Desktop Upgrade

We are in the process of scheduling a significant upgrade to the hosted desktop platform to be fully complete by mid-July 2010. While the great majority of the work to be done to complete the upgrade will be transparent to the end user it is important that the latest version of the hosted desktop client be installed for all end users to get the best out of the service.

The current version of the desktop client has been available from the hosted desktop login site for some time and some users will already be using it but it would be sensible for all users to carry out an upgrade of the desktop client to make certain that the current version is being used.

Installing the current version will bring a number of benefits over previous versions:

• Much improved session handling will prevent the loss of data in the case of a connection to a hosted desktop being broken due to interrupted connectivity.
• Improved display options give greater flexibility in managing multiple monitors and in configuring resolution.
• Improved printer handling gives more reliable printing.
• Improved audio handling gives better support for bi-directional audio.
• Improved USB support gives access to more USB devices.

Equally importantly the current client version will be able to benefit from the improved handling of display data which will accompany the upgrades we are about to carry out to the hosted desktop platform.

Hopefully you're convinced that this needs doing so below is some detail on how it can be done.

Upgrade methods.

There are 2 methods by which the upgrade can be carried out.

1. An installer has been prepared that will automate the process of removing the exisiting client and installing the new one. Documentation for this process is available here.
   1. How to use the one-click client upgrade tool - click here
2. A manual uninstallation of the exisiting client followed by a manual installation of the new client. Documentation for this process is available at the following locations.
1. Manual Upgrade to client version 7.1 for XP - click here
2. Manual Upgrade to client version 7.1 for Vista/Windows 7 - click here
3. Notes on upgrading client on an XPE thin client device - click here