Virtual PC run from USB stick?

[FrankJH]

Wonders if anyone knows if you can run a full virtual PC running XP Pro SP2 from a usb stick?

I have been asked by work to look into how possible it is for our corporate users to have a fully workable pc running from an internet cafe (without the expense of a decent laptop)

We have a secure SSL VPN server, which users can log into remotely however this requires IE ActiveX extentions which quite often need to be installed in internet cafe's and install/admin rights arent enabled.

SO I would like to try and get a VPC running XP with fully installed Office (readers or full apps) and IE all running from usb stick (this should get round only having general "user" rights on the physical pc)

 

[bledd]

afaik, they all need to install a virtual network card on the host machine

 

[FrankJH]

afaik, they all need to install a virtual network card on the host machine

Bu**er

thanks for letting me know so quickly though

Looks like the idea is a complete waste though - thanks anyway

 

[A[L]C]

its a shame

 

[SiHH]

If security is that important then a Laptop really should be considered, corporate users shouldnt be using an internet cafe where key loggers and prying eyes are lurking.

 

[Burnsy2023]

If security is that important then a Laptop really should be considered, corporate users shouldnt be using an internet cafe where key loggers and prying eyes are lurking.

Agreed.

Although, if you must, have you tried terminal services over a web interface? That shouldn't require any activeX controls or anything

Burnsy

 

[bledd]

check this mate, just read a bit about it on msfn, might do what you want

http://installfree.com/Default.aspx

 

[Ethics]

If security is that important then a Laptop really should be considered, corporate users shouldnt be using an internet cafe where key loggers and prying eyes are lurking.

it's not as simple as that, something about IT in general raises average people to hugely high feats of moronic incompetence.

If you have users with laptops in uncontrolled environments, you must do your best to ensure the laptops are secure, because they will a) lose them b) steal them c) lose them and claim someone else stole them. You have to have decent policies referring to data and how they are contained, and security such as encryption and access.

There are more and more cases coming to light of company data being lost/stolen and i wouldn't like to be the one left holding the bag at your company when the S hits the fan.

Depending on what the users need, why must it be a decent laptop? i'm sure you can get discounts for large volume orders.