Publishing an application as a RemoteApp is a key task under AZ-140 Configuring and Operating Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop specialist exam. In this article, we’re going to dive into what RemoteApp is, the process of publishing the application, and some best practices in managing your RemoteApp applications. We would explore examples and walk-throughs to provide a deeper understanding of the concept.
What is a RemoteApp?
RemoteApp is a feature in Windows Server that enables users to run Windows applications from the server, except these applications appear as if they’re running on the user’s local device.
Here, the process and resources required by the application are handled by the server, while the user interacts with it as if it’s a regular local application. This removes the need for installing the applications on each user system, offering a streamlined approach to application deployment and management.
Publishing an Application as a RemoteApp in Azure Virtual Desktop
One fundamental task in configuring and deploying Azure Virtual Desktop is to publish applications as a RemoteApp. This process essentially involves three stages:
- Creation of a Host Pool: The first thing to do is to create a Host Pool. This can be done from the Azure portal or using PowerShell for scripting.
- Adding Virtual Machines (VMs) to the Host Pool: After the Host Pool is ready, the next step is to add VMs to it. Note that these VMs should have the required applications and dependencies installed that you wish to publish as RemoteApps.
- Publish the Applications on the Host Pool: Finally, the application can be published as a RemoteApp from the Azure portal or using PowerShell.
Given below is an example using Azure portal:
- Step 1: After logging in to your Azure portal, navigate to ‘Azure Virtual Desktop’.
- Step 2: From the ‘Azure Virtual Desktop’ screen, select the ‘Host Pools’ option and then choose the Host Pool you want to publish your application from.
- Step 3: In the Host Pool dashboard, select ‘Application groups’ then ‘Add’.
- Step 4: In the ‘Add Application Group’ blade, provide a name for your application group, select ‘RemoteApp’ as the application type, and select the Host Pool you want to use.
- Step 4: On the ‘Applications’ tab, click on ‘Add’ to add an application. You will have to provide intimate details about the application, such as path and name.
- Step 5: Click the ‘Review + create’ button and ‘Create’ after reviewing your settings to publish your application as a RemoteApp.
Best Practices for managing RemoteApp applications
- Monitor Performance: As with all server-based solutions, it’s recommended to closely monitor the performance and usage of your RemoteApp implementation to solve potential issues proactively.
- Assigning User Access: It’s crucial to efficiently manage who has access to your Remote Apps. By assigning ‘Application groups’, you can control user access to specific RemoteApps.
- Consider Application Compatibility: While many applications can be deployed as RemoteApps, some may not perform optimally or be compatible with deployment in this way. It’s recommended to first test the application before rolling it out fully.
In conclusion, understanding how to publish an application as a RemoteApp in Azure Virtual Desktop is a critical skill for AZ-140 exam aspirants. Doing this effectively can help streamline the application deployment and keep the applications centrally managed and controlled, thereby improving the overall reliability and security.
Practice Test
True/False: RemoteApp supports both Windows and Linux applications.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Azure RemoteApp supports both Windows and Linux applications, allowing users to access them from anywhere.
A RemoteApp program runs on the ____
- a. User’s local device
- b. Company’s local server
- c. Azure Virtual Desktop
- d. None of the above
Answer: c. Azure Virtual Desktop
Explanation: A RemoteApp program runs on the Azure Virtual Desktop and shows on the user’s local device.
True/False: In order for an application to be published as a RemoteApp, the application needs to be installed on Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Before an application can be published as a RemoteApp, it needs to be installed on Azure Virtual Desktop.
Which PowerShell command is used to publish a RemoteApp?
- a. New-AzureRmRemoteAppCollection
- b. New-AzureADUser
- c. New-AzureRmRemoteAppProgram
- d. None of the above
Answer: a. New-AzureRmRemoteAppCollection
Explanation: The PowerShell command New-AzureRmRemoteAppCollection is used to publish a RemoteApp.
True/False: All users assigned to the Azure AD group have access to the published RemoteApp.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: Once the RemoteApp is published, all users assigned to the Azure AD group will have access to it.
The RemoteApp programs published in Azure Virtual Desktop can be accessed through ___.
- a. Any Internet-connected device
- b. Only Windows devices
- c. Only devices connected to the company’s local network
- d. None of the above
Answer: a. Any Internet-connected device
Explanation: The RemoteApp programs published in Azure Virtual Desktop can be accessed through any device that has an Internet connection.
True/False: The RemoteApp runs on the user’s local computer.
- True
- False
Answer: False.
Explanation: The RemoteApp runs on the Azure Virtual Desktop, not on the user’s local computer.
When you publish an application as a RemoteApp, what services do you need to configure?
- a. Azure Storage
- b. Azure Active Directory
- c. Azure Key Vault
- d. All of the above
Answer: b. Azure Active Directory
Explanation: When publishing an application as a RemoteApp, you only need to configure Azure Active Directory.
In the context of Azure Virtual Desktop, what does the term “publish” mean?
- a. Making an application available to users
- b. Making an application available to developers
- c. Creating a new version of an application
- d. None of the above
Answer: a. Making an application available to users
Explanation: In the context of Azure Virtual Desktop, “publish” refers to making an application available to users.
True/False: You can publish multiple RemoteApp programs within a single Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: True.
Explanation: You can publish multiple RemoteApp programs within a single Azure Virtual Desktop, allowing users to have access to multiple apps from anywhere.
Interview Questions
What is Azure RemoteApp?
Azure RemoteApp is a service that allows applications to be run on the Azure cloud and accessed remotely, providing the performance of the local application.
What is the first step to publish an application as a RemoteApp?
The first step is to create a RemoteApp collection. A RemoteApp collection consists of Azure virtual machines and a set of applications that you want to make available to users.
How can you add users to access the Azure RemoteApp?
You can add users to an Azure RemoteApp collection by selecting the collection, then adding users via Azure Active Directory.
Which panel allows you to manage and monitor your published RemoteApp programs?
The “Published Programs” panel in Azure portal allows you to manage and monitor your published RemoteApp programs.
How can an application be published as a RemoteApp?
An application can be published as a RemoteApp by first installing the application on an Azure virtual machine, and then publishing it using the RemoteApp tool.
What happens if you do not set a start program in the properties of your RemoteApp?
If you do not set a start program in the properties of your RemoteApp, the user will see the full desktop upon launching RemoteApp.
Can the RemoteApp programs be restricted based on user roles?
Yes, you can define who has access to each RemoteApp program by selecting users or user groups from Azure Active Directory.
What is the advantage of using Azure RemoteApp?
The advantage of using Azure RemoteApp is that it allows you to run applications in the Azure cloud, which can be remotely accessed from anywhere and on any device.
Can you modify the properties of a RemoteApp after it’s been published?
Yes, you can modify the properties of a published RemoteApp. However, you must unpublish the RemoteApp first, make the necessary changes, and then republish it.
How can you update a RemoteApp application?
To update a RemoteApp application, you would need to unpublish the app, update the application on the RemoteApp image, then republish the app.
What is used to secure the data and connections within Azure RemoteApp?
Azure RemoteApp uses Secure Socket Layer (SSL) to secure the data and connections.
Are there limits to the number of users that can use an Azure RemoteApp?
Yes, there are limits to the number of users that can use a RemoteApp. The limit is dependant on the plan you select when creating your RemoteApp collection.
What is the purpose of the Azure Active Directory in relation to Azure RemoteApp?
Azure Active Directory is used to manage user access to the Azure RemoteApp. It defines who has access to which published RemoteApp programs.
What types of applications can you publish on Azure RemoteApp?
You can publish any Windows-based applications on Azure RemoteApp as long as they are compatible with Windows Server.
Can users save their work when using Azure RemoteApp?
Yes, users can save their work in Azure RemoteApp. The work is saved in a user-specific folder in Azure Storage.
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