You can access vLab using any University-supported computer including those located at the library or in University public spaces, but you have to be connected to one of the University's networks (i.e., wireless, wired, cVPN). The cVPN (UChicago Virtual Private Network) must be used for off-campus access to vLab.

Tip: To install the cVPN application onto your computer, go to cvpn.uchicago.edu. The application will detect your operating system, then provide you with the proper download. Links to the installation guides are also available in the Virtual Private Network (VPN) FAQ. 

To access vLab from your own computer, use a Remote Desktop Client to connect to vlab.uchicago.edu.

Connect to vLab (Recommended Method)

You can connect to vLab from your local computer or via the web. Connecting from your local computer, using a RemoteApp session, is the preferred method, but using the web version is a great option.

Windows

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, then open Remote Apps and Desktop Connections.
2. Select Set up a new connection with RemoteApp and Desktop Connections.
3. Enter [https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu], then select Next.
4. When you see the Ready to set up the connection dialog box, select Next.
5. A Windows Security dialog box appears. Enter your Username and password and be sure to use this format, ADLOCAL\CNetID, in the username field.
6. Return to the Setup Connection dialog box, then select Finish.
7. VLAB Remote Apps is now added to your Windows Start Menu.

MAC

1. Open your Microsoft Remote Desktop app for MAC. If it is not already installed on your computer, you can download it from the Apple Store.
2. Select the plus sign (+) button at the top and Add Workspace, then select https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu.
3. Leave the User Account field to "Ask When Required."
4. Select Next, then authenticate by verifying your identity.
5. Microsoft Remote Desktop now presents you with the list of available apps in the Workspace tab.
6. When starting an app, follow the prompts. You are asked for a username and password. At this point, enter your username (i.e., ADLOCAL\CNetID) and password to log in.

Additional Connection Methods

Connect Via the Web

If you are connecting from a computer that you do not use regularly (e.g., residents hall, library, campus kiosk, a friend's computer), a connection via the web will be a better choice for you.

1. Go to https://vlabapps.uchicago.edu, then select HTML Web Client (For MAC and Linux Users)
2. Enter your username (i.e., ADLOCAL\CNetID) and password.
3. Once logged in, you see the RemoteApps for which you are eligible.
4. Select the application you'd like to use. Tip: You may see a security warning when the app launches. Select the checkbox to opt out of future security warnings.
5. Depending on your browser, either download or immediately launch an application-specific ".rdp" file.
6. Log in with your CNetID and password complete two-factor authentication if prompted.
7. Open the file, then your RemoteApp application launches.
8. Your application starts, and you can use it in a similar fashion as if was installed locally on your own computer. See the IT Services knowledge base article for a current list of software available on vLab. If you need assistance connecting to vLab, stop by the Techbar, or contact IT Services Service Desk during business hours.

Special considerations:

• This is a shared service for all students, but backups and storage are your responsibility. Please save all your files onto your own device.
• Academic Technology Solutions (ATS) recommends you use the "recommended method" for optimal results.
• For help and feedback, please send an email to ATS at academictech@uchicago.edu

Syncing Local Data to Your vLab Environment

1. In order to get your data into the environment, you have to use Microsoft OneDrive to sync data from your local device to the vLabApps environment.
2. Please download the app and install it on your machine using your CNetID and password.
3. Place files you want to use in the vLabApp environment in your Microsoft Onedrive workspace on your local computer. This app creates a file space that you can share between your local PC and the vLab RemoteApp environment.
4. Once installed, use the Sync option to sync your OneDrive files in the VlabApps workspace. Once this is done, you can then access files placed on your local machine in OneDrive, within the vLabapps environment.
   
   Microsoft OneDrive Windows Local Machine View
   
   
   Microsoft OneDrive Mac Local Machine View