Description:
Virtual Computing Commons provide Trent University students and faculty with access to a remote Windows Virtual Desktop that includes a suite of software applications necessary to support teaching and learning. This service provides secure remote access to specialized application software, which in some cases may only be available on-campus. A list of application software available in the Virtual Computing Commons may be found on the Trent IT Software Listing for the Computing Commons webpage here: https://www.trentu.ca/it/software-computing-commons
Virtual Computing Commons can be accessed from any computer running a web browser, including Chromebooks. Additionally, Windows and Mac users can install a native client to connect to these Virtual Computing Commons directly without the use of a web browser. Users will need to use their Trent University provided credentials to access this service.
From the virtual desktop accessed through the Virtual Computing Commons, users can access and save work to their H:\ drive and other cloud-based storage, such as OneDrive and Google Drive. Users can also connect their local (own) computer to their virtual desktop and gain the ability to access and edit files on their local computer directly from within the virtual desktop.
Although basic configuration settings are saved and persist between uses, other files and settings do not.
All activities performed in the Virtual Computing Commons should be limited to course work only. Please do not use streaming platforms on the virtualized network. This should be done through your local computer only. Additionally, Virtual Computing Commons remote access is not needed for access to Microsoft Office software.
Students can install Microsoft Office on up to five devices, at no cost, through the university’s Microsoft Student Advantage program. For more information, visit the IT Service Catalogue page: Microsoft Student Advantage Programs
https://www.trentu.ca/it/services/microsoft-student-advantage-programs
Faculty can also install Microsoft Office on up to five devices, at no cost, through the university’s Microsoft Faculty and Staff Advantage program. For more information, visit the IT Service Catalogue page: Microsoft Faculty/Staff Advantage Program
https://www.trentu.ca/it/services/microsoft-faculty-staff-advantage