For Students

Virtual Computer Lab

The USF St. Petersburg Virtual Computer Lab provides access to university licensed applications on virtual desktops running "in the cloud." These virtual desktops will run on your personal computer or device from on and off campus. You can access these virtual desktops from a web browser (HTML Access) or using the VMware Horizon Client.

To access the Virtual Computer Lab via a web browser or with the VMware Horizon Client you will need to meet one of the following requirements first:

  • Be on campus and connected to a USF wireless network or
  • Be connected to the USF VPN network

Access the Virtual Desktops with HTML Access

To access the virtual desktops with a web browser:

  1. Connect to the USF wireless network or connect to the USF VPN.
  2. Visit the Virtual Computer Lab Portal.
  3. Select the VMware Horizon HTML Access link.
  4. Enter your USF email address and password and select Login.

Click here to view an example of the Login page...

Portal Login Example


Access the Virtual Desktop with the VMware Horizon Client (for the first time)

To access the virtual desktops with the VMware Horizon client:

  1. Connect to the USF wireless network or connect to the USF VPN.
  2. Visit the Virtual Computer Lab Portal.
  3. Select Install VMware Horizon Client.
  4. Install the client.
  5. Configure the client, click here for instructions.