220-1101 Question 361
Single answerDesktop virtualizationA small business wants to let employees use their existing low-spec desktop PCs to access full Windows 11 workstations that are centrally managed in the server room. The company wants user data and applications to remain on centralized systems so that replacing a failed desk-side PC requires little more than reconnecting a monitor and logging in again. Which solution best meets these requirements?
- A
Deploy virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) so users connect to hosted desktop VMs from their local PCs
- B
Install a Type 2 hypervisor on each employee PC and run a Windows 11 virtual machine locally
- C
Configure dual-boot on each desktop so users can choose between two Windows installations
- D
Upgrade each desktop with more RAM and storage, then install applications locally on every PC
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The best answer is VDI because the scenario specifically describes centralized desktop hosting, centralized management, and minimal dependency on endpoint hardware. In a VDI deployment, users connect from thin clients or existing PCs to virtual desktop instances running on servers. This approach aligns with common desktop virtualization best practices: keep the desktop image, applications, and often user profiles in the data center so support staff can manage systems centrally and recover quickly from endpoint failures. By contrast, local virtualization with a Type 2 hypervisor still relies on the local computer's resources, and dual-boot is not a virtualization solution for centrally managed desktops. CompTIA A+ Core 1 commonly distinguishes between local virtualization and desktop virtualization delivered from centralized infrastructure, and this scenario clearly fits hosted virtual desktops rather than locally run VMs.
- A. Correct.
Correct. VDI hosts desktop operating systems as virtual machines on centralized servers, and users access those desktops remotely from endpoint devices. This matches the requirement for centralized management, keeping applications and user data off the local PC, and making endpoint replacement simple because the desktop environment persists in the data center rather than on the desk-side hardware.
- B. Incorrect.
Incorrect. A Type 2 hypervisor running on each local PC would still depend on the endpoint's CPU, RAM, and storage. That does not meet the goal of using low-spec systems as simple access devices, and it does not centralize desktop management or keep workloads and data in the server room.
- C. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Dual-boot provides multiple operating systems on the same physical machine, not centralized virtual desktops. User data and applications would still reside on the local device unless additional technologies were implemented, so replacing a failed PC would be more disruptive than the scenario allows.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect. Upgrading and managing each PC individually is the opposite of desktop virtualization. Although this could improve local performance, it would not provide centrally hosted desktops or simplify endpoint replacement in the way the business requested.