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: Follow the sign-in steps provided by your institution to access to your Virtual Desktop. Sign in with your credentials. 

Step 2: Launch the session and start using your Virtual Desktop.

• Once you 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 work & look just like a standard OS.  Within the Virtual Desktop you can utilize programs as though they were running locally. Multiple applications can be launched simultaneously with the ability to 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.