Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

Introduction

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) refers to the process of running a user desktop inside a virtual machine that lives on a server in the datacenter. It’s a powerful form of desktop virtualization because allows users the freedom to access virtual desktops anytime, from anywhere, on almost any device. AVD can be accessed via a web browser like Google Chrome, or through Microsoft's Remote Desktop application.

Biology IT provides a single virtual Windows desktop environment (also known as a pool) with many ISU and biological software pre-installed for faculty, staff, and students to use. 

Pool Details

  • Non-persistent - Settings and data is NOT saved after logoff
  • Windows 10 Enterprise 64 bit
  • Supports 16 users concurrently with 2 vCPU per user. Virtual machine specs: 4 CPU, 16GB RAM, 128GB SSD.
  • Free to use for all Biology IT supported faculty, staff, and students and students enrolled in Biol 256L, Bio 313L, BCB 444/544 and other courses

File Storage

There are a few file storage options for you to store and access data on campus servers or cloud providers.

  • CyBox, Google Drive, other cloud storage providers 
  • Your local computer

Software Installed

A full list of available software is listed below. We are continuing to add and upgrade software as it becomes available or as it is requested. To request software to install on a VDI, email biologyit@iastate.edu.  

  • 7zip
  • Audacity 2.4.2
  • Arcgis desktop 10.8.1
  • ArcPro
  • Behaveplus 5.0.5
  • Box
  • Chimera 1.13.1
  • Chromas version 2.6.5
  • Cyberduck
  • Cytoscape 3.8.0
  • DNA Master
  • Ecopath with ecosim
  • FAMS
  • Filezilla client 3.48.1
  • Fofem 6.4
  • Forest vegetation simulator version 2020.09.03
  • Geoda version 1.10
  • Geogebra 5
  • Google chrome
  • Google earth pro
  • Illumina experiment manager
  • Image lab
  • Inkscape
  • Irfanview 4.56 64 bit
  • I-tree
  • Labscribe 3.x
  • Mark 9.0
  • Mega-x version 10.1.1
  • Mendeley desktop 1.19.4
  • Metavist2
  • Microsoft office pro plus 2019
  • MikTex
  • Mozilla firefox
  • Notepad++
  • Putty release 0.74 64 bit
  • Python 
  • R
  • Rstudio
  • SAS
  • Sigmaplot 14.5
  • Snapgene viewer
  • VLC
  • Cortex 10
  • Winscp

Accessing AVD

AVD works on or off-campus with VPN.

Open a web browser like Google Chrome and go to https://avd.its.iastate.edu/

Enter your ISU email and click "Next"

 

Sign in with your ISU netID and password on the ISU Login and Okta page

 

Locate the "BIT" section and click on "SessionDesktop"

 

If prompted for "Access local resources" click "Allow"

 

You will now see a full remote Windows desktop environment in your browser

 

On Windows:

Download and install Microsoft Remote Desktop application.
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services/clients/windowsdesktop

Click on the "three dots icon" on the upper right corner and click "Subscribe" in the drop-down menu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Enter your ISU email and select "Next"

 

Sign in with your ISU netID and password on the ISU Login and Okta page

 

Wait a minute or two to pull down the appropriate resources from the internet

 

Locate the "BIT" section and click on "SessionDesktop"

 

You will now see a full remote Windows desktop environment

 

 

On Mac:

Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop application
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466?mt=12

 

Open the "Microsoft Remote Desktop" program, go to "Workspaces", and select "Add Workspace"

''

 

Enter your ISU email. A workspace URL will be populated automatically. Click "Add".

''

 

Sign in with your ISU netID and password on the ISU Login and Okta page

''

 

Wait a minute or two to pull down the correct resources from the internet

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Locate "BIT" and select "SessionDesktop"

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You will now see a remote Windows desktop environment.