Viterbi MyDesktop (VDI or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is the virtual computing resource available to students of select engineering classes.
Viterbi MyDesktop is intended to provide Viterbi students with access to engineering and scientific software packages whose licensing terms prohibit their installation on personally owned computers, involve complex installation procedures, or require elevated hardware resources for satisfactory experience. The intent is to provide access to installed software on any device from anywhere and at any time.
Please note that this is different from the USC ITS administered Cloudapps. For more information on Cloudapps, please click on this link.
Virtual Desktop Pools
Viterbi MyDesktop currently uses VMWare Horizon virtual desktop technology. Virtual desktops supported on MyDesktop run Windows software only.
General Desktop with light 3D graphics acceleration.
Enhanced Desktop with heavier 3D graphics requirements.
C-Enhanced Desktop with higher computational requirements with modest 3D graphics requirements.
Forensics Desktop with higher computational requirements with modest 3D graphics requirements. This pool is sandboxed.
Who has access to Viterbi MyDesktop? All Viterbi classes have access to the Enhanced and General desktop pools.
Please click here for how to request installation of new instructional software
Benefits of using Viterbi MyDesktop
Access to the software from anywhere at any time. The user does not need to come on campus and find an available computer to work on.
In most cases, the user does not need to install anything on their computer to access MyDesktop. There is an HTML5 web access method for MyDesktop. The user does have the option to install a client (multi-platform) for faster access and better performance while using MyDesktop.
Users could make use of the software installed on MyDesktop with their own laptops in classrooms not outfitted with computers.
Apple Mac users will be able to access Windows only Engineering software.
Users do not have to deal with software installation headaches and hassles such as:
Do I have the right operating system?
Does my computer meet the minimum hardware requirements?
The software didn’t install properly. Now what do I do?
Software licenses and how do I get that back from the students when they are done with the class?
All users on MyDesktop have a roaming profile (where permitted by software) and network storage. Logging in with your USC Net ID, whether it is in an ITP classroom, on MyDesktop or in the Engineering Computing Center (SAL125), your shortcuts and files will follow.
Easily copy and paste between MyDesktop and your own computer.
Easily mount and have access to your own computer’s hard drive from within MyDesktop.
Most USB flash drives plugged into your own computer will be accessible through MyDesktop. Other USB devices may also work but will depend if Windows has driver support for your device.
Caveats when using Viterbi MyDesktop
MyDesktop is set up as an additional way to deliver software for classroom and instructional purposes. It is not meant as a straight replacement for classroom or lab computers. As such, while the performance of MyDesktop is quite good, it will not outperform a desktop computer equipped with a similar processor, RAM, video capabilities and an SSD.
The user’s ISP speed connecting to MyDesktop will play a part in the user experience. The faster the connection, the more responsive MyDesktop will feel. Conversely, the slower the connection, MyDesktop may feel laggy and slow to respond.
Roaming profiles and network storage is very convenient but please take note. The more that is saved to the roaming profile, the longer the login time. Keep only the necessary items on the desktop. Move your homework files to the network storage.
In order to provide fair access to all while allowing students to get their work done, session limits are enforced. Virtual desktops are automatically shut down after 8 hours to make resources available for others. Users may log off and log back on to reset the 8 hours. There are no limits to how often you may connect to MyDesktop.
You are limited to one active virtual desktop session at a time. You will not be able to initiate multiple MyDesktop sessions. Please make sure you log off your session properly.Simply closing or quitting the session may result in your session being hung that may require you to wait until the session times out.
Virtual desktops are automatically shut down if there is no activity or if it remains idle for 60 minutes.
You should always save your work to your assigned space on the Viterbi network file storage. MyDesktop standard configuration will redirect My Documents/Documents, Desktop and Downloads to space on the Viterbi network file storage. This is also mapped in the VM as your U:\ drive. Performance is generally best when saving to the U:\ drive. You should always save your work in at least two locations. You may keep backup copies of your work on your Google Drive or other cloud storage accessible to you. Please use the web interface for these cloud storage services. You may also copy your data to an attached USB flash drive or to your local computer’s storage.
For the Spring semester, all data will be purged starting on 5/31
For the Summer semester, all data will be purged starting on 8/31
For the Fall semester, all data will be purged starting on 12/31
Be sure to copy your data before the above-mentioned dates.
Read all notices when you log in. Any interruption to services will be posted when you log in.
Troubleshooting Common Viterbi MyDesktop Login Problems
Before reaching out for help, try the following:
If you are unable to login with the HTML5 method, have you tried downloading the Horizon client and see if you are able to login?
If you are unable to login with the Horizon client, have you tried using the HTML5 to login?
If you are using the Horizon client, are you using the latest version? If you have a Mac and running Bootcamp, you could try both the Windows and Mac version of Horizon client to see which works better for you.
Are you using your USC Net ID and the correct password? If you are not sure, try logging into myViterbi. If you can’t log in to that either, there’s something wrong with your username, password or both. Please contact ITS at (213) 740-5555 to confirm your USC Net ID and or reset your password.
If the above fails, please contact your faculty or TA for assistance. If your faculty redirects you to Viterbi IT for help logging into myViterbi or if your class does not have a TA, please email Viterbi IT at engrhelp@usc.edu. Please provide the following information:
Computer Operating System and version you are using. For example, Windows 7, Windows 10, Mac OSX El Capitan…
Are you using the Horizon client? If yes, which version did you download and install?
Your USC Net ID. Do NOT send your password.
The class you are in that requires access to MyDesktop. Please provide the class name and course number.
Viterbi IT is opened from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. If you send in a request after hours or on the weekends, you may not receive a reply until the offices are opened. Viterbi IT will only be able to help you log onto MyDesktop. Viterbi IT will not be able to help you with computer hardware or software problems.
Instructors, please continue to send the following before the start of the semester toengrhelp@usc.edu.
Class(es) that will need access to the VDI
Software you will be using
List of TAs
This will help us to keep track and provide your class with priority access during scheduled class time.
Classroom Support
Viterbi IT services a host of classrooms and labs. For a list of all the classrooms supported, click here.
Responsible Unit: Viterbi IT Contact: Viterbi IT Service Desk Telephone: 213-740-0517 Email Address: engrhelp@usc.edu
Engineering Computing Center (SAL125)
The Engineering Computing Center (ECC) is an open study space with three adjacent classrooms. Located in SAL 125, the ECC can be entered from the west side of SAL (Salvatori Computer Science Center).
SAL 109, 126, and 127 are connected to the ECC. The ECC contains PCs for students taking at least one Viterbi class during the semester to log into and use. Computing labs may be reserved for hands-on instruction. The ECC has short-term Mac loaner laptops, long-term Windows loaner laptops, and a Wēpa kiosk printer available.
On-site support for the ECC is available at the front desk in SAL 125.
Contact: (213) 740-1062
Summer, 2022 Semester Operating Hours
Sunday to Saturday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM .
The ECC is closed during all USC holidays.
Lost and Found
We understand that sometimes it’s easy to forget items in the Engineering Computing Center. If you have misplaced something, check with the front desk to see if the item was turned in. Please provide a description of the item especially if there’s anything on the item that could denote ownership. Items not picked up within a reasonable amount of time will be discarded or until drawer is full.
For more information regarding the ECC, please click here.
Room
SAL 109
SAL 125
SAL 126
SAL 127
Type
Instructional Computing Lab
Open Area/Lobby
Instructional Computing Lab
Instructional Computing Lab
Computers
30 PC Desktops
1 Instructor Desktop
16 PC Desktops
36 PC Laptops
1 Instructor Desktop
36 PC Desktops
1 Instructor Desktop
Furniture Type
Fixed Tables
Fixed Tables
Mobile Tables
Fixed Tables
Whiteboards
2
3 (2 per group space)
4
1
Equipment
Fabric screen
HDMI Connection
2 LCD Projectors
Network LAN jack
5 Digital Displays
wePresent Display
*Document Projector
5 Digital Displays
HDMI Connection
Document Scanner
Fabric screen
HDMI Connection
2 LCD Projectors
Network LAN jack
*Document Projector
Fabric screen
HDMI Connection
2 LCD Projectors
Network LAN jack
*Document Projector
*One document projector is available for instructional use only. Inquire with the front desk.
Open Lab
During the semester, Open Lab hours are reserved for each ECC classroom for students to use the computers. Please refer to the ECC classroom calendar for Open Lab hours. You may also inquire with the front desk what the Open Lab hours are for each classroom. TAs may also meet with students in the classrooms during Open Lab hours. Note that during Open Lab hours, the classroom is available to all. There will be no exclusive use of the classroom during Open Lab hours. Once designated as Open Lab, reservations could not be made for those times.
Group Study Rooms (SAL 109)
4 group study rooms will be available for collaboration. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are a party of 1, you may be asked to vacate the room for teams of 2 or more. While class is in session, group study rooms will be unavailable.
SAL 109A is equipped with a wePresent wireless presentation system. Instructions are posted in the room. For additional information, see the ECC front desk.
Collaboration Spaces (SAL125 / Open Space)
5 collaboration spaces are available. Available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are a party of 1, you may be asked to vacate the space for teams of 2 or more.
Instructional Software Request (ISR)
To request an instructional software to be mounted in the Viterbi VDI system, please use Instructional Software Request (ISR) tool in myViterbi, https://myviterbi.usc.edu/.
The intention for the ISR is to provide faculty with a way to request software for instructional purposes. The ISR processes takes into the account the following:
Approval by the Department Chair
Approval by the School
Procurement of the software includes the following:
License agreement
Purchasing
Obtaining the software
Installation and initiate testing in Viterbi IT supported classrooms or the School's Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
Distribution of the software if the licensing agreement permits
Final testing with the subject matter experts (Faculty, TA...) to ensure the software is working as it should.
To ensure that instructional software is obtained, installed and ready for class use; the deadlines for submittal of ISRs are below. If the request is received after the deadline, there are no guarantees that the software will be available for use when you need it for class.
For software to be available by that start of:
The ISR must be submitted by:
Fall Semester
March 1
Spring Semester
October 1
Summer Semester
January 1
Faculty should be reminded that instructional software used in Viterbi IT-managed environments are installed on a year-by-year basis and should not be assumed to remain installed indefinitely.
Faculty should include when the instructional software will be used in class. Please provide a time frame. For example, some faculty will not be using the software until the second half of the semester.
Viterbi IT is proactive about notifying faculty of pending software license renewals, but ultimately it is the responsibility of the faculty member using the software for instruction to notify Viterbi IT that a particular instructional software suite will be required for the upcoming academic year.
In the absence of an explicit, annual notification of continuing instructional need via the ISR Manager tool in myViterbi, Viterbi IT will retire the software from use, and need not provide the software in subsequent years.
Information Technology Program (ITP) Guides
Access to F-Enhanced VDI
How do I connect to F-ENHANCED VDI? From your browser, please point to https://myDesktop.vlab.usc.edu. You will have two choices: Install the client or use HTML access.
For a better overall experience, please choose to install the VMware Horizon Client.
What account and password do I use? Log in with your username and password as follows: USCNetID@ISD.USC.EDU (e.g., ttrojan@ISD.USC.EDU, please note that ISD.USC.EDU is case sensitive). The password is the same that you used to log into myViterbi.usc.edu.
What would affect the performance of F-Enhanced VDI? The speed and stability of your internet connection will play a big part in how F-Enhanced VDI will perform. The faster and more stable connection that you have, the better the overall computing experience.
If you are using large data file(s), it is recommended that you copy the data file(s) to your network folder (U: drive) on the VDI. When you launch the desired software application, point it to the data file residing on your network folder (U: drive).
How do I copy data files between my computer and the network folder (U: drive)? When you first log in, you will be asked this question. Please select Allow.
From the F-Enhanced VDI host desktop, click on File Explorer and you will see your own computer’s hard drive. You may now select files to copy between your own computer and the network folder (U: drive).
How long can I stay connected to the F-ENHANCED VDI? A maximum of 8 hours per session. You will be prompted to save your work and log off gracefully 15 minutes before the 8 hour mark. After logging off, you may log back on if a F-ENHANCED VDI host is available.
What happens to my VDI connection session if is idle? If the system does not detect any user response via keyboard or mouse within 60 minutes, the user will be logged off and the host will reboot.
How do I get help with issues related to class Virtual Machines or class materials? Please contact your instructor or class TA for assistance.
How do I get help with issues related to accessing the F-ENHANCED VDI? Please submit a Viterbi Service Desk ticket at myViterbi , email engrhelp@usc.edu, or call 213-740-0517 M-F 8:30am-5:00pm.
Access to F-Enhanced VDI
How do I connect to F-ENHANCED VDI? From your browser, please point to https://myDesktop.vlab.usc.edu. You will have two choices: Install the client or use HTML access.
For a better overall experience, please choose to install the VMware Horizon Client.
What account and password do I use? Log in with your username and password as follows: USCNetID@ISD.USC.EDU (e.g., ttrojan@ISD.USC.EDU, please note that ISD.USC.EDU is case sensitive). The password is the same that you used to log into myViterbi.usc.edu.
What would affect the performance of F-Enhanced VDI? The speed and stability of your internet connection will play a big part in how F-Enhanced VDI will perform. The faster and more stable connection that you have, the better the overall computing experience.
If you are using large data file(s), it is recommended that you copy the data file(s) to your network folder (U: drive) on the VDI. When you launch the desired software application, point it to the data file residing on your network folder (U: drive).
How do I copy data files between my computer and the network folder (U: drive)? When you first log in, you will be asked this question. Please select Allow.
From the F-Enhanced VDI host desktop, click on File Explorer and you will see your own computer’s hard drive. You may now select files to copy between your own computer and the network folder (U: drive).
How long can I stay connected to the F-ENHANCED VDI? A maximum of 8 hours per session. You will be prompted to save your work and log off gracefully 15 minutes before the 8 hour mark. After logging off, you may log back on if a F-ENHANCED VDI host is available.
What happens to my VDI connection session if is idle? If the system does not detect any user response via keyboard or mouse within 60 minutes, the user will be logged off and the host will reboot.
How do I get help with issues related to class Virtual Machines or class materials? Please contact your instructor or class TA for assistance.
How do I get help with issues related to accessing the F-ENHANCED VDI? Please submit a Viterbi Service Desk ticket at myViterbi , email engrhelp@usc.edu, or call 213-740-0517 M-F 8:30am-5:00pm.
