Accessing the CoA Virtual Desktop Interface (VDI)

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Overview:

VDI (short of Virtual Desktop Interface) provides current College of Architecture students a way to access lab computing resources from any computer (Mac or PC) equipped with an internet connection and browser.  Through the “virtual lab interface” students can access all the software found on the college’s lab computers.  Students will also be provided with the same look and feel they experience while working on a lab computer such as access to printing and file sharing resources.

Getting Started: 

VDI can be accessed through the internet by going to https://vdi.coa.gatech.edu from either a PC or Mac computer – it is platform neutral.  However, you can only use Internet Explorer on a PC or Safari on a Mac.  Other browsers may work, but are not officially supported by VMware.  For instructions on how to access, configure and use VDI refer to the appropriate computer instructions below.

 

PC  Access to VDI

From a PC with an internet connection launch Internet Explorer and go to https://vdi.coa.gatech.edu (VDI does not work with FireFox).  Once you have access to VDI you will be prompted for you GT Account username and password.  On initial access you may also be asked to accept a security certificate.

 

Setting up VDI for the first time – the first time VDI is launched as small VM client application will installed on the computer.  You will need to have admin rights on the computer to install the software.

 

After logging into to VDI you will see the “CoA Virtual Desktop” listed as one of your options.  Click the “CoA Virtual Desktop” to launch lab machine.

After reading the “Terms of Use” box, click OK to accept.

 

You will then be logged into the virtual machine and will have access to all the same resources provided in the college’s physical labs.

 

From the virtual lab machine you can access the local drives on your computer.  The local drives will be labeled with a drive letter followed by the name of your local computer.  You can save, copy and open files from your local computer to the virtual lab machine and vice versa.  Remember if you are using the local drives, transfer speeds will be affected by the speed of your network connection.  For large files it is best to use the network files shares or files saved to My Documents or Desktop folders.

 

 

 

 

 

To close the virtual lab machine, select “Disconnect and Log Off” from the menu bar located at the top center of the virtual machine screen. 

 

Support contact: helpdesk@coa.gatech.edu