A virtual desktop is a computer operating system that does not run directly on the endpoint hardware from which a user accesses it.

Virtual desktops are accessible through client software installed directly on an endpoint, which presents the desktop to the user and allows them to interact with it using a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen and peripherals. Virtual desktop clients are available for a wide variety of devices, including PCs, tablets, smartphones and Raspberry Pi.

The three major virtual desktop providers are Citrix, Microsoft and VMware. Many other vendors offer products and services to help IT professionals deploy, manage, secure and optimize virtual desktops.

How Does IT Work?

The desktop image of the operating system runs on virtual machines (VMs) over a hypervisor and is delivered to endpoint devices (like laptops, desktops, tablets, or smartphones) over a network. Users can then use the endpoint devices to interact with the operating system and its apps.

virtual desktop solutions

All VDI deployments possess the following characteristics:

The virtual desktops operate over VMs on a centralized server.
Each virtual desktop has an operating system image. Typically, Microsoft Windows is used.
Multiple instances of the VMs can be housed on the same server within the data center, i.e., VMs are host-based.
To maintain access to the virtual desktops, end clients must continuously maintain contact with the centrally managed server.