What are Virtual Desktops? Why Do People Use Them?

Virtual desktops are essentially copies of a physical computer. Users can access and use their virtual desktop from any location and any device with an internet connection. A virtual desktop looks and feels like a computer, but it’s managed directly by a server and completely under the managing organization’s control.

Virtual desktops eliminate many security issues and make work more convenient, but they also need to be effectively managed. Today, we’ll answer key questions — what is a virtual desktop? How do virtual desktops work? — and what makes virtual desktops so effective.

What Are Virtual Desktops?

What is a virtual desktop? Well, a virtual desktop is a computer that doesn’t physically exist. It’s a digital machine created by software and stored on a server. Users can access their virtual desktop from any location and any device with an internet connection. This makes it possible to do things like run software that needs high processing or computational power on even lightweight devices, like inexpensive laptops.

A virtual desktop looks and feels like a computer, but the reality is that it’s sharing resources with other virtual desktops on a computer or the cloud. Today, cloud computing has made it possible to connect many virtual desktops at once under the same organization.

Different Types of Virtual Desktop

How do virtual desktops work? Well, that depends on the type of virtual desktop. There are three primary types of virtual desktops:

1. Persistent Virtual Desktop: Users can access and use their persistent virtual desktop from any location and any device with an internet connection. The main benefit of using a persistent virtual desktop is that users’ settings, preferences and files are always available to them, no matter where they are or what device they’re using.
2. Non-Persistent Virtual Desktop: Unlike a persistent virtual desktop, a non-persistent virtual desktop is temporary and exists only while the user is logged in. Once the user logs out, the virtual desktop is destroyed. Non-persistent virtual desktops are often used in educational or public settings where it’s important to maintain a consistent environment for all users.
3. Hybrid Virtual Desktop: A hybrid virtual desktop combines features of both persistent and non-persistent virtual desktops. Users have a dedicated virtual desktop that is unique to them, but the settings and files are not permanently stored on the desktop. This type of virtual desktop is often used in organizations where users need access to specific applications or data sets that are too large to store on a non-persistent virtual desktop.

Most enterprises will use a persistent virtual desktop, but there are still some use cases for the other two. It should also be noted that there are specific virtual desktop services provided by software companies; Microsoft, for instance, has virtual desktop services for Azure.

Why Use Virtual Desktops?

Looking at virtual desktops’ advantages and disadvantages, both exist, but the advantages significantly outweigh the challenges. There are four primary benefits of using a virtual desktop:

1. Security: One of the biggest advantages of using a virtual desktop is that it’s much more secure than a physical computer. Virtual desktops are stored on a server and managed by the organization, so they’re not susceptible to theft or damage. Additionally, all data on a virtual desktop is encrypted, so it’s safe from hackers.
2. Cost: Virtual desktops are often less expensive than physical computers, especially when they’re managed by a cloud service provider. The upfront cost of a virtual desktop is lower because you don’t need to purchase hardware or software. Additionally, virtual desktops can be scaled up or down as needed, so you only pay for what you use. The idea, of course, is that employees can use their own devices to access their virtual desktops while still having all the security of a separate device.
3. Convenience: Virtual desktops are very convenient because users can access their desktops from any location and any device with an internet connection. This means that employees can work from anywhere, which can increase productivity and flexibility.
4. Control: When you use a virtual desktop, you have complete control over the environment. You can choose which applications and data are available to users, and you can easily make changes or updates as needed. This level of control is not possible with physical computers.

Virtual desktops offer many benefits for both users and organizations. They’re more secure than physical computers and more convenient. But, of course, there are also some challenges.

Challenges of Using Virtual Desktops

There are a few challenges to using virtual desktops, but they’re not insurmountable:

• High-Speed Internet Requirement: Virtual desktops require a high-speed internet connection to work properly. This can be a challenge in areas with poor internet coverage. But if your workers are remote, they likely already have high-speed internet access. If they don’t, then you will need to find a workaround.
• Learning Curve: There is a bit of a learning curve when using a virtual desktop. Users need to be comfortable with the interface and how to access their applications and data. But once they do start using it, they’ll find that it’s very intuitive.
• Limited Customization: Virtual desktops are not as customizable as physical computers. This can be a challenge for users who are used to having complete control over their environment. For instance, they may not be able to install applications such as music streaming services without permission.

Despite these challenges, many companies are switching to virtual desktops. In large part, this has been driven by the need to facilitate remote work.

Virtual Desktops and Remote Work

Many companies have switched to a remote work model, at least temporarily. This has created a need for virtual desktops because they’re the only way to ensure that employees have access to the applications and data they need while working remotely or working from home.

Virtual desktops are the perfect solution for remote work because they can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection. Employees can log into their virtual desktop from home and have all the same applications and data that they would have if they were in the office.

Virtual Desktops and Remote Support

If you need to provide remote support for employees, virtual desktops are also ideal. With a virtual desktop, you can access an employee’s computer from anywhere in the world. This means that you can provide support no matter where the employee is located.

Additionally, virtual desktops are more secure than physical computers when it comes to remote support. With a physical computer, you need to give the support technician access to the machine, which can open up the possibility of data breaches.

Conclusion: Virtual Desktops Make Work Easier

Virtual desktops offer many benefits for both users and organizations. They’re more secure than physical computers, more convenient and more flexible. However, there are also some challenges to using virtual desktops. These challenges can be overcome with proper planning and training.

If your company wants to take advantage of the benefits that a virtual desktop solution can provide, a managed services partner can help. A managed services provider can dig into your organization’s current infrastructure to determine whether a virtual desktop solution is right for you. Further, your MSP will help you make the transition.

Contact Red River to explore your virtual desktop options—and reap the benefits of a virtual desktop without security flaws.