FAQs:  Using a UniSA Virtual Desktop

Select a topic below to view answers to the most frequently asked questions:

 

UniSA Virtual Desktops (General)

What can I do using the VDI?

Connecting to a UniSA virtual desktop allows your local device to access the software applications installed on the virtual desktop.  This means you can access expensive and powerful applications related to your studies from your personal device, without the expense of purchasing the required software, licences, and performance upgrades your device might otherwise require.

Course-related applications are installed on powerful host devices running on-campus, and you use your local device to connect to and effectively "take control" of a host device.  This delivers the same access to applications you would receive sitting at and logged on to the host device in a UniSA computer pool or laboratory.


What software is needed to use the VDI?

A 'VDI Client' (VMware View Client) must be downloaded and installed to enable a device to connect to UniSA virtual desktops.  This is a 'one-off' process per device; you do not need to install the VDI Client each time you want to connect to a virtual desktop.  The VDI Client can be downloaded via these support resources:

 

Connecting to a UniSA Virtual Desktop

My Course Coordinator has advised I should only connect to a virtual desktop when absolutely necessary, such as to access course-related software that is not installed on my local device.  Why?

There are a limited number of virtual desktops within a VDI Pool, and when all virtual desktops are in use other users are not able to connect; therefore you should not connect to a virtual desktop if you can use your local device to complete the task(s).

You should also disconnect from the virtual desktop as soon as you have finished using the applications that are not installed on your local device.  Following these simple protocols above will maximise the availability of virtual desktops for all users.


What is the Connection Server address to connect to a UniSA virtual desktop?

The Connections Server address for UniSA virtual desktops is:  virtualdesktop.unisa.edu.au


When I open the VDI Client the Connection Server field does not display the host address.  Why?

This occurs when the Default View Connection Server address is not entered when installing the VDI Client (see in Step 7 in the VDI Client Installation user guide).

You can manually enter the Connection Server address (virtualdesktop.unisa.edu.au) prior to selecting Connect, and it will then automatically populate the Connection Server field thereafter.


The virtual desktop (VDI Pool) I want to connect to is not displayed for me to select in the VDI Client.  Why?

Access to virtual desktops is based on AD (Active Directory) Account Group membership.  If you do not see the VDI Pool (lab) for the virtual desktop you want to connect to please contact the IT Helpdesk.


When I selected the Connect button a message states there are no virtual desktop sources available and that I should try again later.  What does this mean, and why are there no 'sources' available?

There are a limited number of virtual desktops within a VDI Pool, and if all virtual desktops within a pool are connected to other users you will not be able to connect until one of the existing users disconnects from their virtual desktop session.  See example

 

Using a UniSA Virtual Desktop

My Course Coordinator has stated I must not save work or any kind of files to the virtual desktop. Why?

Files saved to a virtual desktop are deleted from the desktop when the next user connects, and once deleted the files cannot  be recovered/retrieved.


Where can I save my work when using a virtual desktop?

All work must be saved to your SkyDrive or a local storage device (such as a USB).

Note:  Please note that the virtual desktop will not automatically connect to USBs connected to your local device (refer to the 'Connecting USB Devices' topic in the Using UniSA Virtual Desktops user guide).


I inserted a USB into my local device so I can save my work from the virtual desktop; however the virtual desktop will not connect to the USB.  How do I connect the virtual desktop to my USB so I can save my work?

The VDI Client will not automatically connect USB devices by default, therefore you must either:

  • Configure the virtual desktop session to automatically connect to USB devices that are subsequently connected to your local device; or
  • Manually connect the virtual desktop session to a specific USB device that is already connected to your local device

Note:  Your local device is unable to access USBs while they are connected to the VDI.  If you minimise your VDI session, your local device will not be able to access (will not "see") USBs that are still connected to the minimised VDI session.

Refer to the 'Connecting USB Devices' topic in the Using UniSA Virtual Desktops user guide for instructions on how to auto-connect and manually connect USB devices.

 

Disconnecting from a UniSA Virtual Desktop

My Course Coordinator has advised I should disconnect from the virtual desktop as soon as I have finished using course-related software not installed on my local device, and that I should not remain connected to a virtual desktop to use applications installed on my device.  Why?

When all virtual desktops within a VDI Pool are in use other users are not able to connect; therefore you should disconnect from the virtual desktop as soon as you have finished using the applications that are not installed on your local device so that the desktop is made available to another user wanting to connect.

Do not remain connected to a virtual desktop to use applications that you can access from your local device.

You should also not connect to a virtual desktop if you can use your local device to complete the task(s).  Following these simple protocols above will maximise the availability of virtual desktops for all users.


I disconnected from a virtual desktop and just realised I saved work onto the virtual desktop instead of my SkyDrive or USB.  Can I retrieve the file(s) I saved to the virtual desktop?

Files saved to a virtual desktop are deleted when another user connects to the desktop, and once deleted the files cannot be recovered/retrieved.

 

Last modified: Monday, 26 October 2015, 7:57 PM