The following are some observations that I have made during preliminary tests. Disclaimer, this does not represent a exhaustive or planned QA for the environment but rather an attempt to 'jump in' and get some first impressions of the user experience for routine tasks. Second disclaimer, I have been running a Citrix proof-of-concept for the Medical School for several years. I have attempted to limit any bias in my testing/observations and strongly recommend that they are independently confirmed or denied.
Most tests were conducted from an older Windows XP machine (Dell Dimension e510) from a remote location with a high speed connection. All testing was completed via the respective web interface for each solution. Experiences on the Tufts network, using a newer computer, and/or by using their respective desktop clients may change the experience.
User Experience was at the forefront of my thoughts while I was working.
Observation |
Description |
Notes/Comments |
|---|---|---|
System resources vary |
Virtual machines are not running with the equivalent amount of resources (e.g. 2GB vs 4GB RAM) |
This may invalidate some of the observations that follow |
System configurations vary |
The virtual machines are not running with the equivalent configuration. (e.g. use of Aero restricted in the VMware virtual machines) |
This may invalidate some of the observations that follow |
Additional software is needed |
Basics such as QuickTime player and Adobe Acrobat Reader are not installed. Additional software would enable better testing of real world use |
|
At a basic level, both solutions are functional for standard tasks |
Both systems were adequate for accessing a desktop remotely when discounting the full user experience. Neither were equivalent to running locally but (basic) work could be completed if required |
|
Citrix client exposed additional features |
Settings such as screen resolution, offloading Flash, etc... were exposed via the client |
|
VMware solution has substantially more artifacts around text |
Subtle but slightly annoying artifacts are more pronounced in the VMware solution |
This will potentially be missed by some people but really annoy others |
VMware solution artifacts are more noticeable on refresh events |
A mouse over that would cause a change in the font or font-size would create artifacts that would improve after a second or two. For example, mouse over a tab in Firefox |
|
Sound quality is 'ok' when streaming tthrough Citrix |
Streaming music works but was at a noticeably lower quality that I what I would expect. |
|
VMware solution did not allow audio streaming |
Unable to stream audio locally via the VMware Desktop |
Missed setting? |
VMware has a substantial lag between typing and display of text |
The VMware solution had a substantial level of lag between when text was entered and when the updates appeared on the screen. The Citrix solution had some barely noticeable lag but was nearly real time |
|
Unable to enter full screen mode via VMware solution |
Unable to get to a full screen view of the desktop |
Possible user error? If yes, it may still be an issue for others |
Sample of artifacts