RDS vs VM for Home computers

[01189998819991197253]

So I am going to be building a home server for network storage, Plex media server, small-time rendering services for video editing, etc.

Since I am building a server for these other purposes, I would also like to test out either virtualizing all home PC’s for my home (we have about 10 PC’s currently) or using Windows RDS.

The purpose of this is to be able to lower overall costs of purchasing new laptops with decent performance and buy much cheaper laptops with lower performance and essentially offload all processing to the server.

Either way, Remote access outside of the home will not be an issue. I am willing to run Linux based server or Windows based server.

Which would be the smartest option to achieve my goal of keeping all processing on the server to replace every computer in my home?

[Bruce]

IT Crowd fan I see. and you really did get a better looking first responder!

things like Office, Adobe Reader, iTunes etc are still going to run of each PC aren’t they, so don’t you still want those PC’s to be nice and quick?

Servers are just data repositories for files, they allow you to have a Domain Controller and Active Directory to control access.

[01189998819991197253]

Haha yep! I wasn’t sure if anyone would catch on to the name haha.

Either virtualization or Windows Remote Desktop services would allow for individualized profiles to run their own instances of Office, iTunes, etc.

Theoretically with either of these options, all processing, except the processing required to boot, run the OS, and run the remote access client, could be offloaded to the server. I am just not sure the best way to make that happen.

[Bruce]

you should have added the pause at the end - …725…3 to make it really obvious.

OK, so your going to RDP into the Server from the laptop and start Office (for example) from the Server itself, OK, I’m with you now.
VM’s run on the local PC, so on the laptop you could have a VM with Linux say. don’t see how a VM will help you.
And I have seen one office environment where they had about 7 staff all RDP into their Server and do exactly what you are describing; they were RDP’ing to use Office and Reckon, effectively making their desktops just thin clients.

[phillpower2]

Thread closed due to lack of feedback from the OP.