Remote Computing Infrastructure
Features
Tufts students, faculty, and staff can access most university software remotely for teaching, learning, research, and general-purpose needs. This remote infrastructure delivers 24/7 online access to remote desktops and specialized software, designed around the specific needs of the Tufts community and licensed by the university for use outside of physical computer labs.
The remote solutions offered by TTS include various Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) applications and desktop environments.
- TTS Virtual Lab (VDI) provides access to general computing software and resources.
- Engineering Lab (VDI) provides access to engineering-specific products like the Autodesk Product Design Suite as well as data-intensive research software. All affiliates of the School of Engineering have access to the Engineering Lab (VDI). Others can request access if needed by submitting a request to Tufts Technology Services.
- Veterinary School Clinical Services (VDI)
- Dental School Clinical Services (VDI)
- Various Remote Applications (VDI)
All Tufts affiliates have access to the TTS Virtual Lab (VDI) and do not need to request access to these resources. Access to other VDI resources might be limited to specific user groups and usually require an access request to be submitted to TTS.
You can access the virtual workspace from any web browser or desktop client, by logging into the online portal https://vdi.it.tufts.edu, and using your Tufts credentials to login.
If you believe you should have access to a virtual desktop or application, and cannot see it after signing in, please contact us for assistance.
Get Started
Access via Web Application:
The web application provides a convenient interface to access remote computing infrastructure via your web browser. However, it is not optimized for performance and hence it is strongly recommended that the Omnissa Horizon Client application be used for access instead.
- To access remote computing infrastructure via the web application, click on the link corresponding to which environment you would like to access.
- TTS Virtual Lab (VDI). Engineering Lab (VDI) and all other VDI applications: https://vdi.it.tufts.edu/
- Click on Omnissa Horizon Web Client and log in using your Tufts username and password.
- Enter your Tufts username and password once more and click Login.
- Double-click on the icon corresponding to the resource you would like to access.
- A new window will open providing you access to a remote computer.
Access via the Omnissa Horizon Client (Desktop Application)
Installing the Omnissa Horizon Client
- In your browser, navigate to https://vdi.it.tufts.edu/
- Click the "To see the full list of Omnissa Horizon Clients, click here" option
- A page will load with all of the available Omnissa Horizon clients for various operating systems
- Find the appropriate option for your device and click "GO TO DOWNLOADS"
- Click the "DOWNLOAD NOW" button
- Download and install the application
- When installation completes, open the application
- When you are prompted to add a server address, enter the following: vdi.it.tufts.edu
- Click Connect. (Tip: Having trouble connecting? If you are not using a secure on-campus connection, try connecting to the Tufts VPN.)
- A Tufts login screen may open in your browser. Log in with your Tufts credentials
- Back in the Omnissa application, a VDI login screen will appear. Log in with your Tufts credentials. Make sure the domain says TUFTS
- After successful login, a list of available desktops and applications will appear