Win4Lin terminal server

Win4lin provides a very efficient and cost effective server based computing solution.   FAQ

Linux is a logical choice for use as a server operating system for a number of reasons.However , one of the most compelling is the open source model under which Linux is distributed. From its inception , Linux was developed as a network operating system making it the perfect solution for the today's networked business environment.Linux supports most of the major protocols , quite a few of the minor ones , and support for a wide variety of network hardware including old legacy equipment.Support for TCP/IP networking has been present in Linux since its inception and because it is one of the fastest and most reliable implementations , it has been one of the key factors in Linux success.

So what about windows applications which are widely used in all business environments?

With the innovative "Win4lin" technology all Windows applications can be run natively on windows OS running inside Linux as a "virtual machine". Popular applications like Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Dreamweaver and Intuit Quickbooks, plus those many custom, niche, and home-grown applications so critical to your daily routine now run in a window on Linux desktop, side-by-side with Linux application.

* Runs virtually all Windows applications from Microsoft, Intuit, Adobe, and most others
* Compatible with the latest Linux desktops (Ubuntu, Fedora, Open SuSE, Mandriva, and more)
* Share files and documents between Windows and Linux applications
* Seamless printing from Windows
* Run Windows as a "desktop-in-a-box", full-screen, or as "floating applications"
* Win4Lin Console for easy installation, backup, and management of Windows sessions
* Complex virtual machine technology is simplified with a very easy to use interface.

Using Hardware Virtualization (KVM)

On recent Intel/AMD processors, Win4Lin Pro may be able to take advantage of Hardware Virtualization (known as Intel VT or AMD-V). This technology can increase performance of virtual machines by an average of 30-60% when compared to Win4Lin Pro’s traditional Software
Virtualization. Win4Lin utilizes this technology via the KVM kernel-based Virtual Machine) driver of Linux. KVM is now the standard virtualization module of the Linux kernel, and may provide such capabilities to products other than Win4Lin Pro simultaneously. Most recent Linux distributions with kernel versions 2.6.22 or higher provide KVM services, and Win4Lin takes advantage of such facilities automatically when available.

Thus a linux terminal server combined with windows Virtual machine provide all the the advantages of server based computing and choice of Linux and windows desktops.

Snapshot mode

One of the advantages of layering windows over the Linux file system and networking facilities is enhanced performance , robustness and security. Win4lin offers a snapshot" mode to keep your guest Windows session running correctly for long periods of time. It will ensure that any changes to the virtual drive are not persistent, therefore keeping the system registry, settings, and applications from changing. It is not something you should use if you plan on constantly installing new software in Windows, but once you reach a configuration that you are comfortable with, then it makes sense to turn it on so you and protect your configuration from unintended changes or degradation. Such a lock down also prevents virus and other malware infections.

Win4lin can also be deployed in single user mode to run windows applications in Linux desktops.   FAQ

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