UChicago Virtual Lab (vLab)

The UChicago Virtual Lab (vLab) is an online equivalent to a computer lab. You can use it to access certain course software.

Accessing vLab

You may access vLab from university-provided computers in the Library and other public spaces, or from your own laptop or desktop on the university network. Please note that to access the vLab environment from off-campus, you must use cVPN. (cVPN also requires that you are using 2FA.)

See the ITS knowledge base article for a current list of software available on vLab. If you need assistance connecting to vLab, stop by the Techbar or call ITS Service Desk during business hours.

  • Start Microsoft Remote Desktop (instructions for Windows or download for Mac) or equivalent RDP software
    • Computer: vlab.uchicago.edu
    • User Name: your CNetID
      (Note: some clients require “adlocal\CNetID” instead of just your CNetID)
    • Password: your CNet password
    • Domain: adlocal
  • This is a shared service for all students — backups and storage are your responsibility. Please save all your files on your own device.

 

Accessing the Campus vLabApps Pilot (Microsoft RemoteApp)

This RemoteApp Pilot service allows the university community access to applications virtually without having to fully install them on the computer but, instead of seeing a full desktop, you will now be seeing the individual app present on your computer.  There are two methods of connecting to RemoteApps:

 

Recommended Method

For Windows: Connection via Control Panel and Start Menu

If you regularly use the same computer to connect to your RemoteApp sessions, you can add a direct connection from your operating system’s Control Panel.

  1. Open your Windows Control Panel, switch to Icon View, and open “Remote Apps and Desktop Connections.”
  2. At the left side of the Window, click “Set up a new connection with RemoteApp and Desktop Connections.”
  3. Fill in the address “https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu/RDWeb/Feed/webfeed.aspx” and click Next.
  4. When you see the “Ready to set up the connection” dialog, Click Next.
  5. A Windows Security dialog will appear, Login with your cNetID and password making sure to use “ADLOCAL\cNetID” and password.
  6. Return to the “Setup Connection” dialog and click Finish.

This will add a folder to your Windows Start Menu (VLAB Remote Apps).  When you want to launch a RemoteApp, you can use these shortcuts.

For MAC:

  1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop app for MAC.
    To Download the app click -> https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466?mt=12
  2. Click the “+” button at the top and “Add Workspace”, use “https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu/RDWeb/Feed/webfeed.aspx“
  3. At this point you can either leave the User Account field to “Ask When Required”.
  4. Click next and authenticate.
  5. Microsoft Remote Desktop will now present you the list of available apps in the Workspace tab.

Tip for MAC Users: To connect a local drive go to Preferences -> General and look for the section that asks for “If Folder Redirection is enabled…” and set a folder.

 

 

Connecting via the Web

If you are connecting from a computer that you do not use regularly, a connection via the web will be a better choice for you.

  1. Go to https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu and click HTML Web Client (For MAC and LInux Users)
  2. Log in with your “ADLOCAL\cNetID” username and password.
  3. Once authenticated, you will see the RemoteApps for which you are eligible.
  4. Double-click the application you’d like to use.  (You may see a security warning when the app launches. Click the checkbox to opt out of future security warnings.)
  5. Depending on your browser, you will either download, or immediately launch an application-specific “rdp” file.
  6. You will be asked to log in with your cNetID username and password again.
  7. This service is now 2FA enabled, you will now have to click your appropriate DUO authentication.
  8. Open the file, and your RemoteApp application will launch.
  9. Your application will start, and you can use it in a similar fashion as if was installed locally on your own computer.See the ITS knowledge base article for a current list of software available on vLab. If you need assistance connecting to vLab, stop by the Techbar or call ITS Service Desk during business hours.
  • This is a shared service for all students — backups and storage are your responsibility. Please save all your files on your own device.
  • We recommend you use the Recommended Method for optimal results.
  • For help and feedback please send an email to academictech@uchicago.edu