Horizon supports the use of Linux virtual desktops, although it contains no automated method to deploy them, and can only act as a connection broker for Horizon clients. Linux desktops must be deployed and managed outside of Horizon, and then added to Horizon Manual Desktop Pools. This process is much more complex than what is required to deploy Windows-based desktop pools, which makes it prohibitive to discuss further in this chapter.

The VMware document Setting Up Horizon 7 for Linux Desktops (https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-Horizon-7/7.6/linux-desktops-setup.pdf) provides examples of the scripts you can use to deploy and customize Linux desktops, and then register them with Horizon for use in manual desktop pools. Once the desktops have been deployed, configured, registered with Horizon, added to Horizon Manual Desktop Pools, and entitlements assigned, they will be available for use by Horizon clients.

Experience with both Linux and vSphere PowerCLI is a recommended prerequisite to deploying Linux desktops for use with Horizon.