Chapter 13. Working with Templates

A default template is provided for each of XenServer, KVM, and vSphere. The templates that are downloaded depend on the hypervisor type that is available in your cloud. Each template is approximately 2.5 GB physical size.

The default template includes the standard iptables rules, which will block most access to the template excluding ssh.

# iptables

--list

 

 

 

 

Chain INPUT (policy

ACCEPT)

 

 

target

prot

opt

source

 

destination

RH-Firewall-1-INPUT

all

--

anywhere

anywhere

Chain FORWARD (policy ACCEPT)

 

 

target

prot

opt

source

 

destination

RH-Firewall-1-INPUT

all

--

anywhere

anywhere

Chain OUTPUT (policy ACCEPT)

 

 

target

prot

opt

source

 

destination

Chain RH-Firewall-1-INPUT (2 references)

 

target

prot

opt

source

 

destination

ACCEPT

all

--

anywhere

anywhere

 

ACCEPT

icmp

--

anywhere

anywhere

icmp any

ACCEPT

esp

--

anywhere

anywhere

 

ACCEPT

ah

--

anywhere

anywhere

 

ACCEPT

udp

--

anywhere

224.0.0.251

udp dpt:mdns

ACCEPT

udp

--

anywhere

anywhere

udp dpt:ipp

ACCEPT

tcp

--

anywhere

anywhere

tcp dpt:ipp

ACCEPT

all

--

anywhere

anywhere

state RELATED,ESTABLISHED

ACCEPT

tcp

--

anywhere

anywhere

state NEW tcp dpt:ssh

REJECT

all

--

anywhere

anywhere

reject-with icmp-host-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.5. Private and Public Templates

When a user creates a template, it can be designated private or public.

Private templates are only available to the user who created them. By default, an uploaded template is private.

When a user marks a template as “public,” the template becomes available to all users in all accounts in the user's domain, as well as users in any other domains that have access to the Zone where the template is stored. This depends on whether the Zone, in turn, was defined as private or public. A private Zone is assigned to a single domain, and a public Zone is accessible to any domain. If a public template is created in a private Zone, it is available only to users in the domain assigned to that Zone. If a public template is created in a public Zone, it is available to all users in all domains.

13.6. Creating a Template from an Existing Virtual Machine

Once you have at least one VM set up in the way you want, you can use it as the prototype for other VMs.

1. Create and start a virtual machine using any of the techniques given in Section 11.4, “Creating VMs”.

2. Make any desired configuration changes on the running VM, then click Stop.

3. Wait for the VM to stop. When the status shows Stopped, go to the next step.

4. Click Create Template and provide the following:

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Citrix Systems 4.2 manual Private and Public Templates, Creating a Template from an Existing Virtual Machine

4.2 specifications

Citrix Systems, a leading provider of virtualization solutions and cloud computing technologies, released version 4.2 of its popular software, Citrix XenApp, which was previously known as Presentation Server. This version marked a significant evolution in providing users with remote access to applications and desktops, emphasizing simplicity, performance, and security.

One of the standout features of Citrix XenApp 4.2 is its improved application streaming capabilities. This technology allows applications to be delivered to users in real-time, reducing the need for extensive local installations and enhancing the user experience. With application streaming, administrators can efficiently manage applications on a central server while ensuring that users have immediate access to the necessary tools.

Another highlight of this version is the enhanced security measures put in place to protect sensitive data. Citrix XenApp 4.2 includes support for SSL encryption, providing a secure communication channel for data transmitted between the server and clients. This is particularly crucial for businesses that need to comply with strict data protection regulations. Additionally, the integration of endpoint security features ensures that unauthorized access to applications is minimized.

Performance enhancements are also a critical focus in this release. Citrix optimized the delivery of applications over various network conditions, ensuring that users experience minimal latency regardless of their location. This was achieved through the incorporation of SmartAccess and SmartControl technologies, which allow administrators to set policies based on user roles, device types, and network conditions. This level of granularity enables organization-wide security without compromising on usability.

The user experience was further improved with a revamped interface, making it easier for end-users to access their applications and data. Simplified menus, clear navigation paths, and the ability to customize user settings contributed to a more efficient workflow, allowing users to focus on their tasks rather than struggling with the software.

Finally, Citrix XenApp 4.2 was designed to be highly scalable. Organizations of all sizes could deploy this solution to deliver applications efficiently, adapting to their specific needs as their user base grows or changes. This flexibility is crucial for businesses looking to future-proof their IT investments while maintaining optimal performance.

In summary, Citrix XenApp 4.2 stands out with its enhanced application streaming, robust security features, improved performance under varying conditions, user-friendly interface, and scalability, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking to leverage virtualization for remote access to applications and desktops.