Introduction: Connecting to the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL)

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About: Teacher & grad student
  • Welcome to the Virtual Computing Lab setup instructions.
  • Complete the following steps to get connected to the VCL and begin your lab assignment.

Step 1: Check Your Browser

  • It’s recommended that you use the newest version of Mozilla Firefox.
  • Check which version you have and if an update is available.

Step 2: Turn Off Pop-up Blocker

  • It’s a good idea to temporarily turn off pop-up blockers: Firefox > Options > Content > uncheck “Block pop-up windows.”
  • Remember to re-enable these when you’re done using the VCL.

Step 3: Adobe Flash Player Is Required

  • The VCL requires Adobe Flash Player. You most likely already have this on your computer but if you’re not sure then check for it at: http://get2.adobe.com/flashplayer/

Step 4: Start Cisco AnyConnect

  • Go to https://vpn.csvcl.net
  • Login to “Cisco SSL VPN Service.”
    • GROUP: OOB-anyconnect
    • USERNAME: type your username
    • PASSWORD: type your password
  • Click Login

Step 5: Start Cisco AnyConnect (continued)

  • Click Start AnyConnect

Step 6: Start Cisco AnyConnect (continued)

  • A Security Warning asks, “Do you want to run this application?” Click Run

Step 7: Start Cisco AnyConnect (continued)

  • Cisco AnyConnect will install and connect you to the VPN automatically.
    • You may receive the message, “VPN Connection Establishment failed.” This message is sometimes incorrect.
    • To ensure if AnyConnect is running go to Programs > Cisco > Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility client to launch an confirm it says “Connected”
    • If you are connected then move to the next step, if not then retry the steps to Start AnyConnect.

Step 8: Login to the VCL Website

  • Go to URL https://csvcl.vcl.local/cloud/org/csec*** (*** is your course number)
  • Click I Understand the Risks and Add Exception…
  • “Add Security Exception” leave Permanently store this exception checked and click Confirm Security Exception.

Step 9: Login to the VCL Website (continued)

  • Bookmark this webpage.
  • Login to “vmware Virtual Computing Lab”
    • User name: type your username
    • Password: type your password

Step 10: Create a VApp

  • Click Add Cloud Computer System
    • This may also read: Add vApp from Catalog

Step 11: Create a VApp (continued)

  • “Add vApp from Catalog: Select vApp Template” Select CSEC*** and click Next (*** is your course number)

Step 12: Create a VApp (continued)

  • “Name this vApp” Name: type in your username. Click Finish

Step 13: Create a VApp (continued)

  • Wait for the vApp to finish “Creating…”
  • When the vApp reads “Stopped” click the green play button
  • Wait for the vApp to read “Running” This process takes about 1 minute.

Step 14: Download the VMRC Plugin

  • Double click the vApp box.

Step 15: Download the VMRC Plugin (continued)

  • Double click the vApp icon.

Step 16: Download the VMRC Plugin (continued)

  • Click to download the VMRC Plugin.

Step 17: Download the VMRC Plugin (continued)

  • Save the VMRC install package to your desktop. The file will begin downloading.

Step 18: Install the VMRC Plugin

Once the download is complete, close Firefox and double click the vmware-vmrc-win32-x86 install package. The Installation Wizard for the VMRC Plugin will pop up. Complete the Installation Wizard.

Step 19: Login to the VCL Website Again

Step 20: Launch the VApp

  • Click the vApp icon.
    • If the black vApp icon is not visible then double click the same area.

Step 21: Launch the VApp (continued)

  • The vApp window will pop up. Click Full-Screen at the top right of the window. The full-screen button is at the top right of the window.

Step 22: Launch the VApp (continued)

  • At the top of the window click VMware Remote Console and click Send Ctrl + Alt + Del
  • Click OK
  • “Log On to Windows”
    • User name: type student1
    • Password: type Csec*** (*** is your course number)
  • Click OK

Step 23: Complete Your Lab Assignment

• Go to the Lab Assignment instructions found in WebTycho > Conferences > Week * and complete the lab then answer the following response questions. Good luck!