Azure Virtual Desktop is a solution ITS is offering, built on Microsoft cloud services to fulfill a need for more robust virtual machines in order to run apps like Arena more efficiently.
The current list of apps available on Azure Virtual Desktop:
- ArcGis Pro
- Arena
- Arena Output Analyzer
- QSR Nvivo
- Atlas.ti 8
- Atlas.ti 23 (Instructions on using Atlas.ti 23 in AVD can be found here)
- Nquery
- Project 2016 – 15 Licenses
Azure Virtual Desktop can be accessed by going to Azure Virtual Desktop.
Note: NO sensitive info should be processed on this service - it is for student use for classroom purposes. In addition, departmental staff should not use this service for their day-to-day work, as it is designed and provisioned for students and faculty.
It is recommended to use the Microsoft Remote Desktop app to connect to AVD. You can do so by downloading and installing the app, and then adding a new feed/workspace using this URL: https://client.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery. Authenticate with your ONYEN@ad.unc.edu to be directed to the appropriate desktop app.
Links to the Remote Desktop application:
- Windows (scroll down to the latest version and choose 64-bit)
- Mac
Note: The best way to save and store files in AVD is with OneDrive. Files left on the server's storage space will be deleted. You will need to log into Onedrive once you launch the AVD desktop. To do that, launch an AVD desktop session and open Onedrive from the start menu or use the search bar to search for it, it may then ask you to log into your OneDrive account. After you authenticate, you will have a OneDrive storage option in your AVD desktop session.
Basic usage of Azure Virtual Desktop:
- Navigate to Azure Virtual Desktop or enter this URL: https://client.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery into the “Subscribe with URL” option in your Remote Desktop app.
- Login by entering your ONYEN@ad.unc.edu to be redirected to a UNC Single Sign on page
- Enter your ONYEN and password at the UNC SSO page
- You may be asked to perform a 2 factor authorization, such as entering a code from an SMS sent to your phone
- Once signed in, you will see a desktop icon labeled "SessionDesktop"
- Click on the icon in order to launch it and begin using AVD
- NOTE: You may see a message saying "The VM is starting, this may take up to 5 minutes". This is normal behavior, just wait and you will be signed in shortly.
- Once it opens, you should see the available apps on the left side of the desktop
- Make sure to transfer any completed project files or assignments back to your OneDrive when you have completed your work on AVD.
- Once done using AVD, close out of the launched program or the browser tab in order to disconnect