Virtual Desktop Overview

Virtual Desktops permit you to stream individual or groups of software, regardless of their system requirements, via an HTML5 capable modern browser with a fluid and responsive user experience as if they were installed locally.

Some notes about Virtual Desktop:

• Multiple applications can be used simultaneously in a single browser session, can utilize shared internal and cloud storage, copy/paste functions, and some local hardware devices.
• Virtual Desktops can have full GPU or compute capabilities far in excess of what your local machine can offer, are secure, and are easily managed.
• You can view more information about the local computer system requirements for Virtual Desktop here.

Accessing your Virtual Desktop Catalog:

Step 1: Your institution has provided you access to your Virtual Desktop. Sign in with your credentials. 

Step 2: Launch a session and use your Virtual Desktop.

• To begin, click on the link to your Virtual Desktop Environment. Your browser may prompt you to install a required plugin or allow notifications.

Note that some browser plugins like add/popup blockers may interfere with the Virtual Desktop service.

• Your Virtual Desktop session should launch and prepare your application for use.

• If you receive a notification that "Your session is taking longer than expected to prepare" you may try refreshing your browser session.

• Once launched, your Virtual Desktop will allow you to utilize the program as though it was running locally. Multiple application(s) can be launched simultaneously, share information, clipboard, cloud storage options, and support some USB devices if using the Windows client.

For more information please continue to our article on the Virtual Desktop Toolbar and its functions.