VirtHome: A Web-Like Mobile Personalized Virtual Desktop Computing Space

It is desirable to work on different machines with the uniform consistent desktop computing environment when outside the familiar work place. This paper proposes a system called VirtHome, which aims to present users with such a consistent environment, including customized software, personal data and other abilities on any computer attached to a TCP/IP network, enabling users to work anywhere as if they were at home, without the constraints of mobility and geographical location. Based on the virtual machine technology, the userpsilas entire computing environment, including operating system, installed applications and personal data, can be encapsulated into a system image. With the OS browser, anywhere, user can appoint a system image in the network and create an OS instance of the System Image in the OS Browser to operate with, like using web browser visiting website. The VirtHome also provides a virtual network facility, which allows users to operate with their private resources in their work place LAN transparently. Some design mechanisms designed to improve the system performance are also discussed.