Important Notes
Information about proper use of this service.
It is important that you save your work somewhere besides the lab computer.
You will not always be able to log on to the same computer.
Also, regularly scheduled file deletions are in place in some labs.
All students have unlimited storage on their VCU Google My Drive.
VCU Filelocker
Google Drive is an adequate tool for doing this with smaller files. But, if the file size exceeds 2 GB, then the file gets split into multiple .zip archives during download.
A better tool for moving very large files on and off the lab computers is VCU Filelocker.
VCU Filelocker primarily exists to facilitate sending very large files to another user. But, it can also be used by a single individual to copy very large files between two computers. For instance, your own computer, and the lab computer that you are controlling remotely.
Upload File
log in to VCU Filelocker
click Upload
click Upload a file
Download File
log in to VCU Filelocker
click the blue triangle next to the file you want to Download This File
When you are finished, please remember to log out of the lab computer.
If you do not log out, then other students will not be able to access the computer remotely.
Logging out can be accomplished using the Apple Menu > Log out command, or the Windows Menu > Sign Out command, prior to severing the screen sharing session.
Performance of the screen sharing session depends on your network connection.
Slow responsiveness could be due to any number of network issues between your computer and the lab computer.
A high-speed internet connection is advisable.
How far away you are from your wireless router may also be relevant.
Connecting to macOS Lab Computers
VCUarts lab computers running macOS can be accessed remotely using the following directions.
Remote access to these computers is defined by the department administrators.
The following VCUarts computer labs are booted to macOS:
- Bowe Street 524
- Bowe Street 526
- DePillars Building at 1000 W. Broad St 342
- Depot 2005
- Depot Annex 1013
- Franklin Terrace 105
- Franklin Terrace 109
- Franklin Terrace 205
- Franklin Terrace 405
- Pollak 215
- Pollak 219
- Pollak 419
- Performing Arts Center B66
- Music Center 1009
- 1315 Floyd 102
0. RamsVPN
You must log in to the RamsVPN first.
The Cisco VPN AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is used to log in to RamsVPN.
Download and installation instructions are located here
1. Launch Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client can be launched by typing Cisco into the spotlight search feature.
2. Log in to RamsVPN
if the address field is not populated, then type ramsvpn.vcu.edu/duo
click Connect
in the Username field, type your eID name
in the Password field, type your eID password
In the Second password field, type push
click OK
3. Approve Two-factor Authentication Request
On your phone, open the Duo app
click Approve
On your computer, click Accept
4. Locate Lab Computer
once you are logged into the RamsVPN
click here
click Login
When prompted, log in with your eID name and password
All available computers will be listed.
If a computer is already in use, then it will not be listed.
click the IP address listed in the Connection IP column on the far right
5. Connect To Computer
When you click the IP address, the Screen Sharing application will open with the IP address autofilled
click Connect
in the User Name field, type remote
in the Password field, type remote
click Sign In
6. Success
You will be presented with a window, showing you the lab computer screen.
At this point, it is the same as if you were actually sitting in front of the lab computer.
Proceed with accepting the policy banner, and logging in with your eID name and eID password.
When you are finished, please remember to log out of the lab computer using the Apple Menu > Log out command, prior to severing the screen sharing session.
If you do not log out, then other students will not be able to log in to the computer.
Windows does not have a built in VNC client, so you will need to install one.
We have been testing with TightVNC, which is available for download here.
When installing TightVNC, you should select Custom, and set the TightVNC Server to not install.
This can be accomplished by clicking on the menu icon next to TightVNC Server,
and selecting Entire feature will be unavailable
The TightVNC Setup window should look like this before proceeding.
Note the red X next to TightVNC Server
0. RamsVPN
You must log in to the RamsVPN first.
The Cisco VPN AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is used to log in to RamsVPN.
Download and installation instructions are located here.
1. Launch Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client
The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client can be launched by typing Cisco into the Windows search feature.
2. Log in to RamsVPN
if the address field is not populated, then type ramsvpn.vcu.edu/duo
click Connect
in the Username field, type your eID name
in the Password field, type your eID password
In the Second password field, type push
click OK
3. Approve Two-factor Authentication Request
On your phone, open the Duo app
click Approve
On your computer, click Accept
4. Locate Lab Computer
once you are logged into the RamsVPN
click here
click Login
When prompted, log in with your eID name and password
All available computers will be listed.
If a computer is already in use, then it will not be listed.
Copy the IP address listed in the Connection IP column on the far right
5. Connect To Computer
launch TightVNC Viewer
in the Remote Host field, enter/paste the IP address from the web page
click Connect
in the password field, type remote
click OK
6. Success
You will be presented with a window, showing you the lab computer screen.
on the TightVNC toolbar, click the Scale: Auto button
At this point, it is the same as if you were actually sitting in front of the lab computer.
Proceed with accepting the policy banner, and logging in with your eID name and eID password.
When you are finished, please remember to log out of the lab computer using the Apple Menu > Log out command, prior to severing the screen sharing session.
If you do not log out, then other students will not be able to log in to the computer.
Connecting to Windows Lab Computers
VCUarts lab computers running Windows can be accessed remotely using the following directions.
Remote access to these computers is defined by the department administrators.
- DePillars Building at 1000 W. Broad St 101
go here
log in with eID name and password
click Accept (VCU System Usage Agreement)
click Desktops
click SOA – FAB 101 Lab
in your browser window, you will be presented with the contents of the lab computer screen.
At this point, it is the same as if you were actually sitting in front of the lab computer.
Proceed with accepting the policy banner, and logging in with your eID name and eID password.
When you are finished, please remember to log out of the lab computer using the Sign Out icon on the desktop,
or the Sign Out command in the Windows menu.
If you do not log out, then other students will not be able to log in to the computer.
Desktop Resolution
Clicking the citrix preferences button in top center of the screen reveals options for the session, like full screen and resolution settings.
Saving Files
You will need to save files locally to your own computer, or to the cloud storage of their choice. Do NOT save your files to the classroom computer. You will not be logged into the same computer for each session.
Windows Explorer and file save dialogs will offer an option to save files back to the users computer.