VDI: Frequently Asked Questions (Faculty/Staff)

In this article

1. What is a VDI Workspace?
2. How do I connect to Employee VDI Desktop?
3. What computer system or platform can be used to access VDI Workspace?
4. Will I be prompted for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
5. My MFA approval is not working, what are my step to resolve?
6. It takes a while to connect. Is this normal?
7. While trying to connect, nothing happens when I click on an application or desktop. What should I do?
8. While using a web browser to connect, nothing happens when I click on an application or desktop. What should I do?
9. Where should I save my files when working in VDI Workspace?
10. How do I save to OneDrive in VDI Workspace?
11. How do I access files in OneDrive from VDI Workspace?
12. Can I map a drive in VDI Workspace?
13. Will I be able to print in VDI Workspace Desktop?
14. Can I connect USB devices or access a CD-ROM from Workspace?
15. How to copy and paste in Workspace?
16. Can I transfer files from my physical computer to the Workspace (or vice-versa)?
17. How can I request software to be added to Workspace?
18. How long after a password reset do I have wait to login?
19. My VDI Workspace session was lost due to intermittent Internet outage, what should I do?
20. Will my saved data and settings persist after logoff?
21. Do you have Other supportive Knowledge Articles 

Questions and Answers

1. What is a VDI Workspace?

Workspace is a TCCD web-based portal, to remotely access products that allow students and employees to utilize TCCD Desktop and Published Applications, using a modern Internet browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari).

2. How do I connect to Employee VDI Desktop?

There are two methods to access Employee VDI Desktop:: 

1. Web Browser: Visit http://cloud.tccd.edu/ to log in with your TCC email and password. Make sure you log off when you're finished with your session
2. Workspace Client: Tarrant County College OneIT recommends employees to download and utilize the VMware Horizon Client when working from just your portable computer. You can download the client from the company portal to access VDI Workspace. 

Note: If your home office has multiple monitors, it is recommended that you use the browser for the best experience. 

Follow the instruction from this link to install the client application on the college device

3. What computer system or platform can be used to access VDI Workspace?

Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Chromebook, and Linux computers can access the applications and virtual desktops in Workspace.

4. Will I be prompted for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA upon login is due to security requirements. To setup MFA, please follow this link.  You will have 20 seconds to approve this request on your cellular phone, please be ready with the app opened.

5. My MFA approval is not working, what are my step to resolve?

Have your phone Microsoft Mult-Factor Authenticator app opened and be ready to approve

Make sure you have a strong signal on your phone wifi network or switch to cellular, if the approval is not passing through

In some cases reboot your phone and try again 

6. It takes a while to connect. Is this normal?

This depends on your Internet speed and Broadband connection. Tarrant County College recommends using the VMware Horizon Client, when possible. Experiences may vary due to equipment setup. When using only your portable computer, Tarrant County College OneIT recommends using the VMware Horizon Client. If you have multiple monitors in your home office, using your browser will provide you with the best experience.

7. While trying to connect, nothing happens when I click on an application or desktop. What should I do?

Yes. It takes time to connect to Workspace. Average time is one to two minutes to properly setup a virtual desktop.  Home internet speed plays an important role. 

8. While using a web browser to connect, nothing happens when I click on an application or desktop. What should I do?

This could be due to the pop-up blocker in the web browser. Turn off your pop-up blocker to see if this fixes the issue. Follow the instructions to allow pop-ups in:

1. Chrome
2. Firefox
3. Edge
4. Safari

9. Where should I save my files when working in VDI Workspace?

Use Microsoft TCC OneDrive to save your work while you're on a VDI Workspace. Microsoft OneDrive allows you to access your documents anywhere, anytime, from any device.  During the initial login you will be prompted to log into the OneDrive application.
Instructions on how to connect your OneDrive in your VDI workspace.

10. How do I save to OneDrive in VDI Workspace?

From any Microsoft office product (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc...)

1. Select File -> Save As -> Double-click “OneDrive – Tarrant County College District”
2. Enter File name and click save

 

11. How do I access files in OneDrive from VDI Workspace?

Use the OneDrive icon from the Window Start Menu and browse to your saved documents.

12. Can I map a drive in VDI Workspace?

Employees can map a TCCD network drive by using the following instructions 

13. Will I be able to print in VDI Workspace Desktop?

On campus: Yes, if you are on a TCCD campus you will be able to print from an Employee Desktop session.

Off campus:  No, if you are off campus or using the web browser (cloud.tccd.edu) you will not be able to connect to your home printer.

14. Can I connect USB devices or access a CD-ROM from Workspace?

No. USB devices and CD-ROM access is not available from any Workspace.

15. How to copy and paste in Workspace?

Copy and Paste function are not enabled.

16. Can I transfer files from my physical computer to the Workspace (or vice-versa)?

No. Workspaces does not support any file transfers from personal devices or other Workspace sessions. Use OneDrive to transfer files from physical laptop to a VDI session. To upload files to your OneDrive, visit OneDrive online.

17. How can I request software to be added to Workspace?

Employees need to submit a service request through TCC ServiceDesk

18. How long after a password reset do I have wait to login?

Please wait 15 minutes for all sync to complete and login with your new account.

19. My VDI Workspace session was lost due to intermittent Internet outage, what should I do?

You may connect to your disconnected Employee Desktop Session within a reasonable time of 30 minutes to regain your session, after that any unsaved data will be lost.

20. Will my saved data and settings persist after logoff?

Yes, all desktop shortcuts, printers, shares, MFA, browser favorites and data will be saved. 

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