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The JCU Virtual Desktop service gives students, faculty, and staff access to licensed university software and applications through an online portal at jcudigitalportal.jcu.edu. The service supports all devices including Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) technology delivers a desktop image (icons, folders, toolbars, software, etc.) to an authenticated user remotely over a network. This approach allows people to interact with their desktop as if the applications and data were stored locally on their device.

Access to Virtual Desktop: jcudigitalportal.jcu.edu

Benefits & use cases

  • The JCU Virtual Desktop service can provide instructors and students with access to virtual labs on their own devices without needing to maintain software or applications themselves.
  • Once JCU Virtual Desktop is set up for an instructor to use with a course, then students would log into jcudigitalportal.jcu.edu with their Campus/Canvas Username and password to access course-related software and applications. 
  • This service can be beneficial for online courses or courses that require specialized and often expensive software programs. It also enables students to do coursework from anywhere without needing to go to a campus computer lab or purchase an individual software license.

Flexible configuration

  • Setup and access to JCU Virtual Desktop for colleges, departments, and specific courses is supported, hosted, and maintained by the Information Technology Services (ITS).
  • In addition, virtual access to software and applications allows colleges and departments to take advantage of existing enterprise licenses or reduce the cost and number of concurrent licenses needed.
  • You will now need to enter your DUO Two-Factor Code or type “push” and you will be able to approve your Two-Factor request directly from your mobile device using the DUO app.
  • Software and applications are provisioned on-demand through JCU Virtual Desktop so are easily changed as needed. The service also allows ITS to perform updates and patches to the software and applications without any disruption.

All systems have the following software standard:

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Cylance Protect
  • Google Chrome
  • Google Drive File Stream
  • Java
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • MS Edge Internet Browser
  • MS Office Professional Plus 2019
  • Notepad ++
  • VLC Media Player  

Click here for the full list of software: https://www.jcu.edu/its/services/computing-and-printing/classroom-computer-lab-standard-software