Overview
Information Technology Services has several Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) based computer "labs" that provides remote access to a Virtual Machine containing many of the software installed in computer facilities on the Anchorage campus. You can log on from anywhere - on or off campus, using your own device!
Important
Access to the VDI resources is restricted to individuals that meet one of the following requirements:
-
An active UAA employee on the Anchorage campus
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An active UAA student taking classes on, or through, the Anchorage campus.
In this article:
What materials do I need?
- Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android device
- Broadband Internet connection
How do I use this technology?
- Open a web browser.
- Navigate to https://vdi.uaa.alaska.edu.
- You will be prompted to either Install VMWare Horizon Client, or utilize the VMWare Horizon HTML Access. Using the VMWare Horizon Client is recommend for the best experience; however, the initial installation will take a few minutes and requires your device to restart.
Install VMWare Horizon Client
- Select Install VMWare Horizon Client. You will be directed to the VMWare Downloads page.
- Select the Product for your device, and click on Go to Downloads on the right.
- Download and install the client by running the installer file.
- You will be asked to restart your system.
- After restarting, open the VMWare Horizon Client. The icon should be on your desktop, or you can find it in the Start Menu.
- Select New Server in the upper left.
- Enter the name of the Connection Server: vdi.uaa.alaska.edu
- Click Connect.
- On the login screen, enter UA\ followed by your standard UA login (e.g. ua\username) and password.
- Depending on your access privileges you may see one, or more VDI pools.
- Double-click on IT Services Lab desktop.
- A new window will pop up and you will be logged into one of the Virtual Machines.
Use VMWare Horizion HTML Access
- Select VMWare Horizon HTML Access on the right.
- On the login screen, enter UA\ followed by your standard UA login (e.g. ua\username) and password.
- Once logged in you will see a desktop pool called IT Services Lab.
- Depending on your access privileges you may see one, or more VDI pools.
- Click on IT Services Lab Desktops and you will be logged into a machine.
- Be patient – the window may appear blank for a few minutes during the login process.
Note
You may receive a warning about a Potential Security Risk. It is okay to accept and continue on to the website. For some browsers, you many need to use an Incognito or InPrivate browser window. If you continue to have problems, you may want to try another browser.
Saving Your Data
Warning
If using a Virtual Lab virtual computer do not save data to the virtual computer! Any data saved to the hard drive will be deleted when your session is closed. Save all work to an external location for information on
where to save files so our Kb article.
Need additional help or have issues
For support, requests may be submitted anytime by Requesting Support for the Computer Labs service. Support Requests are worked by Priority based on the Impact and Urgency of need as well as the order they are received by the IT Employees with the knowledge and permissions to assist with the request.
For immediate assistance please review the Contact IT page for ways to contact the appropriate support group.