Connect to Virtual Lab (vLab)

How to Access the Virtual Lab

Step 1: Connect to the Campus Network

Note: You must be on the campus network or connected to the VPN to access the Virtual Lab.

Step 2: Open the Virtual Lab Website

Step 3: Choose a Connection Option

You will see two options:

  • Install VMware Horizon Client (recommended)
  • VMware Horizon HTML Access (web browser)

Recommendation: The VMware Horizon Client offers better performance, more features, and allows access to files on your local computer.

VMware Horizon connection screen offering options to install the Horizon Client or use the HTML Access web option.

 

Installing VMware Horizon Client (Recommended)

Step 1: Download the Client

  1. From the list, locate “Omnissa Horizon Client” for your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  2. Select Go To Downloads.
  3. Click Download Now.

Step 2: Install the Client

  1. Once the download is completed, open the file to begin installation.
  2. On the Privacy Agreement and License Terms screen, select Agree & Install.
  3. When you see the “Success!” message, select Finish.
  4. Restart your computer if prompted.

Step 3: Launch the Application

  1. Open the Omnissa Horizon Client application.
  2. Select Add Server.
  3. When prompted for the Connection Server, enter virtuallab.utrgv.edu, then select Connect.
  4. Log in using your UTRGV email address and password.
  5. Select Connect to access the Virtual Lab.

Note: These settings will be saved for future connections.

 

Configure the Omnissa Horizon Client to Save Files to Your Local Computer

Note: Local file saving is not supported when using the HTML Access (web browser) option.

  1. Select the Settings tab.
  2. In the left pane, select Drive & Folder Sharing.
  3. Enable the following options:
    • Share your local files
    • Allow access to removable storage

Drive & Folder Sharing settings in Omnissa Horizon Client showing local file sharing and removable storage access enabled.

By default, your local Documents folder is shared. If you want to use a different folder: 

  • Select Add
  • Browse to and select a folder on your local hard drive where you plan to save your work

Note: Your local files will appear in the Virtual Lab as the Z: drive. To access them, open File Explorer > This PC and look under Network Locations. If you added a specific local folder earlier, it will also appear under Network Locations.

 

VMware Horizon HTML Access (Web Browser Option)

This option does not require installing the Horizon Client. However, it does not allow access to your local hard drive. HTML Access is recommended only if your device does not support the Omnissa Horizon Client application.

Accessing the Virtual Lab Using HTML Access

  1. Click on VMware Horizon HTML Access.
  2. Log in using your UTRGV username and password.
  3. Select the Virtual Machine you want to use.

Note: when finished using the virtual machine, Save your files to your computer, device, or OneDrive. Close all applications running on the Horizon Connection Server before logging out.

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