Virtual Desktop Infrastructure

What is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure?

The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) service allows access to a “virtual” desktop. The Tarleton virtual desktops run Windows and offer access to much of the software Tarleton students will need during their academic career. VDI supports enhanced user mobility and remote access. You can access a virtual desktop from the VMware Horizon View client installed on an existing laptop, PC, or tablet. You can also access a virtual desktop from a browser. You can safely access a virtual desktop from any location as long as you have a good internet connection.

Through VDI you have access to the following:

Software:

The virtual desktop gives you access to Tarleton’s computer lab software.

T: Drives:

Just like a computer lab workstation, you’ll have access to your T: drive files from the virtual desktop.

Printing:

The virtual desktop allows you to send documents to the Tarleton My Print Center.

Key features and benefits

  • VDI is accessible from anywhere with internet connectivity, allowing students, faculty and staff to easily work from off-site using their own laptop, PC, mobile device or tablet.
  • VDI is like having a Tarleton computer available on-demand.
  • ITS routinely applies new software and updates to all VDI desktops, allowing quick response to rapidly changing requirements for teaching and learning.
  • VDI is a secure remote computing solution requiring Tarleton NTNET credentials to access.
Accessing Tarleton’s Virtual Desktop

Tarleton State University students, faculty and staff can access VDI via the following ways: 

  • Web Browser: Tarleton’s Horizon Site
  • VMware’s Horizon View client installed on a local computer
  • Accessing VDI via the Horizon View client is recommended over the web browser access. It is faster and supports your device peripherals (ex: USB, speakers, webcam and local printer).

How do I install VMware’s Horizon View?

How do I connect to the virtual desktop?  You can connect to the virtual desktop via two different methods.

1. Connect via a browser · Navigate to Tarleton’s VDI

  •  Select VMware Horizon HTML Access
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  • Login with your NTNET Credentials.

2. Connect with VMware’s Horizon View client 

Can I save my work to the virtual desktop? 

  • Do NOT save your work locally to the VDI computer. You will lose it. The VDI session you used will not be one you can reconnect to again. Save your work to your T: drive, OneDrive, etc. before logging out.  

How do I log off of the virtual desktop? 

  • Click on the Window’s start menu followed by your profile and then select sign out. 
FAQ

What do I need to use a virtual desktop? 

  • You need a computer or a mobile device connected to the internet. Install VMware’s Horizon View client on your computer or mobile device (one time installation). Alternatively you can run virtual desktop within a browser (https://horizon.tarleton.edu/) 

Why install VMware’s Horizon View client instead of using a browser? 

  • It is recommended that you install the VMware’s Horizon View client if possible. It is faster and it supports your device peripherals (ex: USB, speakers, webcam, and local printer). The browser version may serve as a substitute if installing the application is not an option. 

What devices does VMware’s Horizon View client work with? 

  • VMware’s Horizon View client works with modern versions of all major PCs and mobile operating systems, including Windows, Windows Phone, Mac, iOS (iPhones and iPads), Android (tablets and phones), and Kindle Fire.
  • NOTE: Chromebooks must use the browser-based tool. 

Will my computer work with Tarleton’s virtual desktop? 

  • You can install VMware Horizon View client on most computers that were sold in recent years. Check if the operating system of your computer is supported. If your system is not supported you can always try to run virtual desktop within a browser like Internet Explorer, Safari, Google Chrome, and Mozilla Firefox. 

What Tarleton virtual desktops are available? 

  • Ag Science 
  • Biology 
  • Common Software 
  • Criminal Justice 
  • ENGR 142 
  • Engineering 
  • Fine Arts 
  • General Labs 

Do I need high speed internet? 

  • Yes – The faster your internet is, the better. 

How fast is a virtual desktop? 

  • It’s fast – The speed of your virtual desktop can easily exceed the speed of the computer you’re using it on. The response time is dependent on the speed of your internet connection. 

Can I install additional programs on a virtual desktop? 

  • This VDI pool has no administrative rights and you will not be able install additional programs. 

Can I save my work to the virtual desktop? 

  • No. Do NOT save your work locally to the virtual desktop. You will lose it. The VDI session you used will not be one you can reconnect to again. Save your work to your T: drive, OneDrive, etc. before logging out.  

How do I log off of the virtual desktop? 

  • Click on the Window’s start menu followed by your profile and then select sign out.