Virtual Desktops at OC

Drop-in lab computers are configured as "virtual desktops," which provide OC students access to essential software in the "cloud," meaning they function the same as a regular desktop would only you are in a browser tab the entire time. After logging into the computer, students will be presented with a choice of four (4) computing environments. Select the computing environment that fits your course or program needs, and away you go!

The best news is that virtual desktops can be accessed beyond the open, drop-in labs!

Virtual desktops are available outside the drop-in labs as well. This page will cover how to access all your needed applications in a virtual MS Windows environment all within a browser on your own, personal device from wherever you have an Internet connection.

Benefits

Allows students and faculty to access essential software and programs on any device they have, effectively turning their devices into powerful workstations.
Enables smart deployment of virtual technology to transform learning at OC providing cost-effective ways to get needed technology into the hands of students.
Allows students to access the tools they need for learning remotely.

Service availability

24/7

FAQs

“Why do I care about a virtual desktop?" – You can access all OC applications anywhere, on or off campus on any device.
“Virtual what? Another thing I need to learn how to do?” – It is as simple as logging on to a computer on campus--instructions below.
“What is it?” – See first paragraph at the top of this page?
“Can I use it or will you charge me?” There is no additional cost to students
“Why? Virtual is everywhere, why bother noticing it at college?” – Let's say you have a Chromebook, tablet and you need the full functionality of a Windows desktop with all of its applications, the virtual desktop will serve you well. There are other scenarios as well. For example, since virtual desktops include the full desktop version of MS Office, there are added features that the online version of Office 365 is missing. It's like having a Windows desktop without needing to buy a Windows computer.
“Is it free? Or do I need to pay another fee?” - There is no extra cost to students (see above).

To get started, here are the links that will launch one of four computing environments based on your class or program requirements. Though there are similarities between them all, each one includes software that the others may not have. For example, the ENG (Engineering) link will include AutoCAD. If you aren't using AutoCAD, you might select the General environment instead.

Be patient while the virtual desktop loads. It can take up to 2 minutes to generate the session. Once there, it will run smoothly.

Here are the links to OC's Virtual Desktops:

Propeller Desktop - General: General Desktop Link Includes MS Office 365 Suite
Propeller Desktop - Graphics: Graphics Desktop Link Includes Adobe Pro Products
Propeller Desktop - ENG: Engineering Desktop Includes AutoCAD, Solid Edge and Solid Works
Propeller Desktop - CIS: CIS Desktop Includes CIS applications

While all virtual environments include MS Office 365 Suite, which is included with all student accounts, many of the other, specialized software applications require an individual license assigned to the student via their course or program participation.

Check with your instructor if you are unsure or if a specialized (i.e., Adobe, AutoCAD, etc.) application is not working for you. Most licensed software is managed by IT after instructors provide the course roster information.

Steps to Access a Virtual Desktop

Select a virtual desktop based on your computing needs using the links above.
Log in with your OC credentials (the same as your OC student email).
Wait approximately 1-2 minutes to load the virtual session.
The virtual session will open on the desktop with a folder that includes all the applications installed for your courses.

Connecting to OneDrive (where all your files are)

Files and folders created or changed during your Virtual Desktop session can automatically sync to your OneDrive. This will ensure your files are in the cloud and available from your personal computer or another OC computer later on.

To enable syncing between OneDrive and the Virtual Desktop, you will need to connect and sync each time you start a new Virtual Desktop session.

Here are the steps to sync to OneDrive:

To open or save content to OneDrive, locate and bring up the cloud icon for OneDrive:

Click on the arrow in the lower right corner on the Windows Task Bar and locate the OneDrive icon there.
Click the cloud icon for OneDrive
Log in by entering your OC email address and click Sign In.
Step through two-factor authentication with the method you have set up with your account.
Click Next on each dialog box until you are prompted to select from the following three options
1. Online-only
2. On this device
3. Always available **
Select Always available and click Next
On the Get Mobile App dialog box, click Later
Click Open My OneDrive Folders

Once here, you will see your saved folders and files and will be able to save to this location while in the Virtual Desktop.

Printing from the Virtual Desktop at OC Computer Labs

Step 1: Open the OC Mobile Print webpage either from the desktop shortcut or by going to https://ocmobileprint.olympic.edu.

Step 2: Log into the mobile print website using your student email address.

Step 3: Upload your documents you want to print.

Step 4: Walk to the printer in the lab and sign into Pharos on the touch screen.

Step 5: Choose the Secure Release option from the touchscreen.

Step 6: Select your documents to print and press print.

Ending Your Virtual Session

Click on the Profile icon on the menu bar (top of the screen) and click End Session

Please provide feedback using the link or QR code on the virtual machine's desktop. Your input is essential for this pilot project. Thank you.