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, and cloud storage options.

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