I received my virtual computer lab invitation.  Are there instructions for what to do next?
Visit our detailed illustrated instructions page to learn how to use the virtual computer labs.

I'm a Mac user.  Do the virtual computer labs have Mac computers?
No.  The virtual computer labs are based on Microsoft Windows.

Can I use my Apple Mac computer to access the virtual labs?
Yes!  You must first install the Microsoft Remote Desktop application from the Apple App Store.  Visit our detailed instructions page for additional information.

What software is available in the virtual labs?
Most of the software that is available in the on-campus general-use PC computer labs is also available in the virtual labs.  This includes titles such as Microsoft Office Suite, SPSS, Amos, SAS, Mathematica, MatLab, R Studio, and Python.

I need to use Photoshop.  Is Adobe Creative Cloud available in the virtual computer labs?
No.  Adobe Creative Cloud applications are not available in the virtual labs due to licensing restrictions.  However, free alternatives to some Creative Cloud applications are available for you to try, including GIMP as a Photoshop alternative.

Will I be assigned my own virtual computer, or are the virtual computers shared with other users?
Virtual lab computers are assigned to individual users.  You will be required to set your password the first time you connect to the virtual lab,  Other users will not have access to your virtual computer. 

Will the changes I make to my virtual computer remain after it is powered off?
Yes and No.  Although your changes will usually persist, it may become necessary to reset or "reimage" a virtual lab or an individual virtual computer.  When your virtual computer is reset, it reverts to a pristine state, as it was when first assigned to you. All desktop customizations and any files saved on the virtual computer will be lost, and your password may be reset.

Can I save my files on the virtual lab computer?
Since virtual labs may be periodically reset, it is strongly recommended that you not save important files on the virtual computer.  Instead, save to Cloud storage such a Microsoft OneDrive.

My virtual computer seems to be malfunctioning and I can't fix it.  Can I restore it to its original "like new" state myself?
Yes.  The virtual lab web portal provides a Reset option which will restore your virtual computer.  It will be as it was when first assigned to you.  All customizations and any files you saved on the virtual computer will be lost, and your password may be reset.

I forgot my virtual computer password.  Can I reset the password myself?
Yes.  The virtual lab web portal provides a Reset option which will allow you to change your password without first signing on to your virtual computer.

What happens if I forget to log off of my virtual computer?
It is always best to log off and stop your virtual computer each time that you are finished using it.  Your virtual computer will automatically shutdown under the following circumstances.

• After 30 minutes of inactivity while remaining connected
• You start the virtual computer and fail to log on within 15 minutes
• 15 minutes after disconnecting

When the virtual computer automatically shuts down, any unsaved documents will be lost, so save your work to Cloud storage frequently while using the virtual labs.

How long will I have access to the virtual labs?
Your virtual lab access will be active for the duration of the academic year.  All virtual labs will be reimaged and all user accounts removed at the end of spring semester.  You must send a new request for access if you wish to continue using the virtual computer labs after spring semester.