---
type: concept
title: Desktop Image
tags: [virtualization, vdi, software-bundling]
related: [apphub, browser-based-software-execution]
created: 2026-07-01
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_downloads_software_stata_stata_im_browser.md"]
---

# Desktop Image

A **Desktop Image** is a pre-configured virtual environment that provides a full desktop experience (including a file manager and browser) within a web browser.

## Purpose and Use Case
Desktop images are used to bundle related software packages together for specific academic or research workflows. For example, the **"STATISTICS"** image at Universität Greifswald bundles:
- [[stata]]
- R
- SPSS

## Integration and Data Flow
Because the desktop image runs in an isolated virtual environment, data exchange with the local machine is handled via cloud services. The university recommends integrating [[nextcloud]] into the image, which allows users to access their personal cloud storage directly through the virtual desktop's file manager.
