How is the Student Desktop (VDI) changing?
The existing Student/Staff Desktop (VDI) is provided as a full Windows desktop – either on computers in the Computer Resource Rooms (also called CAL Labs) or on your own computer via a web browser. This service will no longer be available after 28 December 2024.
It is being replaced by a new service called “Apps at Otago”. Apps at Otago will provide your required software applications via a web portal, using “application streaming” to deliver the software application to computers in the Computer Resource Rooms and your own computer.
What is application streaming?
Application streaming is a form of on-demand software distribution where the applications run directly from a virtual machine on a central server over the network rather than on the local device.
When will the change happen?
The Computer Resource Rooms will be reconfigured after the semester 2 exams finish – over the period 17 November to 28 December 2024.
Will there be a period when the current Student Desktop service is totally unavailable?
Access to the Student Desktop (VDI) will still be available in the Computer Resource Rooms via an icon on the newly configured desktops. It will also be available via a web browser on your own device as per usual until 28 December 2024.
How will I access Apps at Otago?
Students:
- When using your own computer, you will log into a web portal available on the University of Otago website. You can access it from anywhere you have Internet access.
- In the Computer Resource Rooms, you will log on as usual with your student credentials (username and password).
- A core set of applications will be ready after login, while the rest will be accessible via the Apps at Otago service.
Staff: We will provide details for staff who use the Computer Resource Rooms for teaching.
Do I need to install anything on my own computer to access Apps at Otago?
No. However, for a better experience, you may wish to install the Microsoft application called “Windows App” from the Microsoft, Google Play or Apple App store.
Instructions will also be provided in the Apps at Otago portal.
Will my current Student Desktop (VDI) settings (e.g. web browser bookmarks/favourites, shortcuts and downloads folder files), be migrated to Apps at Otago?
No.
- Bookmarks – Please save your bookmarks.
- Chrome: Import Chrome bookmarks & settings – Google Chrome Help
- Edge export: Back Up Favorites, Passwords, and More | Microsoft Edge
- Edge import: Import your favorites in Microsoft Edge – Microsoft Support
- Firefox export: Export Firefox bookmarks to an HTML file to back up or transfer bookmarks | Firefox Help (mozilla.org)
- Firefox import: Import Bookmarks from an HTML file | Firefox Help (mozilla.org)
- Shortcuts – These will need to be re-established.
- How to make shortcuts: How to Create a Desktop Shortcut: Windows 10 & 11 (wikihow.com)
- Download folders – Please copy any files from here to your OneDrive. Contents in this folder are your responsibility.
- How to load files into OneDrive: Add or share a file in OneDrive – AskOtago Service Portal
Contact AskOtago if you need assistance with any of these.
Will my files in my mapped drives (e.g. Home drive, Research folders/Department shares, etc.) be available in Apps at Otago?
Yes. If any files are unavailable, contact AskOtago.
Will existing Student Desktop (VDI) applications be available?
Yes, applications currently installed on the Student Desktop (VDI) will still be available.
How do I request new applications?
Please advise us of your software requirements as soon as possible if you have not already done so. There is a lead time of 10 working days.
Raise a ticket with AskOtago with the following information included:
- Name of the software required. Include a link to the application website.
- Course Paper code the software is required for
- Date your course begins.
Where will I find information on how to use Apps at Otago?
Information on how to use Apps at Otago will be added to the AskOtago Service Portal as soon as it is ready.
Who do I contact now if I have questions or want more information?
Email: vdi-project@otago.ac.nz
