Archive for November, 2013

Info: IGEL will not deliver the DVI->VGA Adapter by default anymore together with a thin client.

Thursday, November 28th, 2013

Hello Folks,

maybe this is important for you…

In the past IGEL has delivered a free DVI to VGA Adapter with every device, this has changed now and new ordered devices will not come with a DVI->VGA Adapter anymore (Starting with the first of december 2013).

IGEL's DVI to VGA Adapter

IGEL’s DVI to VGA Adapter

Why? I believe a lot of people don’t use it and in this case it is Β just useless waste; but this is only my unterstanding.

The good news: You can order the adapter together with the Thin Clients and this order is for FREE but you should not forget it if these Adapters are required for a roll out.

Cheers
Michael

Tip: cloud-client.info FAQ Area contains now more then 200 different FAQ’s

Thursday, November 21st, 2013

Hello Folks,

i got a couple of questions during the last time and a lot new answers can now be found here: http://www.cloud-client.info/faq/

Cheers
Michael

P.S.: No, it doesn’t contains any tips related to FreeCiv… πŸ™‚

Fun with the IGEL Linux: FreeCiv for IGEL LX/OS based Clients

Thursday, November 21st, 2013

Hello Folks,

this pack is the result of a small discussion during a event, content: What are our favorite all-time games?

After a couple of time we agree that Sid Meier’s Civilization is one of the most favorite game for IT Guy’s and someone came up with the point “He, it would be great to play it on an IGEL Thin Client.. …but this will not work on a thin client.”

It works and here is the result!

Fun: FreeCiv for the IGEL Linux

Fun: FreeCiv for the IGEL Linux

Download is available here: Download

So where is my beer now… πŸ™‚

Have fun!

Michael

P.S.: This is not a serious article or important for any business IT. πŸ˜€ This is also posting 300 in this blog and don’t have to be serious… ..but it demonstrates what can be done with the custom partition feature.

Solution: TrueCrypt for IGEL Linux (x86)

Monday, November 18th, 2013

Hello Folks,

there is a new OS Extension available, i’ve created this already some time ago but i was asked to provide it if possible. So here you go…

 

TrueCrypt 7.0a for IGEL Linux (x86)

TrueCrypt 7.0a for IGEL Linux (x86)

You can find the download here: Download

Cheers
Michael

Tip (Update): Runtime display resolution change for IGEL Linux based devices (without UMS and local IGEL Setup)

Friday, November 15th, 2013

Hi Folks,

i got a request for a resolution change solution which allows the user a resolution change without contact the helpdesk or using the IGEL Setup via an icon on a desktop or maybe a hotkey.

First of all: This will not have an impact on running session like RDP/ICA or whatever, the user needs to do this before he starts any session!!!

Preparing the solution:

You need to figure out what display types/connector’s you are using for example for the UD2 Multimedia/IZ1 you have VGA and DVI-D. If you are not quite clear what you have to use here go to the client which should get the solutions and open a terminal session, log in as root and execute the command “xrandr -q”. This command will give you all supported resolutions including the available display connector names. Write it down and also the resolutions you want to use (this can be more or less as mentioned in the IGEL Setup depending on the connector/display(!)).

Okay… Now the funny part, open the profile in the UMS and/or the local IGEL Setup; in my sample i will create two add-on sessions to switch between 1280×1024 and 1024×768 for the VGA and the DVI-D port on a IZ1/UD2-Multimedia.

In the profile/igel setup browse to System->Firmware Customization->Custom Commands->Desktop Commands->Custom Command Desktop Final and add the following script.

#Generate 1280×1024 script
echo “#!/bin/sh” > /config/sessions/res0
echo “xrandr –output VGA –mode 1280×1024 –pos 0x0 –rotate normal” >> /config/sessions/res0
echo “xrandr –output DVI-D –mode 1280×1024 –pos 0x0 –rotate normal” >> /config/sessions/res0
chmod 777 /config/sessions/res0
#Generate 1024×768 script
echo “#!/bin/sh” > /config/sessions/res1
echo “xrandr –output VGA –mode 1024×768 –pos 0x0 –rotate normal” >> /config/sessions/res1
echo “xrandr –output DVI-D –mode 1024×768 –pos 0x0 –rotate normal” >> /config/sessions/res1
chmod 777 /config/sessions/res1

Update:

If you want to start the last user display configuration after a thin client restart use this script:

#Generate 1280×1024 script
echo “#!/bin/sh” > /config/sessions/res0
echo “xrandr –output VGA –mode 1280×1024 –pos 0x0 –rotate normal” >> /config/sessions/res0
echo “xrandr –output DVI-D –mode 1280×1024 –pos 0x0 –rotate normal” >> /config/sessions/res0
echo “cp /config/sessions/res0 /wfs/lastres”>>/config/sessions/res0
echo “chmod 777 /wfs/lastres” >> /config/sessions/res0
chmod 777 /config/sessions/res0
#Generate 1024×768 script
echo “#!/bin/sh” > /config/sessions/res1
echo “xrandr –output VGA –mode 1024×768 –pos 0x0 –rotate normal” >> /config/sessions/res1
echo “xrandr –output DVI-D –mode 1024×768 –pos 0x0 –rotate normal” >> /config/sessions/res1
echo “cp /config/sessions/res1 /wfs/lastres”>>/config/sessions/res1
echo “chmod 777 /wfs/lastres” >> /config/sessions/res1
chmod 777 /config/sessions/res1
chmod 777 /wfs
/wfs/lastres

This will copy the last executed script to the /wfs folder and will execute it during the boot up (last line in script), of course you can use also a custom application with the enabled autostart option for this. Attention: in this case we have to make the /wfs folder writable for the user to copy the script in the permanent folder, this could be a security issue depending on other applied configurations like a teminal session that is available for the user. This will also bypass any resolution configuration coming from the UMS!

This will create two scripts in the /config/sessions folder, i’ve added two xrand lines per script to bring both available display connectors to the same resolution (if they are available or not…). You can also add different resolutions to it or configure the rotation, for more options see the xrandr documentation here:Β http://www.x.org/wiki/Projects/XRandR/

Good.. Now we have the script(s) and need to bring them available for the user… In the same profile browse to custom appliaction which is also located in the System part of the profile/setup. Per script you want to deploy add a custom application and configure it like shown in the screenshot:

 

Configure the session to switch to a resolution

Configure the session to switch to a resolution

You can configure the Desktop Integration Options as you like: A hotkey, where should the session be shown and so on.

Apply the configuration/profile and you are good to go after a thin client reboot…

You can do much more with it (screen rotation and so on), feel free to play around with it but please note: As soon you reboot the client (if script one is used) or apply a new configuration thru the IGEL Setup/UMS the default resolution is applied again! If a script is not working check out that you have configured a valid resolution/display connector like mentioned above.

Update: You can also use xrandr -s 1440×900 (resolution) if you don’t want to configure seperate screens, this will always configure the default screen. See also the xrandr documentation for the exact syntax because wordpress will corrupt some characters in the script syntax.

Have Fun

Michael

P.S.: This is not official supported by IGEL Technology, no warranty or anything else from my side… πŸ™‚

Release: IGEL Universal Desktop LX 1.07.200 for ARM based IGEL Thin Clients

Thursday, November 14th, 2013

IGEL Universal Desktop LX
=========================
Version 1.07.200
Nov 11 2013
Versions
========
– Citrix Receiver 12.5.0.226119
– IGEL RDP Client 1.0
– VMware View client 2.0.0-1049726
– Leostream Java Connect 2.4.57.0
– Firefox 20.0
– Xorg X11 Server 1.10.4
– Xorg Xephyr 1.10.4
– PC/SC Lite 1.8.1
– MUSCLE CCID Driver 1.4.5

=======================
Fixed bugs:
=======================

– [base system] : Enabled Browser Sessions on the IZ1-RFX

Release: IGEL Linux 5.01.170 for x86 based IGEL Thin Clients

Thursday, November 14th, 2013

IGEL Linux
==========
Version 5.01.170
Nov 08 2013
Supported devices: UD2-LX, UD3-LX, UD5-LX, UD9-LX, UD10-LX
IZ2-RFX, IZ2-HDX, IZ2-HORIZON, IZ3-RFX, IZ3-HDX, IZ3-HORIZON
Versions
========
– Citrix Receiver 12.1.8.250715
– Citrix Access Gateway Standard Plug-in 4.6.3.0800
– IGEL Legacy RDP Client 1.0
– IGEL RDP Client 2.0
– FabulaTech USB for Remote Desktop 3.1.2
– VMware View client 2.1.0-1213173
– Quest vWorkspace Client 7.6
– Leostream Java Connect 2.4.57.0
– Ericom PowerTerm 9.2.0.6.20091224.1-_rc_-25848
– Ericom Webconnect 5.6.0.4000-rel.20413
– IBM iSeriesAccess 7.1.0-1.0
– Firefox 17.0.8
– Totem Media Player 2.30.2
– Voip Client Ekiga 3.2.7
– Thinlinc Client 3.2.0
– NX Client 3.5.0-7
– Cisco VPN Client 4.8.02.0030-k9
– ThinPrint Client 7.0.58
– Xorg X11 Server 1.11.4
– Xorg Xephyr 1.7.6
– PC/SC Lite 1.8.1
– MUSCLE CCID Driver 1.4.5
– Omnikey CCID Driver 3.6.0
– Omnikey RFID Driver 2.7.2
– SCM Microsystems CCID Driver 5.0.27
– Safenet / Aladdin eToken Driver 8.0.5-0
– A.E.T SafeSign PKCS#11 Library 3.0.1785
– Gemalto .NET PKCS#11 Library 2.1.0
– SecMaker NetID PKCS#11 Library 6.0.1.44
– Client 0.8 for RedHat Enterprise Virtualization Desktops 3
– INTEL Graphics Driver 2.17.0
– ATI Graphics Driver 6.14.99_git20111219
– VIA Graphics Driver 5.76.52.92-113169
– 2X Client 10.1-1263
======================
Known issues:
======================
[RDP]
– Following features are not supported with IGEL RDP Client 2.0:
– Audio and Video Multimedia Redirection
– 16bit display color depth
Workaround: Enable RDP legacy mode in
IGEL Setup -> Sessions -> RDP -> RDP Global -> Options page

[Client for RedHat Enterprise Virtualization for Desktops 3]
– USB Redirection is not supported in this firmware

[Quest vWorkspace]
– Multimedia Redirection:
Sound redirection is not working with WMV/WMA streams
– USB Redirection does not work reliable

[SAP GUI]
– Removed support for SAP GUI for the Java Environment session

[VPN]
– Removed support for NCP Secure Client

[Network]
– Removed support for Dial Up ADSL connections
– 802.1x ethernet authentication can not be canceled, although registry key
“network.interfaces.ethernet.device0.ieee8021x.secure_only” or
“network.interfaces.ethernet.device1.ieee8021x.secure_only”
is unchecked

[Smartcard]
– Removed support for German Health Care “Card Reader” session

======================
IGEL Linux 5.01.170
======================
stable build based on 5.01.160
======================
Fixed bugs:
======================
– Fixed Egalax touch screen function after system suspend and resume
– IZ2-RFX, IZ2-HORIZON, IZ3-RFX, IZ3-HORIZON:
Added Browser and Flash Player support

======================
IGEL Linux 5.01.160
======================
stable build based on 5.01.110
======================
Fixed bugs:
======================
– Fixed Egalax touch screen support
– Fixed Tsharc touch screen support

Release: Citrix VDI-in-a-Box 5.4

Wednesday, November 13th, 2013

Hello Folks,

if you already using Citrix VDI-in-a-Box you should get a look on the new release 5.4 which comes with couple of new cool features:

– Support for Microsoft Windows Server 2012R2 Hyper-V incl. shared storage
– Support for Windows 8.1 virtual desktops
– Support for VMWare vSphere ESXi 5.5 as Hypervisor
– Build-in HTML5 device support (Browser needs to support it)
– Much improved SSL certificate handling
– Follow me Desktop (shared/dedicated User accounts)
– Improved VM image/template handling
– Remote Assistance support
– Support for multiple AD’s
– Storefront Smart Card support if Storefront is used (seperate download!)
– Wizard based upgrade path to XenDesktop 7 if required

I will test it soon together with the IGEL Linux V5 πŸ™‚

Cheers

Michael

Tip: Fixing RDP session issues with IGEL Linux V5.x.x

Wednesday, November 13th, 2013

Hello Folks,

it might happen that you run into issues with RDP Sessions in the new IGEL Linux, this is currently very rare but in the case that a RDP Session did not work for you anymore after you have updated from IGEL Linux V4 to V5 you should try the setting RDP Legacy Mode. You will find this setting in the Setup->Sessions->RDP->RDP Global->Options.

If this fixes the issue for you i recommend to contact IGEL and provide some details about your Remote Desktop Services setup.

Cheers

Michael

P.S.: I got this only two times, so from my point it’s really rare but it might help. πŸ˜‰

Fun with the UD5: Building a Thin Server (Updated)

Friday, November 8th, 2013

Hello Folks,

this is a project done some time ago, the device is now been used nearly six months 24/7 and i did not got any issue with it.. So time for posting it.

First of all: If you do this you will loose your warranty! That’s it and quite simple…

Reason why i did this: I needed a very compact test environment/server providing enough resources to host a Windows Server 2012 incl the Hyper-V and some other roles for demonstration/test scenarios with a low power consumption (required, has to be used in a car/van if needed). So the new UD5 dual core was very promising to be right for this job.

The base UD5 device did not fit to my requirements:

– Supporting two seperate WiFi Networks (one via extension food,one inbuild)
– RAM extension to min. 4GB RAM
– External ESATA connection available
– Increased SSD Size to min. 128 GB
– No external extensions without the power supply

So i did start in the easy way and ordered a half size MiniPCIExpress WiFi Module (~20 US$ @ Ebay), a SATA extension cable (8inch/20cm, 22pins likeΒ http://www.amazon.com/SATA-Male-Female-Extension-Cable/dp/B00366PSC0, don’t use a longer cable;You will not get it into the case!), a PCI Express ESATA card, 4GB RAM and a 128 GB SSD.Β  (I did not say that this was a cheap project… πŸ™‚ )

First of all the “easy” part…

Simple to include: RAM extension, WiFi module and ESATA controller

Simple to include: RAM extension, WiFi module and ESATA controller

The grey and black wire are for the WiFi antenas, i’ve placed them in the front plate because i needed the signal in the front direction.

Now the difficult part… Placing the SSD in the case, it’s tricky but it can be done… In the front side on top of the smart card reader is just enough room to host the SSD but you need something to mount it. Where is my drill?

I need a place to mount the SSD, who needs warranty? :-)

I need a place to mount the SSD, who needs warranty? πŸ™‚

Looks better now…. Now let me insert the SSD. (The inbuild smart card reader don’t need to be removed!)

Inbuild SSD, fit's exactly in this place... :-)

Inbuild SSD, fit’s exactly in this place… πŸ™‚

Fit’s exactly! After a quick assembling the device is now used for a long time and the client ups… server will not get to hot or something like this (Zero time of failure until now). So for me this is the perfect solution. The SSD is running a pre-installed Windows Server 2012 Standard (already upgraded to R2) via VHD boot to provide a very simple way to upgrade/backup the Server.

Oh i forgot… This is not supported by IGEL Technology in any way! I would also not use a HDD for this solution, a SSD requires less power,produces less heat compared to a HDD and is not as rough for mobile use like a SSD.

Of course you can say… Why not using a Laptop? Try to find a “silent” Laptop providing two WiFi cards, inbuild smart card reader, eSATA, DVI/Display Port/VGA connectors, two serial Ports, 4 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 Ports, 1 LPT Port (extension food) for max. connectivity and with a >~20W power consumption in total. No chance!

 

Add-On: I’ve been asked if this can be done with an UD3… Yes but in this case you will loose your SSD warranty and the UD3 can not host a external SATA Controller or a 4GB RAM extension(only max. 2GB!) and the UD3 do not support VT to run a Hypervisor. By default the UD3 can not host a SSD Drive but mostly all SSD’s are using less then 30% of there case… A normal 2.5″ SSD case can not be mounted in the UD3 (not possible) but if you open the SSD case you will see that the “pure” SSD is not much larger as the inbuild SSD Drive coming from IGEL. Before you open the SSD case figure out how the SSD looks inside in advance (for example the SSD i’ve used:Β http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/storage/2013/01/28/sandisk-ultra-plus-256gb-review/6). You will loose your warranty!!! I will not provide any warranty for this! πŸ™‚ You can proceed in this way also for the UD5 (and save the extension cable) but for my personal use i decide to not go in this way…

Have fun!

Michael

 

Info: Most important Remote Desktop Services changes in Windows Server 2012 R2

Wednesday, November 6th, 2013

Hi Folks,

i’ve looked out for all changes related to the changes in the Remote Desktop Services coming with Windows Server 2012 R2 compared to Windows Server 2012.

After looking around a little bit i found the most important ones:

1) RemoteFX Media Streaming improved to use up to 50% less network bandwidth.
2) RemoteFX Codec improvement to require less bandwidth for non-video content.
3) Full support for transparent windows like used in Office 2013.
4) Dynamic monitor and resolution change support.
5) DirectX 11.1 support for RemoteFX
6) Quick reconnect time, improved from up to 70 seconds to less than 10 seconds.
7) Session shadowing for a virtual machine-based desktop and RemoteApp.
8) Remote Desktop Services roles are now supported on a Domain Controller.
9) Nested RDP support (Session in Session)

Not directly RDS related:

1) Data Depuplication will now also support in use VHD(x) files.
2) Network Card Teaming will increase the total bandwidth.

Cheers

Michael

P.S.: The registry tweak to show the Desktop session and also the RemoteApps in the RD Web Interface, if only one Desktop collection is used, will still work ([HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Terminal Server\CentralPublishedResources\PublishedFarms\Desktop\RemoteDesktops\Desktop] -> ShowInPortal set to 1).

Release: IGEL Universal Desktop LX (ARM/SoC) 1.07.110

Tuesday, November 5th, 2013

IGEL Universal Desktop LX
=========================
Version 1.07.110
Oct 15 2013
Versions
========
– Citrix Receiver 12.5.0.226119
– IGEL RDP Client 1.0
– VMware View client 2.0.0-1049726
– Leostream Java Connect 2.4.57.0
– Firefox 20.0
– Xorg X11 Server 1.10.4
– Xorg Xephyr 1.10.4
– PC/SC Lite 1.8.1
– MUSCLE CCID Driver 1.4.5
==================
Notes:
==================
IMPORTANT: If you install this firmware you cannot downgrade to versions
earlier than 1.07.100.
==================
Fixed bugs:
==================

– [base system] : Fixed bootloader to prevent sudden system crashes

Solution: IGEL powered classroom for IT education

Saturday, November 2nd, 2013

Hi Folks,

we just finished the setup for a new classroom running the first Citrix Netscaler course in the upcoming week. πŸ™‚

IGEL powered Classroom @ BCD-Sintrag AG, Glattpark (Zuerich)

IGEL powered classroom @ BCD-Sintrag AG, Glattpark (Zuerich)

The room is powered with Linux based IGEL UD5 Thin Clients and completely managed with the IGEL Universal Management Suite incl. the attendee support from the teacher.

Benefit: Very fast to setup/switch between different courses, energy savings, simple attendee support for the teacher and a standard GUI for all workplaces.

Cheers

Michael

 

Tip: Bypass the Windows 8.1 Microsoft account setup

Friday, November 1st, 2013

Hi Folks,

i get very often questions how the Microsoft account Setup during the Windows 8.1 installation can be bypassed. Reason is simple, in Windows 8 you could select a small Button to use a local account during the account setup, but this is not available anymore in Windows 8.1.

To setup a local Account it’s very simple to do… Just enter some email crap in the Microsoft account setup like shown in this screenshot:

Bypass the Microsoft Account Setup during Windows 8.1 installation.

Bypass the Microsoft account Setup during Windows 8.1 installation.

Now proceed and you will get some information’s that the mail/password is not correct.. Yes πŸ™‚ ..and a “continue without a Microsoft account button” (marked in red in the screenshot). Click on this text to proceed without a Microsoft account and that’s it… Only disadvantage: you can not use the inbuild Skydrive feature until you switch to/configured a Microsoft account.

Cheers

Michael