terminology

What is a Hosted Desktop Server?

Hosted desktop as servers are commonly referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs). It is software, firmware or hardware which creates and runs virtual machines (VMs). A hypervisor allows numerous guest VMs to share a single host's resources, such as memory and computation.

Types of Hypervisors

There are two types of hypervisors: Type 1 and Type 2. Virtualisation may be conducted through the use of the two distinct types of hypervisors.

Both hypervisor hardware models provide the simultaneous operation of running several virtual servers for numerous clients on a single physical machine. Public cloud service providers rent server space on various virtual servers to various businesses. One server may host numerous virtual desktop servers, each of which is handling a distinct company's workload.

The primary distinction between Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors is that hypervisor Type 1 runs on bare metal, whereas hypervisor Type 2 operates on top of an operating system. The total number of Type 1 hypervisor levels are 3, compared to Type 2 hypervisor which has 4 levels. Each hypervisor type also has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, as well as distinct use cases.

To minimise hypervisor vulnerabilities, hypervisor security is the process of ensuring the hypervisor remains safe and secure throughout its life, allowing the software to continue enabling virtualisation.

Type 1 Hypervisors

A Type 1 hypervisor, also referred to as the “bare metal hypervisor”, acts like a lightweight operating system and runs directly above the level of the host’s physical hardware of the host machine.

This is the same hypervisor type which is used by GoCloud.

This is considered to be the best performing and most efficient for computing businesses since it has direct access to the underlying hardware and does not require any other Operating Systems to be loaded.

They are also considered to be extremely secure, as the flaws that afflict Operating Systems are frequently absent from Type 1 hypervisors, thus eliminating the underlying OS. As a result, each VM is separated from the others, and this isolation protects them from harmful activity or threats.

Microsoft Hyper-Vison, Citrix XenServer and Oracle VM are all examples of Type 1 hypervisors platforms.

Type 2 Hypervisors

A Type 2 hypervisor, also referred to as the “hosted hypervisor”, runs as a software layer on an operating system, the same as other computer programs.

As it is a “hosted hypervisor”, it relies on the host machine's operating system to perform certain tasks, such as handling CPU calls, managing network resources and managing memory and storage. As a result, Type 2 hypervisors are capable of supporting a broad range of hardware.

While the aim of Type 1 and Type 2 hypervisors are identical, Type 2 hypervisor vulnerability is the use of the underlying Operating System which creates considerable delay. This is because all of the VM's operations and tasks have to pass via the host OS, thus slowing it down.

Microsoft Virtual PC, Oracle Virtual Box and VMware Workstation are all examples of Type 2 hypervisors platforms.

Switch to hosted desktops

If you would like to use Hosted Desktop Servers for your business, we can transition each member of your team over to their very own hosted desktop without any disruption to your business.

If you’re ready to make the switch, get in touch on 01482 751133 or email hello@gocloud.co.uk to find out more.

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