Begin Here: UDS

UDS Enterprise is a VDI connection platform that allows user access to computing services such as Virtual Desktops, Applications, and direct remote connections to physical computers. This allows remote connections to HVCC virtual and physical computers to provide access to HVCC-installed software and network resources (network drives).

There are two different ways to connect to virtual (or physical) Windows desktops through UDS:

1. HTML5 - directly in your web browser
2. RDP Tunnel - click a link in your web browser, that opens Microsoft Remote Desktop and connects through the UDS Client, both running as software on your computer

Information regarding both methods can be found at the bottom of this article. If you don't know what connection you should use, simply use HTML5 and read the "Using UDS" instructions below.

Using UDS

1. To log into UDS, go to https://vdi.hvcc.edu in your web browser of choice (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari, etc).
2. Enter your HVCC username and password, and select Login.
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3. Once logged in, you are presented with whatever UDS connection pools you have access to. These are assigned automatically by course enrollment or manually by IIT. Office - Banner is the regular pool for faculty/staff, and ACE is the regular pool for students.
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4. Select your desired option to connect to it and launch a session (with the default connection type). See the please wait message below. It may take a few moments for the session to launch.
   • Note: If you select the hamburger menu (three lines) on a pool, you may have the option to connect using either HTML5 or RDP (UDS Client). See the below section for information on these two connection methods, and installing the UDS Client for the RDP option.
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5. Once connected, you will see a DUO Prompt. Choose a method to authenticate with DUO, and continue. Once DUO MFA is complete, you will see a Windows login screen signing you in, followed by your Windows desktop.
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6. Once you are done, to sign out, double-click the red LOGOFF button on the desktop.

If your connection is successful and you don't need anything else, you can ignore the section below.

HTML5 vs. RDP

HTML5

• The default connection for most UDS pools is HTML5, which means that UDS runs entirely in your web browser.
• There are no apps to install and no clients to update, unlike what was the case with Citrix Workspace.
• These connections can run in basically any browser on any operating system, even Chromebooks.

RDP (UDS Client)

• A secondary connection type in some UDS pools is RDP
• RDP requires installation of the UDS Client, and it works on both Windows and Mac devices.
• The client launches the Microsoft Remote Desktop program on your computer and connects through the UDS Client to the UDS server.
• It runs outside of the web browser, and there are occasional client updates, similar to Citrix Workspace.

The RDP option is not necessary in most cases. It is only necessary when the HTML5 option is insufficient, or if you need the absolute lowest latency and highest quality possible through your UDS connection.

Installing the UDS Client (if necessary)

If you need to use an RDP connection to UDS, you'll need to install the UDS Client on your computer if it is not already installed.

How do I know I need the UDS Client?

• The video quality is poor or choppy.
• You have multiple displays.
• You have a docking station.
• You need support for additional hardware.

HVCC-provided Windows laptops deployed recently will have this pre-installed. It can also be installed remotely by the IIT Help Desk (not yet as of May 2024).

To install the UDS Client on a Windows computer:

1. For HVCC-provided Windows computers:
   • The UDS Client may already be installed on your Windows laptop.
   • If you try to connect to an RDP session with UDS and it's not working, contact or visit the IIT Help Desk and they can install the UDS client for you.
2. For personal Windows computers: Follow the Windows-specific install instructions here.

To install the UDS Client on a Mac:

1. For HVCC-provided MacBooks: Follow the Mac-specific install instructions here (HVCC Self Service method).
2. For personal Macs: Follow the Mac-specific install instructions here.
3. Note that an additional login will be necessary when using RDP on a Mac.