The main factor that differentiates VDI from on-campus computer labs is the flexibility that it offers. While most on-campus labs have restricted hours or limited space, utilizing VDI allows you to access the same exact software, from your own device, from anywhere.

VDI can be used by connecting to the TAMU VPN. The download and instructions are available on the Setting Up Cisco VPN page.

We have local client installers available for currently supported versions of Windows and MacOS. The web client can be used on currently supported browsers on Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

Engineering Virtual Labs can be used from any computer (personal or TAMU-owned) as long as the computer can connect to the network on campus or the TAMU VPN.

All of the applications run on our servers, so you do not have to have a high-end computer to run the Horizon Client. The biggest factor in your performance will be your internet connection speed.

Yes, these have recently been added these to our VDI platform. You can access most of the on-campus computer labs through VDI.

This depends on the academic department. Some offer full-time access to VDI labs, while others offer partial (after-hours) or no access. Check with the Technology Services - Engineering Helpdesk for more information.

If you are off-campus, or not connected to campus internet or Wi-Fi, please make sure you are first connecting using the TAMU VPN.

Please verify that you are logging into the correct website. Please see the screenshot below for reference. The website address is https://coe-connect.engr.tamu.edu.

Please verify that you are logging into the website with your NetID and password. This is the same user name and password used for TAMU email, Howdy, eCampus, Campus Wi-Fi, and many other campus services.

Please attempt to login to another campus service, such as: TAMU email, Howdy, eCampus, or Campus Wi-Fi. If you are unable to login to other campus services, there may be a problem with your NetID. Please contact Help Desk Central for assistance with your NetID. You may also be able to resolve the issue by resetting your password.

If you can login into another campus service, but are unable to login to the VDI page, please Contact Us.

If this is the first time you are using that specific application or desktop, the initial loading process will be a bit longer. During this time the program is copying some initial settings to your profile. After this initial copy, subsequent uses of that application or desktop will be much faster.

If you are using the web client (accessing VDI from the website), then you may see a gray empty screen after clicking on your selected application or desktop. During this time, you are being logged in and the program is being loaded, but there may not be any loading messages. Please be patient, as in some instances it may take a couple of minutes to load.

You may be logged into VOAL instead of Engineering VDI. VOAL is a separate virtual lab offered by TAMU IT, and does not contain the same applications and desktops as Engineering VDI. An easy way to tell that you are on VOAL is that there will be a desktop available near the top left of the screen that is labeled “VOAL.” Please see the screenshot below for reference.

If you are logged into VOAL, please click the disconnect button as shown below.

Then, follow the instructions found {page link}, under the “First Time Configuration” section.

If you have been told this software is available for one of your classes, and have confirmed you are logged into Engineering VDI, but can not find the software, please Contact Us, and please make sure to include the course, professor, name of the application and your NetID.

If you need assistance with an error while using an application, please take a screenshot of the error message (if applicable), and Contact Us. Please include your NetID, the name of the application, and a description of the problem.

If you don’t see your files when you first login, they could be in a couple of places. We recommend you check in these locations first.

• In Your Documents Folder

• In Home Drive (H drive)

  

There are a few other locations we recommend saving, and we recommend checking all of those. For more information, visit File Sharing with VMWare Horizon Client.

If you do not see your H drive, or need further assistance locating your files, please Contact Us.

If you log back into VDI within 30 minutes, your session should persist.  Once you log in, any applications or desktops that you had open when you closed the browsers will reopen as soon as you log back in. After 30 minutes, your session will end and any applications or desktops that are open will be closed. To avoid data loss, please log back in as soon as possible and save your work.

If you log back into VDI within 30 minutes, your session should persist.  Once you log in, any applications or desktops that you had open when you closed the browsers will reopen as soon as you log back in. After 30 minutes, your session will end and any applications or desktops that are open will be closed. To avoid data loss, please log back in as soon as possible and save your work.

Please Contact Us for assistance.