A VDI (Virtual Desktop Interface) can be a valuable tool that lets you maintain productivity and quality of work by allowing you access to a system from different places. Whether you’re just one individual or a company that employs remote workers, a virtual desktop can make your projects more convenient and streamlined.

So, what is a VDI desktop, and how does it work? Moreover, how do you set up a VDI virtual desktop on your computer? We’ve prepared answers to this and much more, along with step-by-step instructions on using a virtual desktop interface. Read on to learn everything you should know about using VDI.

What Is a Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI)?

Virtual desktop interfaces separate the apps and programs from the physical device that includes them. In other words, VDI allows you to access the desktop virtually over a network. What’s more, you can do so from any endpoint device, including a smartphone or tablet.

The aim of a virtual desktop interface is to look and feel like a standard physical workstation. Users will always experience their desktop the same way, no matter which device they use to access it.

Additionally, the abbreviation VDI is a broader term that encompasses several visualization technologies. Considering this, there are several types of VDI:

Session-based – This type of VDI delivers an individual session running on a physical server or a virtual machine.
Server-based– A VDI that is available only for a single user at a time and is based on a server operating system.
Desktop-based – A virtual desktop on a virtual machine. It is hosted on the data center’s server.

Pros and Cons of Virtual Desktops

There’s no doubt that a virtual desktop interface is a net positive that brings a lot to the table. But, to get a clearer picture of VDI and decide whether it’s suitable for you, you should know both sides of the story. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the biggest pros and cons of VDI:

Advantages of Virtual Desktops

The list of VDI advantages is quite long, so we’ve summed the top four pros of using a virtual desktop interface:

- Accessibility – The most apparent advantage of a virtual desktop is that it enables you to access your data from anywhere in the world. You don’t need physical access to the device to use, manage, or troubleshoot anything.
- Cost Effectiveness – The computing power for VDI’s comes from a data center, meaning that you don’t need a lot of computing power. This saves money on purchasing expensive equipment, maintenance, and energy costs, among other expenses.
- Security – The data of your virtual desktop isn’t actually stored on the endpoint machine that you’re using. So, even if there’s a security breach or someone steals your device, the data will still remain safe and private.
- Scalability – Unrestricted by physical conditions, VDI provides excellent scalability. You can easily deploy a new virtual desktop within minutes and manage groups of users.

Rent Physically Laptop and Desktop: Remote Access to Real Devices

Rent Android Phones: Remote Access to Real Devices

Virtual Desktop on Windows