Overview
Cloud Labs Services provides access to cloud based virtual desktops in support of remote learning when away from campus. Access to your assigned virtual desktop can be accomplished utilizing any modern web browser.
Courses with access to Azure Lab Services this semester include: Cyber Essentials and Digital Forensics.
Logging in and Accessing Cloud Lab Services
Accessing lab services through a web browser provides a quick and convenient way to access your virtual desktop without needed to install any additional applications. Performance may vary based on your Internet connection speed.
- At the start of your class you will be provided with a registration URL to access your virtual desktop via a link posted within your Canvas course page OR an automated email from noreply@cloudlabsai.net .
- Navigate to the registration URL or https://portal.cloudlabs.ai/home to login and setup your virtual machine. Select the Log in/Sign Up button on the main page to proceed.
- Select the link labeled as ‘Work or School Account’ followed by ‘Sign in’. On the next page enter your AACC email address and password.
- Once signed in select the menu option on the left side titled My Virtual Machine to see the virtual machines associated with your course.
- Select the button labeled ‘Launch’ to have your virtual machine created.
- When creating your system for the first time you will be presented with a dialog indicating that creation may take a few minutes. You can monitor the creation status in the system window while using the refresh option to receive current updates on the creation process.
Connecting to a Virtual Machine
Expand a section below based on your PC's operating system.
Windows
Once your registration into the virtual environment has been completed, you can connect to your assigned virtual system that includes the academic software needed to complete your coursework.
- Browse to https://portal.cloudlabs.ai/home and sign in with your AACC login email and password.
- Select the toggle button indicated in the screenshot below to start your virtual system. Note: This process can take a few minutes to complete.
- When the virtual system is fully booted, the status will change to Running.
- You can download a remote desktop protocol connection file to make a direct system connection by selecting three vertical dots next to the VM icon followed by the ‘Download Connection File’ option.
- Your web browser will download an .RDP file. Once downloaded, open this file and select Connect to launch the virtual machine.
- Sign in with the username and password provided by your professor to access the virtual instance. If you receive a warning stating the identity of the remote computer cannot be verified, select Yes.
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Alternatively, you can access the virtual system with the browser window if desired. When this your system is indicating as 'running', you can click the VM icon to begin a remote session with your existing browser window. 
- Once authenticated you will be presented with your customized course desktop.
- When finished using the desktop simply logout of the system and select the toggle switch on the course page to shut down the system. * NOTE: Shutting the system down after each use is important as it preserves your student quota time within the environment.
MacOS
Once your registration into the virtual environment has been completed, you can connect to your assigned virtual system that includes the academic software needed to complete your coursework.
- Download and install the latest Microsoft Windows App found here: https://apps.apple.com/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466?mt=12
- Once you have the Windows App installed, Browse to https://portal.cloudlabs.ai/home and sign in with your AACC login email and password.
- Select the toggle button indicated in the screenshot below to start your virtual system. Note: This process can take a few minutes to complete.
- When the virtual system is fully booted, the status will change to Running. When this occurs, you can click the VM icon to begin a remote session with your existing browser window. NOTE: For access within a browser, Google Chrome should be used. If using another browser, you should utilize the RDP option listed below.
- You can download a remote desktop protocol connection file to make a direct system connection by selecting three vertical dots next to the VM icon followed by the ‘Download Connection File’ option. Alternatively, you can access the virtual system with the browser window if desired.
- Your web browser will download an .RDP file to your Downloads folder on your Dock. Once downloaded, open this file to connect to the virtual machine.
- Sign in with the username and password provided by your professor to access the virtual instance. If you receive a warning stating the identity of the remote computer cannot be verified, select Continue.
- Once authenticated you will be presented with your customized course desktop.
- When finished using the desktop simply logout of the system and select the toggle switch on the course page to shut down the system. * NOTE: Shutting the system down after each use is important as it preserves your student quota time within the environment.
Disconnecting from a Virtual System
When completed with your coursework you can close the virtual system by selecting the X on the Remote Desktop Connection Window.
From the Cloud Labs Services web page, select the toggle to stop your virtual instance.
NOTE: If you do not stop the VM, it will continue to run and use your available quota time.
OneDrive Access
We recommend that you save all work in OneDrive to ensure that you can access it from anywhere. OneDrive can be accessed by going to https://onedrive.live.com/about/en-ie/signin/ and you should sign in with your own AACC email, not the generic account used for logging in to the virtual desktop.
After entering your email, you will be redirected to the AACC portal for sign on. You should again use your own email and password, not the generic account which was used to sign into the virtual desktop. After logging in on this page, you will be redirected back to OneDrive where you can safely store your work.
Troubleshooting
Still have questions? Contact the Technical Service Desk or submit a service offering for Azure Virtual Desktop.