Managing and maintaining physical computers can be both costly and time-consuming, especially for companies. This is where cloud-based virtual desktops, also known as Desktop as a Service (DaaS), come in. With DaaS, you pay a monthly fee to create a virtual machine hosted in the cloud, which you can access from any device. This means you get the performance you need without being tied to your device's hardware.

One of the newest players in this field is Windows 365 by Microsoft. It offers a Windows-based computer in the cloud, running either Windows 11 or 10. The big plus is that it integrates seamlessly with Windows devices, especially Windows 11. You can even set your physical device to boot straight into the cloud desktop. Windows 365 provides various configurations, from 2 to 16 CPU cores, up to 64GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage. It runs on Azure but can also be deployed in Citrix and VMware.

Another Microsoft option is Azure Virtual Desktop. It's a pay-as-you-go service, meaning you only pay for the time you use. This can be a money-saver if you don't need a cloud PC all the time. However, it only supports Windows OS, so it's not ideal for Linux users.

Amazon WorkSpaces, running on AWS, offers a range of licensing options, including both fixed monthly fees and a hybrid pay-as-you-go model. You can choose from various operating systems like Ubuntu, Amazon Linux, or Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), as well as Windows instances. Plus, you can add bundles for apps like Microsoft Office.

Citrix DaaS, previously known as Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, is flexible and can be deployed on various platforms like Azure, Amazon WorkSpaces Core, or Google Cloud. It supports both Windows and Linux but focuses more on Windows. Pricing isn't clear upfront, so you'll need to contact them for a quote.

VMware/Omnissa Horizon Cloud, recently rebranded, focuses mainly on Windows virtual desktops and is based on a bring-your-own-license model. It relies on Azure for hosting but also offers an on-premises solution. You can access your virtual machine using a variety of devices, including Windows, ChromeOS, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

While not for everyone, virtual desktops are increasingly popular among large businesses. They simplify managing corporate devices and could become more viable for personal use in the future.

Cloud Computing: Your PC in the Sky

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