vDesk (Puget Sound's virtual desktop) provides faculty, staff, and students with anytime, anywhere access to a range of software and tools, including the Microsoft Office suite and specialized applications like Mathematica and SPSS. This virtual environment mirrors a Windows 10 desktop experience, accessible from both on-campus and off-campus networks.
Accessing vDesk
You can access vDesk using either the VMware/Omnissa Horizon Client or HTML access through a web browser. Each method offers unique benefits:
VMware/Omnissa Horizon Client: Installs a dedicated application on your device for enhanced performance and access to local files. Available for Windows, macOS, Chrome, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. Click below to expand the instructions.
Windows Computers
- Go to vdesk.pugetsound.edu in a browser.
- Click on Install VMware Horizon Client.
- In the "Omnissa Horizon Client for Windows" section, click Go to Downloads.
- Click Download Now next to the "Omnissa Horizon Windows Client" option.
- Run the file (likely in your Downloads folder), complete the setup instructions, and restart your computer.
- Click on the Start Menu and search for Omnissa Horizon Client to launch the app.
- Click + to add a new server.
- Enter vdesk.pugetsound.edu as the name of the connection server.
- Log in with your Puget Sound credentials.
- Double-click on Student and Faculty Desktops.
- Wait for your profile to be created then start using vDesk!
macOS Computers
- Go to vdesk.pugetsound.edu in a browser.
- Click on Install VMware Horizon Client.
- In the "Omnissa Horizon Client for MacOS" section, click Go to Downloads.
- Click Download Now next to the "Omnissa Horizon Client for macOS" option.
- Run the file (likely in your Downloads folder) and follow the setup instructions. Drag Omnissa Horizon Client into your Applications folder when prompted.
- Launch the Omnissa Horizon Client application.
- Click + to add a new server.
- Enter vdesk.pugetsound.edu as the name of the connection server.
- Log in with your Puget Sound credentials.
- Double-click on Student and Faculty Desktops.
- Wait for your profile to be created then start using vDesk!
HTML Access: Access vDesk without installing software on your device. Click below to expand the instructions.
HTML Access
- Open a web browser and go to vdesk.pugetsound.edu.
- Click VMware Horizon HTML Access.
- Log in with your Puget Sound credentials, select Student/Faculty Desktops, and start using vDesk.
Accessing Network Drives
When you launch vDesk, your personal network share is automatically mapped under “Network Locations” in File Explorer. This provides a convenient space to store files, which are preserved after logging out.
- To Access Your Network Share:
- Open File Explorer and locate the drive under “Network Locations.”
- To Map Additional Network Shares:
- Right-click This PC and select Map Network Drive.
- Enter the path of the desired network share in the Folder field, then click Finish.
Important File-Saving Tips
- Always save files to your network share to ensure they’re preserved. Avoid saving to the virtual desktop’s “Local Disk (C:)” or “Documents” folder, as files saved here will be lost once your session ends.
Using Local Files and Printing
- Accessing Local Files:
- If using the VMware Horizon Client, local files can be accessed in vDesk by enabling File Sharing in the Horizon settings.
- Printing from vDesk:
- You can print to a local printer or, when on campus, to any lab or classroom printer. Select Puget Sound Printer on Printers for student-accessible printers with fast card release devices.
Available Software
The following software is available on vDesk for the 2024-2025 academic year:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Zoom
- SPSS
- R
- R Studio
- JASP
- Mathematica
- Matlab 2022
- Chemdraw
- Logger Pro
- ImageJ
- BlueJ
- Spectragryph
- QGIS
- Logisim
- VMD
- Mars (Mips)
- Spartan Student
- Delta 6.0