SSIL is pleased to share that UO Information Services (UO IS) has implemented campus-wide lab computer virtualization. Students, faculty and staff now have access to virtual lab computers.

What are Virtual Machines (VM)?

A virtual machine is a virtualized emulation of a computer system. VM provides the functionality of a physical computer but delivered through a remote network connection. This service may be especially useful to those with underpowered personal computers or those with Macs or Chromebooks that require access to Windows-specific software.

What should I know about using the virtual computer lab?

These Windows 10-based virtual machines (VM) should have an identical set of software as general on-campus lab computers (including ArcMap and ArcPro, GeoDa, Python & R). Please note that they may be missing some SSIL-specific software. Refer to this list for all available software.

If the course you enrolled in has R-Drive access, the directory should automatically show up on the virtual machine without having to manually connect. Also note that anything saved locally to the virtual machine will be deleted upon logoff so please remember to always save to a network location (R-drive, departmental servers, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.).

An active internet connection is required to use this service. The UO VPN is not needed for this service. Virtual machines can be accessed via a web browser or through the client application. Performance of VMs may be affected by internet connection speeds and the number of concurrent users.

Please be courteous to other users and be sure to disconnect and logoff at the end of your work session.
For more info, refer to the UO IS campus virtual lab documentation.

Where should I go if I need help?

• SSIL GEs are available to assist SSIL students during office hours at ssil.uoregon.edu/gis.
• Technical support for the virtual lab should be requested directly from the UO IS Technology Service Desk.

Getting started

How do I access VM from a web browser?

1. Go to vdi.uoregon.edu
2. Log in using your UOregon email and password (yourduckid@uoregon.edu)
3. Click on the “UO Open Lab“

• Please be courteous to other users and be sure to disconnect and logoff at the end of your work session

How do I install and access VM from the client application?

1. Download and install the VMware Horizon Client application for your operating system (application is available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS, Android and iOS)
2. Once installed, launch the application and when prompted for a name of the Connection Server enter “vdi.uoregon.edu“
3. Log in using your UOregon email and password (yourduckid@uoregon.edu)
4. Click on the “UO Open Lab“

• Please be courteous to other users and be sure to disconnect and logoff at the end of your work session

FAQs

How do I logoff from the web browser?

1. From the desktop of the virtual machine, click on the pull tab at the center left side of window to display the VM menu sidebar
2. Click the menu button at the top right corner of the sidebar, then click “Log out“

How do I use dual monitor from the web browser?

1. From the desktop of the virtual machine, click on the pull tab at the center left side of browser window to display the VM menu sidebar
2. Click the menu button at the top right corner of the sidebar, then click “Multi monitor“
3. A window will pop up to configure multiple displays, click “Add Display“
4. A new browser window will open on your computer, drag that browser window to the second physical monitor you want to add, then confirm selection
5. Click “OK” on the Multi monitor window to finish setup

Instructions are current as of 1/8/2022.
Please notify a SSIL GE if the information is no longer accurate.