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Overview
Azure Lab Services provides access to cloud based virtual desktops in support of remote learning when away from campus. Access to Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) 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 Azure 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 azure-noreply@microsoft.com.
- Navigate to the registration URL and select the Sign in option and enter your AACC email address and password.
- Once signed in, you will see the virtual machines associated with your course.
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.
- Navigate to https://labs.azure.com and sign in with your AACC 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 select the VM icon to begin a remote session.
- 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.
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 Remote Desktop Client found here: https://apps.apple.com/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466?mt=12
- Once you have the remote desktop client installed, navigate to https://labs.azure.com and sign in with your AACC 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 select the VM icon to begin a remote session.
- 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.
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 Azure Lab 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.