Virtual Desktop (vDesk)

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 Horizon Client or HTML access through a web browser. Each method offers unique benefits:

 

VMware Horizon Client: Installs a dedicated application on your device for enhanced performance and access to local files. Available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices.

VMware Horizon Client Install Instructions found

Windows Computers

 

  • Go to vdesk.pugetsound.edu in a browser.
  • Click on Install VMware Horizon Client.
  • In the "VMware Horizon Client for Windows" section, click Go to Downloads.
  • Click Download Now next to the "VMware Horizon Client for Windows" 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 VMware 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 "VMware Horizon Client for Mac" section, click Go to Downloads.
  • Click Download Now next to the "VMware Horizon Client for MacOS" option.
  • Run the file (likely in your Downloads folder) and follow the setup instructions. Drag VMware Horizon Client into your Applications folder when prompted.
  • Launch the VMware 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.

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:
    1. Right-click This PC and select Map Network Drive.
    2. 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
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