Viterbi MyDesktop (VDI or Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) is the current name for 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” to the extent possible.
Please note that this is different from the USC ITS administered Cloudapps. For more information on Cloudapps, please click on this link.
What is Viterbi MyDesktop?
Viterbi MyDesktop currently uses VMWare Horizon virtual desktop technology. Virtual desktops supported on MyDesktop run Windows software only.
There are currently four virtual desktop pools on MyDesktop:
- 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.
Instructors, please continue to send the following before the start of the semester to engrhelp@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.
My class has access. How do I get on?
Please click MyDesktop Logon Instructions for the step by step PDF.
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.
Usage Guidelines
- Login and Getting Started guide could be found here: MyDesktop Logon Instructions
- 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.
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.
Fall, 2021 Classes with Access to MyDesktop
All Viterbi classes have access to the Enhanced and General desktop pools.
Instructors, please continue to send the following before the start of the semester to engrhelp@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.
About
The Engineering Computing Center (ECC) is located in SAL 125. The ECC entrance is located on the west side of the building. The ECC contains Macs and 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.
On-site support for the ECC is available at the front desk in SAL 125.
Contact: (213) 740-1062
Fall, 2021 Semester Operating Hours
Opened 24/7 until the end of the semester.
Exceptions:
Holidays
The ECC is closed during all USC holidays.
Printing
The ECC is equipped with wēpa cloud-based printing. Standard letter black & white and color printing are available. Students can print via cloud drives, web, email, mobile and USB.
Forms of Payment
The wēpa print station accepts credit card, USC card, PayPal and wēpa print card.
Price Per Print
Single-sided B&W: $0.09
Double-sided B&W: $0.17
Single-sided Color: $0.45
Double-sided Color: $0.68
wēpa Support
(800) 675-7639
help@wepanow.com
Monday – Sunday
6:00am – 4:00pm PST
Short Term Loaner Laptops
20 Macbook Pros are available for check out at the ECC front desk.
- You must be enrolled in at least one Viterbi course.
- You must have a valid USC ID to be eligible.
- Laptops may be checked out for four hours with the possibility of extending the loan period for another 4 hours.
- You will be emailed confirmation of the laptop loan and required time of return.
- Students must agree to the Student Laptop Loan Agreement prior to checking one out.
Long Term Loaner Laptops
Windows 10 laptops are available for check out at the ECC front desk.
- You must have an approved sponsor to be eligible to borrow a long term loaner laptop. Approved sponsors could be Department Chairs, Faculty, Student Advisors that are aware of why you need a long term loaner laptop.
- The following are examples of use cases where students were able to borrow a long term loaner laptop:
- Student's primary computer broke and needed something to use for the rest of the semester.
- Student has a non-Windows laptop and requires the use of Windows instructional software needed for class but the software is not available on Viterbi classroom computers or the Viterbi VDI system.
- Student has a laptop that is not powerful enough to run certain Windows instructional software needed for class but is not available on the Viterbi classroom computers or the Viterbi VDI system.
- You must be enrolled in at least one Viterbi course during the current semester.
- Laptops may be checked out and returned no later than a week after the last day of Finals. A date of when the laptop will be returned to the School must be specified. You will be emailed confirmation of the laptop loan and required date of return.
- Students must agree to the Student Laptop Loan Agreement prior to checking one out.
Software Available in the ECC
To see what software is installed in the ECC, visit the following link.
Viterbi Software List
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 also equipped with a wePresent wireless presentation system. Instructions are posted in the room. For additional information, see the ECC front desk.
Collaboration Spaces (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.
Computing Labs
| 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.
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.
Remote Access to ITP Security Lab (RRB101) Computers
FAQ for Faculty
- How do I connect to instructor computer?
Please connect to USC via VPN first. https://itservices.usc.edu/vpn/. Remote Desktop to this host and log in with username as in 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 with.
RRB101-INST.vlab.usc.edu
- How do I know which student is connected to which computer during class time?
After connecting to USC network via VPN, navigate to myviterbi.usc.edu and select the Remote Access ITP Security Lab Tool.
- Will I be able to find out which student is connected to which student computer outside of my scheduled class time?
To comply with student privacy, this feature is not enabled.
FAQ for Students
- What is my assigned user folder that holds my class VMs and Materials?
Please see the column “Assigned Folder” in Course Schedule under Common FAQ section.
Common FAQ
- When should I connect to my assigned lab computer for my class?
You may log on any time before your class starts. However, if you are not registered for the class, a prompt will ask you to log off 11 minutes before the start of class. If you are still logged on 6 minutes prior to the start of the class, the computer will automatically restart. It is advisable for you to save all data files once you received the prompt to log off.
- When my class is not in session, will I be able to access my assigned computer?
If there are no classes in session, computers will be available on a first come first served basis. Note that there are other ITP classes making use of the ITP Security Lab computers.
- How long may I stay connected to the lab computer?
You may stay connected to the lab computer for up to 4 hours per session. You will be prompted to save your work and log off 15 minutes before the 4-hour mark. After logging off, you may log back in if the lab computer is available.
- What happens to my remote connection session if it is idle?
If the system does not detect any user response via keyboard or mouse within 60 minutes, the system will reboot itself. Please make sure to save your work frequently to prevent data loss.
- What happens to my remote connection session if I closed Remote Desktop Connection window (or lose Internet connectivity) without logging off the lab computer?
Your Remote Desktop Connection session remains active for up to 60 minutes. During this time, you may attempt to reconnect to the lab computer and pick up where you left off. If you do not reconnect to the lab computer, the system’s inactivity timeout policy will be triggered. You are urged to properly logoff the lab computer to prevent potential data loss and for the lab computer to be ready for use by the next user. Please be considerate of other users sharing the assigned lab computer.
- How do I get help with issues related to class Virtual Machines or class materials?
Please contact your Instructor or class TA.
- How do I get help with issues related to remote desktop access to the ITP Security Lab?
Please submit a Viterbi Service Desk ticket at myViterbi , email engrhelp@usc.edu, or call 213-740-0517 M-F 8:30am-5:00pm.
Click ITP Security Lab - Faculty or ITP Security Lab - Student for a step-by-step guide.
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.
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 us 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.
