CLF-C02 Cloud Technology and Services Practice Question
Which AWS service provides a fully managed virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) that allows users to access Windows or Linux desktops from any device?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse Amazon WorkSpaces (full managed desktop VDI) with Amazon AppStream 2.0 (application streaming), as both involve streaming but serve fundamentally different use cases—one provides a complete desktop OS, the other only streams individual applications.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Amazon WorkSpaces
Amazon WorkSpaces is a fully managed, secure virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) service that provisions either Windows or Linux desktops. Users can access their persistent desktops from any supported device (e.g., PC, Mac, iPad, Chromebook) using the WorkSpaces client application or a web browser, without needing to manage the underlying EC2 instances or operating system.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Amazon AppStream 2.0
Why it's wrong here
Amazon AppStream 2.0 is an application streaming service that delivers individual desktop applications to users' browsers rather than a full desktop environment. It is session-based and not designed for persistent virtual desktops, whereas Amazon WorkSpaces provides continuous, fully managed desktop experiences with user-specific state and customization.
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AWS Client VPN
Why it's wrong here
AWS Client VPN is a managed VPN service that creates a secure network connection between end users and AWS resources, but it does not deliver desktop environments. It operates at the network layer, enabling access to services and instances, not presenting a graphical user interface. This is a connectivity solution, not a virtual desktop.
- ✓
Amazon WorkSpaces
Why this is correct
Amazon WorkSpaces is a fully managed Desktop-as-a-Service solution that provisions persistent Windows or Linux virtual desktops for users, accessible from any device. AWS handles the underlying infrastructure, including patching and resiliency, so customers do not manage instances or operating systems. It is purpose-built for VDI use cases.
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Amazon EC2 with Remote Desktop Protocol
Why it's wrong here
Amazon EC2 with Remote Desktop Protocol can technically be used to provide a virtual desktop by connecting to a Windows instance, but it requires you to manage the instance lifecycle, OS patching, and software deployment yourself. It is an IaaS approach with significant operational overhead, unlike WorkSpaces which abstracts this management. WorkSpaces is the managed alternative for virtual desktops.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CLF-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CLF-C02 exam.