Dell OptiPlex VDI Blaster Edition Administration Manual page 14

Using the FBWF
The FBWF operates by providing a shadow write to the system RAM. When
enabled, any writes that are normally written to the storage media, are instead
redirected to the RAM overlay. During a reboot, this overlay is discarded so the
operating system remains in its original state. As its name implies, FBWF is
based on files. This means you can exclude certain files and directories from the
protection of the write filter. Any files that are in this list are ignored by FBWF
and subject to modification (or deletion) just as they normally would on any
standard Windows XP environment. The OptiPlex thin clients include a
management utility for configuring FBWF. The FBWF Manager utility can
only be accessed by Administrators.
To open the FBWF Manager, log-in as the administrator.
•
Click Start-> All Programs-> FBWFGUI.
•
This will open the FBWF Manager window.
By default, FBWF is enabled with basic exclusions set for the Persistent
Registry and Documents and Settings for all users. This means any changes
made under the C:\Documents and Settings folder, such as desktop icons, start
menu items, and browser favorites, will be written directly to the flash device
immediately and without overlay protection.
What is Persistence?
Persistence in its simplest definition is the term used to describe data on a local
drive or disk that exists and survives from session to session. Persistent data
will be secure after every reboot and every change made will be applied until
another user reconfigures your changes. If you do not have the File-Based
Write Filter installed on your terminal for protection, your local drive remains in
a Persistent state. All changes made to the desktop, program files, user settings
files, or important Windows system files are permanently stored on the drive or
disk. In the unfortunate event of a malicious network attack or virus, your files
may be harmed in the process if Persistence is left on. When the FBWF filter is
enabled and files can be protected, all changes made, including accidental virus
entries, are wiped upon reboot.
14 | Understanding Your Thin Client