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VCPortal

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ODU Computer Science | Virtual Computer Lab User’s Guide

The Computer Science Department provides a Virtual Computer Lab as a remote computer solution. "VCPortal" allows ODU faculty and students access to a virtual computer lab machine through a supported browser or RDP. Our users can interact with the remote operating system and its applications as if they were running locally. This includes the use of peripherals such as USB drives and microphones.

The Virtual Computer Lab features:

  • Up-to-date operating system
  • Software development applications including IDEs and database tools
  • Modern look and feel

Accessing VCPortal from Web Browser

  • Adblockers must be disabled for functionality
  1. Connect to the CS Forticlient VPN Services
  2. Navigate to https://vcportal.cs.odu.edu
  3. At the login screen, provide your CS credentials.
    VCPortal signin2.png
  4. Connect to the remote computer lab by clicking Any Available Machines1
    VCPortal MainPage.png
  5. Your remote desktop connection will start in your web browser 2
    Student machine Zdrive.png

Remote Desktop Client

  1. Connect to the CS Forticlient VPN Services
  2. Navigate to https://vcportal.cs.odu.edu
  3. At the login screen, provide your CS credentials
  4. Locate and navigate to the "Settings" icon at the top right-hand corner
    04-settings.png
  5. Select the "Settings" icon to open the drop-down window
    05-rdpfile.png
  6. Select the "Download the rdp file" radio button
    06-rdpfile.png
    Download the pre-configured RDP file by clicking Any available Machines 1
    02-homepage.png
  7. You will be prompted to save a pre-configured RDP file
    07-save.png
  8. This file can be renamed and saved for future sessions. In the example below, the file is renamed and saved to the Downloads folder.
    VCPortal rdpfile.png
  9. Double clicking the icon will launch your RDP Client

Note: You must be connected to the CS VPN, to gain access. Details can be found at: (VPN Services)

  1. 09-client.png
  2. For Windows users, opening the RDP file will launch the native RDP client
  3. All MacOS users will first have to install the free Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 app from the Apple Store
  4. All Linux users can use Remmina as their RDP client
  5. When prompted for your CS credentials, you will need to prepend your username with 'CS\'
    10-login.png
    11-domain.png

^1 For Students this should be titled Student Machines, and for Staff it should be titled Faculty Machines.
^2 Users can access their Documents via the Z:\ Drive on the VCPortal Machine.