What is VDI?

VDI stands for Virtual Desktop Infrastructure . A virtual desktop intrastructure is a virtualization tool that lets users log on to a virtual machine hosted by ISU either in the labs or over a VPN. Below is a digram of how it connects to our servers

 

What is a VPN?

A VPN or Virtual Private Network is an extension of a private network that allows students to connect to ISU's servers from their home.

 

What is a virtual machine?

A virtual machine is a software that emulates a physical computer. It can emulate most OSs such as Ubuntu or Windows.

 

What is the difference between a persistent pool and a floating pool?

A floating pool connects you to a different Virtual Machine each time. A persistent pool connects you to the same VM each time. It also gives you the ablility to install programs with permission from an instructor.