51

51 offers a virtual computer lab for online students. The virtual lab provides any current SOIS student access to a computer from any location.

citrix

This lab is powered by Citrix XenDesktop, as such, it is compatible with:

  • Windows
  • Max OS X
  • iOS (iPhone, iPad, etc.)
  • And much more!
Accessing the Virtual Lab via Web Browser

Using the web browser is the quickest and most simple way to access the SOIS virtual lab.

1) Navigate to: 

2) Login using your ePanther ID and password.

Use your ePanther ID and ePanther password in order to access the virtual lab.

User name: example ID
Password: *

If you are unable to login please contact the 51 Help Desk.

Please be sure to let us know what SOIS courses you currently enrolled in.

Fig. 1

Screenshot of SOIS virtual lab login page.

3) Once you login you should arrive at the following page.

Fig. 2

tuts_it_vlab02Select the windows icon in order to initiate the virtual lab session.

4) A new window/tab will open up, this is the HTML client. It will load your virtual desktop.

Fig. 3

Screenshot of virtual lab html client.

5) The screen or window will look as follows if you connected successfully.

Fig. 4

Screenshot of virtual lab landing page.

6) Uploading/Downloading files

You will use the Citrix toolbar displayed on the screen to upload & download files to and from the virtual machine.

Fig. 5

Screenshot of virtual lab upload and download icons

The upload option will allow you to select files from your physical machine and upload them to the virtual machine to be worked on and edited.

The download option will allow you to download files from the virtual machine to your local/physical machine for saving and submitting.

7) Copy/Pasting

You can also copy and paste content via the Citrix toolbar. Simply by pasting (Ctrl + v) content first into the clipboard, you will then be able to paste the content within the virtual lab.

Fig. 6

Screenshot of upload icon.

*Note: If you are inactive from the lab for 30 minutes or more, you will be logged out automatically. Please be sure to wiggle your mouse once every 30 minutes if you intend to remained logged in.

Accessing the Virtual Lab via Citrix Receiver

The Citrix Receiver application offers more advanced functionality, such as being able to directly map USB drives, printers and local storage.

1) Download the Citrix Receiver

2) Install the Citrix Receiver

When installing the Citrix Receiver you can follow the default installation prompts.

3) Configure the Citrix Receiver

After the installation is complete you will be prompted to add an account. Please do not enter your email address but instead enter the server address: desktop.sois.uwm.edu

**Note: Effective Fall 2019 you must first log onto the 51 VPN before accessing the virtual lab**

Screenshot of Add Account screen for citrix receiver

Next, you’ll be prompted to enter in your username. Please enter in your ePantherID (without @uwm.edu) and password. You may have to enter this information in twice!

Screenshot of username and password prompt screen for citrix receiver

4) Launching your Virtual Desktop

Now click on the “SOIS Desktop” and it will load in a separate window. Please note that this window may pop open behind the application.

Screenshot of SOIS desktop screen
Screenshot of SOIS desktop screen loading
Screenshot of SOIS desktop screen open

5) Using the SOIS Desktop

You can use the desktop like you would a regular computer. There are advanced functions that can be viewed by clicking the navigation bar at the top. The options available will vary depending on your operating system.

Screenshot of virtual desktop toolbar

You can upload and download files either via OneDrive, or by mapping a flash drive or local hard drive under “This PC”. The options you see will vary depending on the number and type of drives your has.

Screenshot of windows file screen

Please be sure to save your work somewhere other than the virtual machine often. When your connection ends the computers are automatically wiped to keep them clean for the next user. The current time out period is set to 30 minutes– so be sure to stay active at least one ever half-hour in the lab if you do not want to be disconnected.