Overview

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The CloudLabs: AppStream service allows students to access virtual applications through their browser windows. Simply by signing in with SSO on a broadband internet connection, students can use these applications anytime on almost any device.

• Open to UC San Diego students and faculty in specific courses that require it.
• View which CloudLabs resources are allotted for each user: cloudlabs.ucsd.edu.
• Faculty and staff may request access for their course via a Instructional Technology Request (CINFO) submitted as long as possible before the start of the quarter.

Getting Started

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1. To get started on CloudLabs - AppStream, log-in to cloudlabs.ucsd.edu via SSO/Active Directory and DUO.
2. Select the AppStream <Course> Desktop application for the desired course. Students will only see the Desktops in courses they are enrolled in.
3. Click on the Desktop icon to load the AppStream session. This may take up to 2 minutes for the Desktop to load.
4. A prompt will appear asking you to sign in. Enter the Active Directory password for the account to connect to the AppStream desktop.
5. For first time users, navigate to Settings>Regional Settings. Set the time zone option to a local time zone. This will update the AppStream desktop to display the local time.

Notes:

• AppStream does not require a VPN connection to a UCSD network. A stable internet connection and a web browser is sufficient for access to CloudLabs - AppStream.
• Google Chrome is recommended for using CloudLabs - AppStream for optimal usage. (There are older versions of Mac running Safari that can create issues on AppStream.)
• If you have any impactful connection problems with AppStream, please email cloudlabs@ucsd.edu.

General

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Files

CloudLabs: AppStream maintains the files for an account while it remains active on the CloudLabs system. As long as an account is registered in a course that uses CloudLabs: AppStream, the files will remain for the duration of that course.

• To view the folders that are associated with each account, open the File Explorer icon and expand the This PC icon by clicking on the arrow icon.
• Files and folders that are under the <USER> drive will be maintained between session. This includes Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos.
• Each account also has a Temporary Files folder, which is where files are uploaded/downloaded to and from the AppStream desktop, as well as a Downloads folder, that are available for each session.

Note: Files that are located in the Temporary Files or Downloads folders will not be saved between session. Make sure to save the files in these folders elsewhere before ending the AppStream session.

To upload files from a personal computer to the AppStream desktop:

• Click the My Files icon from the Menu Bar and select the Temporary Files folder.
• Click the Upload Files icon in the top right corner to the select the file(s) to upload to the AppStream desktop.
• Click the Add Folder icon in the top right corner to create new folders. File(s) can be uploaded to these new folders to help keep multiple files in the same location.

To download files from the AppStream desktop to a personal computer:

• Click the My Files icon from the Menu Bar and select the Temporary Files folder.
• Navigate to the location of each desired file. Click the down arrow icon to the right of each file and click Download to download the file(s) to a personal computer.

Note: Make sure that any files that need to be downloaded or uploaded are located somewhere in the Temporary Files folder, either in the folder itself or within a subfolder of the Temporary Files folder.

Internet Speed

It is recommended to have a stable internet connection to ensure an optimal experience with CloudLabs: AppStream. If the network drops out, the AppStream desktop will have a 10 minute window to open and resume a new desktop before the session will drop and disconnect.

• If the network connection is unstable or unreliable, make sure to save work frequently.
• Using a smartphone as a hotspot is not recommended.
• A VPN connection through a UCSD network is not necessary.

End Session

Once a user is done using the AppStream desktop software, click the "End Session" button located under the Profiles dropdown.

The following error message may appear during peak periods. If so, please wait 10-15 minutes and try again. (Amazon automatically expands our CloudLabs environment with additional seats whenever >75% utilized, but the new capacity takes 10-15 minutes to come online.)

Menu Bar

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These are the menu buttons that are most likely to be used:

My Files

The 'My Files' button opens a menu to upload/download files to and from the AppStream desktop through the 'Temporary Files' folders.

Clipboard

The 'Clipboard' button opens a dropdown menu with several options to text to and from the AppStream desktop:

• Copy to local device: This option will display the text that is copied to the clipboard in the AppStream desktop, which can be copied and used on a local device.
• Paste to remote session: This option will open the clipboard to paste any text from a local device to the AppStream desktop, which can then be used with the AppStream session.

Settings

The 'Settings' button opens a dropdown menu with several setting options:

• Enable microphone: This option will enable or disable use of the microphone for the AppStream desktop.
• Streaming mode: This option will display the streaming options to the AppStream desktop. Use the default mode (Best Responsiveness) if there are any doubts about connection issues.
• Screen resolution: This option allows selection of the screen resolution of the AppStream desktop. Lowering the resolution may be helpful if there are issues with connections.
• Regional settings: This setting opens a menu to select a time zone, the format that Windows will display its numbers, and possible input languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean.

Enter Fullscreen Mode

The 'Enter Fullscreen Mode' button enlarges the AppStream desktop to the full-weight and full-height of the display.

Toggle Multiple Monitors

The 'Toggle Multiple Monitors' button opens an second browser of the AppStream desktop to use on a separate monitor to expand the AppStream desktop workspace.

Open Fn Shortcuts

The 'Fn Shortcuts' button opens a menu with key combinations and shortcuts on the AppStream desktop. This is useful when a user does not have access to a keyboard when using the AppStream desktop.

Profiles

The 'Profiles' Button opens a dropdown menu with the option to 'Send Feedback' or to 'End Session'