environment (your Windows desktop, files, and
applications) is stored and run on a remote server in the company’s
data center or in the cloud.
• You can access your virtual desktop from any device, whether you're
using a thin client, laptop, or tablet.
• Work from Home: You’re at home with just your laptop. You use
software like Citrix Workspace or VMware Horizon to connect to the
company's virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI). Once you log in, you
see your work desktop exactly like you would at the office. All your
files, applications, and settings are available to you remotely.
• No Need for Powerful Hardware: Your home laptop might not have
high-end hardware, but since the virtual desktop is running on a
powerful server, your laptop doesn’t need to be strong. You can use
your virtual desktop even on a simple device, as the heavy lifting is
done on the server.
Types of Desktop Virtualization
• VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is a technology that hosts
desktop operating systems (like Windows or Linux) on virtual
machines (VMs) in a data center or cloud. With VDI, users can access
these virtual desktops remotely from various devices, and the
computing is done on powerful centralized servers rather than on the
users' local devices.
• Imagine you work for a company that uses VDI. Instead of using a physical
desktop computer or laptop with all your applications and files stored
locally, your company sets up a virtual desktop that runs on a powerful
server in the company’s data center or on the cloud.
• Your Device:
• You could be using a thin client (a simple computer with no storage) or any device
like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

• The Virtual Desktop:

• When you open your device and log into your company’s system, you're actually
logging into a virtual desktop hosted on a remote server.
• The operating system (Windows, for example), your apps, and files are all running on
a virtual machine (VM) located in the company's data center or in the cloud (e.g.,
AWS, Azure).

• Remote Access:
• You interact with this virtual desktop just like you would with a physical computer,
but all the heavy processing is done on the server. The VDI software (like VMware
Horizon or Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops) enables this remote connection,
allowing you to work from anywhere with an internet connection.
Benefits of VDI:

• Cost Savings: VDI can reduce the need for powerful local computers.
Since the computing is done remotely, employees can use simpler,
less expensive devices (like thin clients).
• Security: Sensitive data is not stored on individual devices. It remains
in the data center, which is protected by firewalls and other security
measures.
• Remote Work: Employees can work from anywhere, using any device
that supports VDI software.
• Centralized Backup: Since everything is stored centrally, backups are
easier to manage and disaster recovery is more streamlined.
Real-World Example:

• A company like Citrix offers VDI solutions (like Citrix Virtual Apps and
Desktops) that many businesses use to host their virtual desktops.
Employees can log in from different locations (e.g., office, home, or
even a café) and use their virtual desktop to access work
applications, files, and tools, without needing a powerful laptop or
desktop computer.
RDS (Remote Desktop Services)
• RDS (Remote Desktop Services) is a Microsoft technology that allows
users to access a desktop environment or specific applications hosted
on a remote server. Unlike VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure),
which provides each user with a full virtual desktop, RDS allows
multiple users to access a shared environment, typically a Windows
Server, where they can run applications or get a full desktop
experience.
• Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH): This component allows
multiple users to connect to a shared server simultaneously and
access their individual desktop sessions and applications.
• Remote Desktop Virtualization Host (RDVH): RDVH enables the
delivery of virtual desktops, allowing users to connect to virtual
machines running on a server. It provides a virtualization platform for
hosting and managing virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)
environments.
• Remote Desktop Gateway (RD Gateway): This component allows
users to securely connect to RDS over the internet. It provides secure
encrypted connections from external networks (such as home or
public Wi-Fi) to the internal RDS environment.
Remote Desktop Web Access (RD Web Access):
• This feature enables users to access their remote desktop or
RemoteApp applications via a web browser, without needing a
specific client app installed on their device.

Remote Desktop Connection Broker (RD Connection Broker):

• This component manages user connections, ensuring that users are
reconnected to their existing session if they get disconnected, or are
directed to the correct server when they log in.
• Remote Desktop Licensing (RD Licensing):
• For legal and compliant use of RDS, each user or device connecting to
an RDSH server needs to have a Remote Desktop Client Access
License (CAL). These licenses must be managed and assigned
properly.
Advantages of RDS:
• Cost-Effective:
• Since multiple users share the same server, RDS is often more cost-effective than
providing each user with their own virtual machine, as in VDI. There’s less overhead
for IT and hardware.
• Simplicity:
• RDS is generally easier to set up and manage than VDI. IT administrators only need to
manage and maintain a single server or group of servers, rather than individual
virtual machines.
• Flexibility:
• Users can access their remote desktops or specific applications from any device with
an internet connection, as long as it supports RDP.
• Security:
• Since data and applications reside on centralized servers, RDS offers better control
over data security. There’s no need to store sensitive information on local devices,
reducing the risk of data theft.
Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS)

• DaaS is a cloud-based desktop virtualization service, where the entire

desktop infrastructure (including virtual desktops, apps, and storage)
is hosted in the cloud by a third-party provider. This model is similar
to VDI, but the infrastructure is managed by a service provider rather
than in-house IT teams.