Virtual Student Computing Lab

Overview

The Pitt IT Student Virtual Computing Lab enables you to remotely access lab software and resources from any location, using almost any computer or mobile device, at any time of day. It's your personal 24/7, on-the-go lab.

Detail

Benefits of the Virtual Student Computing Lab

  • Connect with Windows App via web browser or nearly any Windows, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android/Chrome OS device
  • Access the most popular lab software for classes without having to load it on your personal devices
  • Secure your work with cloud-based services and storage behind Pitt Passport sign-on and Duo multifactor authentication
  • Work online with no need to use PittNet VPN

Available Software

For a complete list of software available in the Virtual Student Computing Lab, visit the Student Computing Labs Software page.

To request additional software titles for the Virtual Student Computing Lab, please fill out and submit the New Software Title Request form. You will be contacted by Pitt IT about your request.

Use Windows App to Access the Virtual Student Computing Lab

  1. Navigate to the Microsoft documentation to "Connect to your desktop and apps" and select the tab for the platform that you are using. Use of the native Windows App for your platform is recommended, but a web version of Windows App is also available.
  2. Follow the provided steps to download, install, and open Windows App from your platform's store and sign in with your University email. You will be prompted with the standard Pitt Passport login.
  3. Double click Pitt IT - Virtual Student Computing Lab under the heading Pitt IT - Virtual Student Computing Lab - You must register at accounts.pitt.edu for Adobe CC Access.
  4. Enter your University Computing Account username and password to complete the login process.
  5. Once logged in, you will be able to access more than 150 individual software titles for classes.
  6. To disconnect from the Virtual Student Computing Lab, simply log out of the computer.

Save and Access Files

  • You are automatically logged into OneDrive upon connecting to the Virtual Student Computing Lab.
  • Files saved to the Virtual Student Computing Lab’s Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folders will be saved to your OneDrive account.
  • Files saved in OneDrive will automatically sync with any device you use to connect to the Virtual Student Computing Lab.
  • If you are using the client for Windows and macOS, you can also save files to your local device.
  • Synced files from the Virtual Student Computing Lab can be accessed directly in OneDrive online by clicking on My Files and then the Desktop, Documents, or Pictures folder.
  • Application settings and files in your Windows user profile are stored for the duration of the current semester. Before the end of the semester, please ensure that all necessary files are available in OneDrive online. Data on the Virtual Student Computing Lab that is not stored in OneDrive will be removed at the end of each semester.

Use the Legacy Microsoft Remote Desktop Web Client

The Microsoft Remote Desktop web client is being replaced by Windows App, but it is still currently available for use.

Note: The web client requires HTML 5. The latest version of most browsers supports HTML 5.

  1. Navigate to pi.tt/vlab (https://client.wvd.microsoft.com/arm/webclient/index.html).
  2. Enter your University email address. You are redirected to the Pitt Passport login screen.
  3. Log in using your University Computing Account username and password.
  4. Double click Pitt IT - Virtual Student Computing Lab under the heading Pitt IT - Virtual Student Computing Lab - You must register at accounts.pitt.edu for Adobe CC Access.
  5. Enter your University Computing Account username and password to complete the login process.

Important: You will be saving your files to your OneDrive account. You cannot save files to your local computer or device when using the web client.

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