Getting Started with Virtual Lab (vLab)

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FGCU-Workday-Banner.png ONE-TIME SETUP INSTRUCTIONS VISIT APPSANYWHERE ACCESS VLAB REQUEST
SOFTWARE

VIRTUAL LAB (vLAB)
YOUR VIRTUAL GATEWAY TO FGCU TOOLS

Virtual Lab (vLab) enables you to connect to your desktop and applications through the VMware Horizon Client, offering better performance and features than through a browser by connecting directly to FGCU's secure network. Bottom line, when you’re working away from your computer or your computer isn’t enough to get the work done, we have you covered with the Virtual Lab!

The VMWare Horizon Client is pre-installed on all FGCU classroom PC’s, so there’s no need to install it on those machines. However, you will need to install it on your personal devices.

Important Note: Virtual Lab computers are temporary in nature, and any work created in them will not remain on the computer. You will need to save any work to a Microsoft OneDrive account or email it to yourself before disconnecting.

How to Access the Virtual Lab instructions.

  WHY VIRTUAL LAB?
 

The benefits of using FGCU's Virtual Lab include:

  1. Accessibility Anytime – FGCU’s Virtual Lab (vLab) enables you to access your desktop and applications when YOU need them.

  2. User Experience – Connecting to your desktop and applications via the VMware Horizon Client offers better performance and features than through the browser because it connects to the safeguarded FGCU network.

Use Virtual Lab if you need:

  • Access to licensed FGCU software (like SPSS or ArcGIS).

  • A simpler setup from a personal laptop or device.

  • No need to connect to your office desktop.

What Software is Available?
To learn what software is available for use with vLab, please access the Software Availability List.
When you're ready to grab the software you need, access AppsAnywhere.
If you don't see the software that you need, make a software request.

Additional Use Case Examples...

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#1 Apple vs. Microsoft
You typically use an Apple computer, but need to use software that only works on Microsoft Windows (and vice versa).

Use a vLab device to access that application anytime.

#2 Resource-Intensive Software
You need to use an application (i.e., Engineering software) that requires more computing power than your device can provide.

Use a vLab device to access heavier applications anytime.

#3 Software Availability
You don't have a license on your own computer to use the software needed to complete a task.

Use a vLab device to install what you need (from the approved availability list) to complete the work.

 

 

University Help Desk: ITS Knowledge Base | Blue-Email-Icon.jpg Email Help Desk | Blue-Phone-Icon.png 239-590-1188
Monday-Friday from 7am to 10pm and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm

 

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Virtual Lab One-Time Set Up Instructions

What this article covers

The following steps need to be completed when using the Virtual Lab for the first time to authenticate to Office 365 (sync your profile) so that you can access your email and then sync to OneDrive. The process is smoother when syncing your email first and then OneDrive.

In this article, you will complete the initial setup steps to:

  1. Log into Virtual Lab
  2. Set up Your Outlook Profile
  3. Set up OneDrive as Backup

Log into Virtual Lab

The VMWare Horizon Client is pre-installed on all FGCU classroom PC’s, so there’s no need to install it on those machines. However, you will need to install it on your personal devices. The VMWare Horizon Client also provides a better experience and allows the use of USB devices.

1. To log into the Virtual Lab using the VMware Horizon Client, click the Horizon Client option on the myvlab.fgcu.edu landing page.

VLab Horizon Client Screen.PNG

You will then be prompted to install the most recent version of the Horizon Client. Below is a screenshot of the download screen you will see when selecting the Horizon Client option. Download the client based on the operating system. 

mceclip5.png

2. Once you have downloaded and installed the VMware Horizon Client on your personal machine, you will be met with a screen asking you to add a server. Double-click the '+' as pictured below to add a server.
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3. You will then need to enter the name of the Connection Server, this is myvlab.fgcu.edu as pictured below.
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4. Select 'Connect' and accept the Terms of Service as shown below.
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5. Enter in your full e-mail and password as shown below.
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6. Click Login and double-click the Lab you would like to enter. 
mceclip10.png

Set up Your Outlook Profile

1. After successfully logging into the Virtual Lab, click the Outlook icon to open the application.
Outlook on taskbar.png

2. Complete the Duo Push for verification when prompted.
DUO Push.png

3. Select “No, other people use this device”.
No to device.png

4.  Your Outlook profile will be created, and you can now use Outlook.

Set up OneDrive as Backup

1. Click the OneDrive icon to the bottom right of the navigation bar.
OneDrive icon.png

2. Click Sign in.
Signin.png

3. Your FGCU email address should be prepopulated. Click Sign in.
Setup OneDrive.png

4. Accept the default location and click Next.
Default location.png

5. Ensure that all folders are selected to back up your Virtual Lab. Click Start Backup.
Start backup.png

6. Close the resulting confirmation dialog box.
Close.png

7. OneDrive will sync with the Cloud and provide a status in the system tray that’s located at the bottom right of the taskbar. 
OneDrive current.png

 

 

University Help Desk: ITS Knowledge Base | Blue-Email-Icon.jpg Email Help Desk | Blue-Phone-Icon.png 239-590-1188
Monday-Friday from 7am to 10pm and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm