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VCPortal - Virtual Computer Lab

ODU Computer Science | Virtual Computer Lab (VCPortal)

The Computer Science Department provides a Virtual Computer Lab, "VCPortal," as a remote computing solution. VCPortal allows ODU CS faculty, staff, and students to access a virtual Windows computer lab machine through a supported web browser or a dedicated Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) client.

Users can interact with the remote operating system and its applications as if they were running locally. This includes support for peripherals such as USB drives and microphones (support may vary by connection method and client).

Key Features of the Virtual Computer Lab:

  • Up-to-date Windows operating system
  • A suite of software development applications, including IDEs and database tools
  • A modern and familiar desktop experience

Accessing VCPortal

There are two primary methods to connect to VCPortal: via a web browser or using a Remote Desktop (RDP) client application. Both methods require you to first connect to the CS VPN.

VPN Connection Required

Before attempting to access VCPortal using either method below, you must be connected to the CS VPN. Instructions for VPN setup and connection can be found here: CS VPN Guide

Method 1: Accessing VCPortal via Web Browser

This method allows you to access a virtual machine directly within your web browser.

Disable Adblockers

Adblockers (and some privacy-enhancing browser extensions) can interfere with VCPortal's functionality. If you encounter issues, try disabling them for VCPortal.

  1. Ensure you are connected to the CS VPN.
  2. Open your web browser and navigate to: https://vcportal.cs.odu.edu

  3. At the login screen, enter your CS username and password.

    VCPortal login screen

  4. After successful login, you will see available computer pools. Click on the appropriate pool to connect:

    • Students: Look for a pool typically named Student Machines (or similar).
    • Faculty/Staff: Look for a pool typically named Faculty Machines (or similar).

    VCPortal machine pool selection

  5. Your remote desktop session will then start loading directly within your web browser tab.

Method 2: Accessing VCPortal via Remote Desktop (RDP) Client

This method involves downloading a pre-configured RDP file from VCPortal and using a native RDP client application on your computer. This can sometimes offer better performance and feature integration.

  1. Ensure you are connected to the CS FortiClient VPN.
  2. Open your web browser and navigate to: https://vcportal.cs.odu.edu
  3. At the login screen, enter your CS username and password.

  4. Once logged in, locate and click on the "Settings" icon (usually a gear or cogwheel) in the top right-hand corner of the VCPortal web interface.

    VCPortal settings icon location

  5. From the drop-down menu that appears, select "Settings".

    VCPortal settings drop-down menu

  6. In the "Preferences" section, select the radio button for "Download the rdp file".

    VCPortal RDP file download preference

  7. After selecting this preference, go back to the main VCPortal page where you see the machine pools. Now, when you click on your desired machine pool (e.g., Student Machines or Faculty Machines), instead of launching in the browser, it will download an .rdp file.

    VCPortal download RDP file button/action

  8. Save the downloaded .rdp file to a convenient location on your local machine.

    Saving the RDP file

  9. Open the downloaded .rdp file:

    • Windows: Double-clicking the .rdp file will automatically launch the built-in Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection client.
    • macOS: You must first install the "Microsoft Remote Desktop" app from the Mac App Store (it's free). Once installed, opening the .rdp file should launch it with this app.
    • Linux: You can use RDP clients like Remmina, FreeRDP, or others. You may need to import or configure the connection using the details from the .rdp file or by connecting to the gateway specified within it.

  10. When the RDP client prompts for credentials to connect to the virtual machine:

    • Enter your CS password.
    • For the username, you must prepend your CS username with CS\ (e.g., CS\cs_jdoe123).

    VCPortal RDP client credential prompt with CS\username format

  11. Proceed with the connection. You may see security warnings about the publisher or certificate; you can typically accept these to connect.

Troubleshooting & Support

  • Ensure VPN is active: Most connection issues stem from not being connected to the CS VPN.
  • Disable Adblockers (for Web Access): This is critical for the browser-based method.
  • Correct Credentials: Double-check your CS username and password. Remember the CS\ prefix for RDP client logins.
  • If you continue to experience issues, please contact CS Systems Support at root@cs.odu.edu with details of the problem and any error messages.