Introduction

Applications are the entire reason for deploying a thin client solution. Without an application, the only thing a user sees when she connects is an operating system desktop a mere shell of what she really needs.

A multitude of applications can be used on Citrix MetaFrame XP. Many applications cannot be used, however. Some run fine on the server locally, but due to their intense graphics or video, they do not perform well over a slow link. You can use variety of methods to enable compatibility and optimize performance; these methods are discussed in this chapter.

Once an application is installed, it can be published for use. Users can access the application through Program Neighborhood or NFuse. Both users and administrators should become familiar with Program Neighborhood and the ICA toolbar.

Selecting Compatible Applications

Citrix MetaFrame XP for Windows servers support the use of 16-bit and 32-bit Windows-based applications in addition to DOS applications. Careful consideration must be given to all applications that are to be installed on any Citrix MetaFrame XP server. A single application that performs poorly on a Citrix MetaFrame XP server might affect not only the user running the application but all other users connected to the same server. This poor performance could be exhibited by excessive CPU-generated tasks or excessive bandwidth. These behaviors from this single application can create an undue burden on the server, causing all other connected users to contend with this poorly performing application. Applications installed on a MetaFrame server do not...