This article references the Student Virtual Desktop currently available in the CAL computer resource rooms across campus and online via https://student.desktop.otago.ac.nz
The virtual desktop is being discontinued and will be replaced with a new setup by the end of December 2024. The information in this article remains current until December 2024. For further information about the new environment:
Student Desktop (VDI) Replacement — Frequently Asked Questions
The Student Virtual Desktop, also called the Student VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure), is a computing environment provided by the University of Otago.
How do I access the Student Virtual Desktop
To access the Student Desktop:
Full version: installing the Citrix Receiver/Workspace
This is the recommended option and gives you the full experience of the Student Desktop. The Citrix Workspace app allows the Student Desktop to access files stored on your computer, including network drives and USB drives, and connected printers. You can use the full Student Desktop on your own laptop, desktop computer, or mobile device.
To install the Citrix Receiver/Workspace application for a virtual desktop:
- Go to the Student Desktop website (or the Staff Desktop website if appropriate) and sign in with your University of Otago email address and password.
- Click on the Detect Citrix Workspace App button.
- Tick the "I agree..." option in the following page, then click Download to download the installer.
- Once the installer is downloaded, complete the installation process and restart your device.
- After restarting, open a browser window, go to the Student Desktop website (or the Staff Desktop website if appropriate) and sign in with your University email and password.
- Click the Detect Citrix Receiver option, and you will see a pop-up window Open Citrix Workspace Launcher.
- Click Cancel on this pop-up window, then click on the Already installed link under the Download button.
- Click on the Desktops tab at the top, and then click on the Student Shared Desktop (or Staff Shared Desktop) icon and it will download a session file. Once downloaded, run this file which should default to open the Citrix Receiver/Workspace app.
Once installed:
- Go to the Student Desktop website and sign in with your University of Otago email address.
- On the landing page, select Detect Citrix Workspace app. Agree to the License agreement, and select Download. Follow the installation instructions until Citrix Workspace is installed, then restart your device.
- Return to the Student Desktop site, select Detect Citrix Workspace app again, then choose Already installed. Select your Desktop, then click Open — this should download a file.
- Open the file, which will launch Citrix Workspace and log you into your virtual desktop.
Light version: running the Student Desktop through your browser
This method gives you fewer options but no installation is necessary. This may be useful if you are using the Student Desktop on someone else's computer or on a locked-down computer
- Go to the Student Desktop website and sign in with your University of Otago email address.
- On the landing page, select Use light version. Select your Desktop, then click Open. Your desktop should launch in your browser.
Mobile version: running the Student Desktop using your mobile device or tablet
- You will first need to download the Citrix Workspace app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign in to the Student Desktop website and select your Desktop.
- For best results, you should use the default web browser for your device. This will download a .ica file, which will open in Citrix Workspace and log you into your Student Desktop session.
Access to Student Virtual Desktop is limited to staff who require it for their teaching. Contact AskOtago if this is required.