VMware Horizon Community
subashv4u
Contributor
Contributor

PXE Boot Solution for VDI

How to PXE boot the Zero Client in Horizon View to access the linked clones using TFTP server.

We are planning to use the old desktops as the Zero Clients. We want to boot from the PXE boot to access the non persistence linked clones or persistence disks . Is that possible to access by PXE boot.

Used Product. Horizon View 6.

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4 Replies
ryan268
Contributor
Contributor

I've got a thinstation 5 image that works via PXE boot. If you want i can build you a image for you to use.

PM me your server url and i can set it up for you.

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Baddos
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

We use the Teradici Management Console for controlling our zero clients. Enabling dns discovery allows the zero client upon bootup to query our internal dns servers for the pcoipmc server and then retrieves it's connection server and other settings.

The Management Console is free to use and pretty simple to setup.

You can download it from https://techsupport.teradici.com

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cmatthew
Contributor
Contributor

@Ryan268 Can you point me in the right direction for instructions on how to do this?  I am looking for that exact solution.

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HussamRabaya
VMware Employee
VMware Employee

Below all the ways to convert PC to thin client

1-     VDI Blaster (License cost 24$ per desktop )

converts PCs into secure, centrally manageable thin client desktops extending investments in PCs. A software tool that helps maximize the useful life of existing computer, VDI Blaster offers the benefits of a thin client, enabling enterprises of all sizes to recognize the value of thin client computing. PCs can easily be converted via USB key or a network install, instantly converting PCs to thin clients.

VDI Blaster can be used without taking the risk of erasing your existing Windows installation. To install VDI Blaster, just execute the installer on the PC you want to repurpose. After installation, the PC reboots by default in thin client mode, running Devon IT’s Terminal Operating System (DeTOS™).

In this mode repurposed PCs can be managed with Devon IT’s Thin Client Management Software. But it is still possible to reboot repurposed PCs in Windows XP mode and uninstall DeTOS to return the PC to its initial configuration (with Windows XP as the only OS).

http://www.devonit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Lenovo-VLH_Web.pdf

http://www.devonit.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/VDI_Blaster_Web.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf0Ob55b4z4

2-     Thinstation  (open source )

Thinstation is a basic and small, yet very powerful, Open Source thin client operating system supporting all major connectivity protocols: Citrix ICA, NoMachine NX, 2X ThinClient, Microsoft Windows terminal services (RDP, via RDesktop), VMWare Horizon View, Cendio ThinLinc, Tarantella, X, telnet, tn5250, VMS terminal and SSH (No special configuration of the application servers is needed to use Thinstation).

Thinstation is mainly intended for schoolroom, office, company or department use, but can be used at home (eg. for a silent PC in the bedroom that 'runs' XP on your workstation in the back room).

While Thinstation is based on Linux, users may actually never see Linux at all. If you decide to connect directly to a Microsoft Windows, Citrix or Unix server, the user will feel that they are running directly on the server. But, you can also have a local Desktop interface (with a local Browser & other tools).

Thinstation supports a Microsoft Windows-only environment and REQUIRES NO UNIX/Linux KNOWLEDGE.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lwOOjdpaig

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA2Gap8DFVk

3-     Cult

cult is an Open Source software-only network bootable thin client Operating System that provides a complete solution for thin clients, PCs or virtualized hardware

4-     Dell Wyse Wyse PC Extender

Reconfigure select legacy PCs as highly functional thin clients for secure and cost-effective desktop virtualization , it would install Wyse thin OS into old desktops which cost about 50$ per device

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