Apps at Otago replaced the Student Virtual Desktop at the end of December 2024. For further information about the replacement process and how to use Apps at Otago visit:
Student Desktop (VDI) Replacement – Frequently Asked Questions
Apps at Otago lets students stream software applications to their own laptop, computer, or phone from anywhere with internet, and is available in computer labs – also known as computer assisted learning labs (CAL labs)/computer resource rooms (CRRs) – University of Otago libraries, and at eStops.
Apps at Otago is currently not available on Android phones or tablets.
All current staff and students will automatically have access to Apps at Otago. Users with external University accounts for teaching and/or research will need to request access from AskOtago to Apps at Otago.
When you first launch an Apps at Otago remote application, the streaming session is created in the background. It may take some time for the first application to load. Subsequent applications will load significantly faster in the same session.
As this is a new service in 2025, first check to make sure if your software is available and working as expected before going to any labs.
File storage
When you are connected to a remote application streaming, the session will sync to OneDrive (OneDrive – University of Otago), and all files you create or edit should be saved there. Files saved elsewhere may be lost.
Course-specific software
If courses require specific software it is recommended that course specific software be installed directly on the lab computers wherever possible, especially with large applications or class sizes. Installation can be requested by contacting AskOtago – allow 10 working days for software to be installed.
Restricted software
Some software applications are not released for general use because they are licensed for teaching specific courses or only available to a subset of users. Restricted software will need to be run from Apps at Otago.
Access to restricted software requires proof of licence before it is allocated to students, staff, or course groups. A course co-ordinator will need to request these licences from ITS Software Procurement and request the software be made available to the computer labs/Apps at Otago by contacting AskOtago. Access and licences are removed annually, so will need to be requested each year.