Citrix (VDI): Accessing the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure
Introduction
The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is a tool provided by Quinnipiac University that allows faculty and students to access software and other tools found on full computer desktops without the need for installation. Instead, users can find these desktops wherever they have Internet access. The Virtual Desktop Infrastructure works on both Mac and PC platforms as well as on mobile devices.
Accessing the Virtual Desktop Portal
- Navigate to the QU Citrix portal (https://myapps.quinnipiac.edu) and login via the Single Sign On process.
Note: If you are prompted to Detect Workspace when you first login, click the Use web browser link. In some circumstances the Citrix Workspace app provides some benefits, but for most interactions the web version will suffice.
- You will be brought to the Home tab. Any items you have recently used and those that you have identified as Favorites will display here for quick access.
- You can view the Apps and Desktops that are accessible to you by clicking the relevant tab. To permanently add an item to the quick access area on the Home tab, click the star icon to add it as a Favorite.
Using a Virtual Desktop
- Click on one of the desktops to launch it. Your browser may prompt you to provide microphone and webcam permissions. Respond as required.
- If using multiple monitors, you may see a prompt requesting permission for the virtual desktop to operate across your screens. We recommend selecting No and operating in just one window while using the VDI.
- Once the desktop loads, you will be able to access any programs already installed there. It will function as a desktop would on your own computer. You will even be able to save and access files within this virtual desktop while logged in.
Tip: Consider accessing your Quinnipiac OneDrive account from the web browser in the virtual desktop. This will allow you to download and open files in the virtual desktop, change them, and re-upload them to your OneDrive for access anywhere.
- To manage the desktop environment, click the black tab at the top of the desktop screen to expand the toolbar.
Item
Description
A
Pin Toolbar – keep this toolbar open at the top of the virtual desktop window.
B
Ctrl+Alt+Del – access the Windows Task Manager or Sign out.
C
File Transfer – Upload files from your local machine to work on in the virtual desktop or download files you have created/edited in the virtual desktop to your local machine.
D
Clipboard – See the content that is currently saved in the clipboard of the virtual desktop.
E
Devices – see a list of connected peripheral devices (e.g. headphones) that you can add to interact with applications in the virtual desktop.
F
Preferences – adjust Citrix Workspace settings.
G
Help – Collect logs and access some basic information about Citrix Workspace.
H
Full-screen – expand the virtual desktop window to full-screen. Press ESC to exit full-screen.
I
Disconnect/Log out – Selecting Disconnect does not log you out of the session so work will remain and be accessible the next time you connect to the desktop. Selecting Log out will completely release the virtual desktop so you must save work before doing so. Use OneDrive or the File Transfer function to download content to your local machine.
- When disconnecting, your virtual desktop session is still available with any existing open windows. If you are completely finished working, it is recommended that you log out. To log out of the session, you can click the Log out button after selecting Disconnect/Log out from the toolbar or use the the Ctrl+Alt+Del function and then click Sign out. Finally, you can also click the Windows Start button and use the standby icon, then select Shut down.
- Click your profile icon in the upper right-hand corner of the Citrix portal and select Log Out.
