Glossary

 

agent

A software entity that performs tasks on behalf of another software entity. For example, Virtual Desktop Connector agents on virtualization hosts handle interactions with virtual machines.

client

See Virtual Desktop Connector (VDC) client.

clone

To create a new virtual machine by copying it from a template. See also golden image.

cluster

Server group in the virtual environment.

customization

In this context, customization refers to modifications made to a guest operating system in a virtual machine, typically as it is being deployed. Customization options include changing the new virtual machine’s identification and network information.

daemon

Programs that start automatically during system startup and run in the background without user interaction are usually called services in Windows and daemons in UNIX.

data store

A data store allows configuration settings to be replicated and kept synchronized with other servers automatically. SRSS and SGD come with their own data store implementations. With the Virtual Desktop Connector, you can choose to use either the SRSS data store or the SGD data store, or define a a file-based storage location for configuration settings.

DTU

Sun Ray Desktop Terminal Units (DTU) are also known as Sun Ray virtual display clients.

dynamic assignment

Virtual machines are temporarily assigned to users as needed from a pool. When a user stops using the assigned machine, it can be recycled and made available for other users. Dynamic assignment is suitable for people who typically work in one or a few applications and have fewer requirements for customizing their desktop environment.

dynamic virtual desktop

A virtual desktop that is temporarily assigned to a user.

golden image

A virtual machine template used to create new virtual desktops. See template.

guest operating system

An operating system that runs on a virtual machine.

host

The physical computer on which virtual machine are installed.

host agent

Software installed on a virtual machine host that performs actions on behalf of a remote client.

kiosk mode

Sun Ray controlled access mode, used to provide simplified, controlled access for anonymous users, often in public settings, such as airports.

lifecycle

A virtual machine is created, assigned to a pool, used, perhaps reused, recycled, deleted: this is its lifecycle.

policy

In this context, policies are settings that specify parameters such as timeout intervals, maximum age, and others that affect the lifecycles of virtual machines in pools.

pool

A collection of virtual machines. Pools ordinarily contain virtual machines that are available for assignment as well as those that are no longer in active use and are waiting to be recycled or deleted.

RDP

Microsoft Remote Desktop Protocol.

recycling

When a virtual machine originating in a pool has not been used for a specified interval, or if certain other criteria apply, it is recycled, i.e., returned to the pool for reassignment.

resource pool

Load balancing unit that the Virtual Desktop Connector uses when powering on or cloning virtual machines.

resume

To return a suspended virtual machine to operation, use the resume feature. See suspend.

SSH

Secure Shell, a network protocol that enables exchange of data over a secure channel, using public-key cryptography for authentication.

SSL

Secure Sockets Layer, a cryptographic protocol used for secure data transfer.

service

Programs that start automatically during system startup and run in the background without user interaction are usually called services in Windows and daemons in UNIX.

snapshot

A reproduction of the virtual machine at a given point in time, including the state of the data on all the virtual machine’s disks, including whether the virtual machine was powered on, powered off, or suspended.

standby

A guest operating system state indicative of low-power (or standby) mode.

static assignment

Under static assignment, users are explicitly assigned specific virtual machines: they become the machine owners much as though they had their own PCs. This is a typical setup for power workers, such as design engineers or software developers, who normally require a large set of applications and more administrative rights than other users.

static virtual desktop

A virtual desktop that is permanently assigned to a user.

storage

Location for storage of configuration settings. See data store.

suspend

To save the current state of a running virtual machine. To return a suspended virtual machine to operation, use the resume feature. See resume.

template

A master or golden image of a virtual machine.

VirtualCenter Server

A service that acts as a central administrator for VMware servers connected on a network. This service directs actions on the virtual machines and the virtual machine hosts. VirtualCenter Server is the working core of VirtualCenter.

VDA

Virtual Desktop Architecture. The VDC is part of Sun’s VDA, and many subcomponents, scripts, etc., use vda as a prefix.

Virtual Desktop Connector (VDC) agent

A Windows service that runs on each virtual machine host to coordinate actions received from the virtualization server and handle interaction with virtual machines.

Virtual Desktop Connector (VDC) client

A client process that locates and manages connections with the virtual desktop on behalf of the user.

Virtual Desktop Connector (VDC) tools

A Windows service that manages RDP connections.

virtual desktop

A virtual machine containing a desktop instance that is executed and managed within the virtual desktop infrastructure, currently a Windows XP or Vista desktop accessed through RDP.

virtual desktop pool

A folder within VirtualCenter that contains virtual desktops sharing the same characteristics.

virtual disk

A file or set of files that appears as a physical disk drive to a guest operating system. These files can be on the host machine or on a remote file system. See also physical disk.

virtual display client

A Sun Ray DTU.

virtual machine

A virtualized x86 PC environment in which a guest operating system and associated application software can run. Multiple virtual machines can operate on the same host system concurrently.

virtual machine configuration file

A file containing a virtual machine configuration, created when you create the virtual machine. It specifies which virtual devices, such as disks and memory, are present in a virtual machine and how they are mapped to host files and devices.

virtual network

A network connecting virtual machines that does not depend on physical hardware connections.