Specifications

DeTOS 7 Administration Manual

6.0 VDI Blaster

6.1 What is VDI Blaster?

VDI Blaster allows you to repurpose your current Windows XP based PCs into stateless thin client devices. It extends the

useful life of your hardware and allows you to manage your PCs centrally using Devon IT’s Echo Thin Client

management software. VDI Blaster can be installed without erasing the existing XP installation, and can be uninstalled at

any time reverting the PC back to its normal Windows OS boot mode. When PCs reach end of life, they can simply be

replaced by a thin client with minimal disruption.

Exceptions within VDI Blaster

VDI Blaster does not currently support local storage options.

VDI Blaster currently does not support x11 and No Machines connections.

VDI Blaster’s Control Panel does not have a network tab.

VDI Blaster currently does not support VPN connection.

6.2 VDI Blaster Installation Methods

6.2.1 Standard Installation Method

There standard installation method for VDI Blaster is the Windows Installer Executable.

 vdi-blaster-<date and version>-wininstaller.exe: Using this executable, VDI Blaster can be

installed without erasing the existing XP installation. Uninstall it at any time to revert the PC back to its normal

Windows OS boot mode. See section 1.6 for more information.

6.2.2 Other Installation Methods

Devon IT offers two alternative types of installation for VDI Blaster. Both features listed below are offered in ISO (.iso)

formats. You may use CD burning software to write the ISO image to a CD or use Unetbootin to write the image to a

bootable USB Flash Drive.

 vdi-blaster-<date and version>-hdinstall.iso: If you prefer to overwrite your PC's existing

operating system with VDI Blaster DeTOS, then you may use the hdinstall iso. Please note, this will overwrite all

contents of your current hard disk and if you choose to reinstall the original operating system sometime again in

the future, then you will need to do so with your PC's original installation CD.

 vdi-blaster-<date and version>-livecd.iso: This version of VDI Blaster allows you to run DeTOS on

a PC without altering the current operating system or files already installed on your computer's hard drive. DeTOS

will run completely off of the USB Flash Drive or CD media and is a great way to test VDI Blaster without actually

installing it.

Aside from a few minor exceptions, the DeTOS that runs on Devon IT thin clients and the DeTOS

that is installed via VDI Blaster are essentially the same operating system.