Virtual Desktop (vDesk)

Overview

Puget Sound’s virtual desktop (vDesk) provides anytime, anywhere access to a wide range of software and tools, including Microsoft Office and discipline-specific applications. Faculty, staff, and students can access vDesk from computers, smartphones, or tablets from both on-campus or off-campus networks. vDesk looks like a Windows 10 Desktop.

Working with Files in vDesk

When you use vDesk, we recommend that you always save to your network share or Google Drive. Please note that it may not be the default location for saving files depending on what application you are using.

Please do not save anything to the virtual desktop or documents folder. The “Local Disk (C:)” that shows up will not save to your computer. Anything you “save” to these locations will disappear when your session ends or expires.

Printing in vDesk

To print documents from vDesk, select File and Print from your application’s menu options. In the print menu you will be able to print to your local computer’s default printer, and to lab or classroom printers in your area if you are on campus. You can choose Puget Sound Printer on Printers to print to any student printer.

Accessing vDesk in a Browser

Note: Use this method if you do not want to install additional software.

  1. Go to vdesk.pugetsound.edu in a browser.
  2. Click on VMware Horizon HTML Access.
  3. Log in with your Puget Sound credentials.
  4. Click on Student and Faculty Desktops.
  5. Wait for your profile to be created then start using vDesk!

Installing the VMware Horizon Client

Windows

  1. Go to vdesk.pugetsound.edu in a browser.
  2. Click on Install VMware Horizon Client.
  3. In the "VMware Horizon Client for Windows" section, click Go to Downloads.
  4. Click Download Now next to the "VMware Horizon Client for Windows" option.
  5. Run the file (likely in your Downloads folder), complete the setup instructions, and restart your computer.
  6. Click on the Start Menu and search for VMware Horizon Client to launch the app.
  7. Click + to add a new server.
  8. Enter vdesk.pugetsound.edu as the name of the connection server.
  9. Log in with your Puget Sound credentials.
  10. Double-click on Student and Faculty Desktops.
  11. Wait for your profile to be created then start using vDesk!

Mac

  1. Go to vdesk.pugetsound.edu in a browser.
  2. Click on Install VMware Horizon Client.
  3. In the "VMware Horizon Client for Mac" section, click Go to Downloads.
  4. Click Download Now next to the "VMware Horizon Client for MacOS" option.
  5. Run the file (likely in your Downloads folder) and follow the setup instructions. Drag VMware Horizon Client into your Applications folder when prompted.
  6. Launch the VMware Horizon Client application.
  7. Click + to add a new server.
  8. Enter vdesk.pugetsound.edu as the name of the connection server.
  9. Log in with your Puget Sound credentials.
  10. Double-click on Student and Faculty Desktops.
  11. Wait for your profile to be created then start using vDesk!

Display Options

If vDesk is showing on all your monitors and you would only like it to show on one screen while using the client, click the gear icon to go into the settings and click Student/Faculty Desktops. In the Display dropdown, select Fullscreen.

Software Available on vDesk

Here is a list (subject to change) of programs on vDesk for fall 2023.  

  • BlueJ
  • Chemdraw 20
  • Delta 6.0
  • ImageJ
  • JASP
  • Logger Pro
  • Logisim
  • Mars (Mips)
  • Mathematica
  • Matlab 2022
  • Microsoft Office Suite 
  • QGIS
  • R
  • R Studio
  • Spartan Student
  • Spectragryph 1.2
  • SPSS
  • VMD
  • Zoom

 

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Details

Article ID: 9152
Created
Thu 6/27/24 2:43 PM
Modified
Thu 6/27/24 4:57 PM