Computing Virtual Labs - Connecting with a Web Browser

This article shows you how to connect to EOS and Datacom using the online virtual environment.

When to Use (and Why)?

You can connect to a computer in the Computing (EOS) Linux labs, without the use of a VPN, all within a web browser. We achieve this by using Guacamole, which provides load balancing and distributes sessions across multiple servers to enhance performance and flexibility. It also maps your home folder to your Linux instance, ensuring you always have access to your files. Labs are available through this browser-based system, and you can start a full-GUI, Remote Desktop (RDP) session; or a command-line (SSH) session.

Requirements

You must be currently enrolled in a CIS course or be a Computing faculty/staff member to access.

Procedure

Guide Quick-Links

• Logging into the Computing Virtual Lab Web Page
• Choosing an SSH Session
• Choosing an RDP Session

Logging into the Computing Virtual Lab Web Page

1. In your web browser, go to https://computing.gvsu.edu
2. Log in using your GVSU username and password
   (Faculty/Staff will be prompted for Duo Multi-factor Authentication)

(Students will be prompted for Okta Multi-factor Authentication)

1. When you sign in, under All Connections, as a CIS student you should see the option for EOS, and DataComm labs—each with an RDP and SSH session.
   If you are not enrolled in any CIS courses you will not see any connections.
                                                                                                                                                 
2. Click on the connection you would like to start.

Choosing an SSH Session

1. When prompted with "Login as:", enter your GVSU username
   
2. Next, enter your GVSU password
3. From here, you'll be logged into your command-line SSH session.
   
4. When you're done with your session, type and enter exit.
5. To return to the connections page, click Home. To logout of the cislab page, click Logout.
   

Unlike a traditional SSH session, you will not be able to reach your local computer for scp/sftp file transfers. See Transferring Your Local Files to CIS Linux Labs (documentation pending).

Choosing an RDP Session

Both labs (EOS and DataComm) have RDP sessions available. When selecting an RDP option, you will authenticate with the following steps:

1. When prompted, sign in again with your GVSU username and password.
   
2. You'll now be logged into a GUI Remote Desktop session using the GNOME desktop environment. Click Activities in the top left to find software and access the file browser.
   
   See our guide, Navigating the GNOME desktop environment, to find out more about how to use these lab computers.
3. When you're ready to end your session, click the Power icon in the top right corner, and choose Power Off / Log Out > Log Out.
   
4. To return to the connections page, click Home. To logout of the cislab page, click Logout.
   

Please note, only one RDP connection per user, per computer is allowed. You may establish RDP connections to other computers with your GVSU account, but will not be able to connect to the same computer twice.

Common Errors

When you attempt to login via an RDP session, you might receive the following error:

connecting to sesame ip 127.0.0.1 port 3350

sesame connect ok

sending login info to session manager, please wait...

login failed for display 0

You will receive this message if you've entered in your username or password incorrectly. Since you've just logged in via Okta, it's mostly a typo.