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
ITS Service Notices have information about known, system-wide issues affecting the Student Virtual Desktop.
"Cannot log on using Smart Card"
This error relates to a website cookie. You should be able to resolve it by clearing the cookies and cache from your browser. Support pages for commonly-used web browsers have instructions on how to clear your cookies and cache:
Ensure you close the browser after clearing cookies.
Session time-out
The allowed "idle time" when using the Student Desktop is two hours. After this you will be disconnected from the virtual desktop interface.
You have three hours to re-login to Student Desktop to resume connection to the same session. If you don't log back in to your session within this time, your session will be closed and any unsaved work will be lost. The next time you log in to the virtual desktop you will begin a new session.
Storage quota reached
By default, your Student Desktop is limited to 3GB of storage. It is recommended that you use your OneDrive to store large files, and any files that you aren't actively working on.
For more information, refer to the related article: OneDrive
Missing software
To search for installed applications, click on the Windows icon in the bottom left of the screen, then type the name of the software in the search box. If you are unable to find the software, you may need to request it.
For information about available software and how to request other software, refer to the related article: Student Virtual Desktop