Using LabAnywhere, affiliated members of the University will be able to safely and remotely utilize the same applications found within the open computer labs on campus at home. LabAnywhere provides users with the ability to connect to a virtual lab computer, regardless of where they are connecting from.
Please note: The availability of specific programs varies between the open labs and virtual machines. As a reference, please visit our Open Labs web page for details about which programs are available in which labs and this link for the programs available through LabAnywhere.
Intended Audience:
This article is intended for University-affiliated students, faculty, and staff members who would like to use applications found within the open computer labs, without actually having to be in the open computer labs.
Requirements:
In order to access LabAnywhere, you will need to be an active student, faculty, or staff member of the university. A steady internet connection is required when using this resource, as you will be remotely accessing a virtual computer hosted on UM-Flint's network.
VMWare Horizon Client
VMWare Horizon Client is the portal through which you will be connecting to the ITS Computer Lab. It is a specific piece of remote desktop software that will allow you to access the tools you would have access to if you were using an ITS Lab Computer station. Once the VMWare Horizon Client makes the connection, it will be as if you have logged in to one of the computers on the University of Michigan-Flint campus.
Downloading and Installing the Horizon Client
- In your browser, navigate to https://labanywhere.umflint.edu/ and choose Install VMWare Horizon Client.
- On VMWare's installation webpage, please choose the appropriate version of Horizon for your operating system.
- If you are unsure about which operating system you are currently running, please visit WhatsMyOS by clicking here and then look towards the top of the page.
- This site can automatically detect your operating system, and also provides instructions on manually finding the version of your operating system.
- If you are still unsure about the operating system currently running on your machine, please contact the ITS Helpdesk at 810-762-3123 for assistance.
After downloading the appropriate version of the Horizon Client, please run the installation and follow all on-screen prompts.
- IMPORTANT: You will be prompted to input the default server for the Horizon Client. When prompted, please type in labanywhere.umflint.edu for the default server address.
Once the program has successfully installed, it should automatically launch the Horizon Client. Please proceed to the next section for information on how to use LabAnywhere after installing the Horizon Client.
Using the Horizon Client when Connecting to LabAnywhere
- With your new client installed and your computer restarted. Please navigate to the VMWware Horizon Client icon that should be on your desktop.
- Click on + Add Server.
- Then in the box that asks you to Enter the name of the Connection Server type labanywhere.umflint.edu.
- Login using your uniqname and current password.
- Then, if prompted, select ITS Open Lab.
- You are now connected to the VMWare Horizon Client.
VMWare Horizon HTML Access
The second option available on LabAnywhere allows users to connect onto a virtual machine without installing software on the computer. This will be missing some features that downloading the Horizon Client would provide, such as sound or printer forwarding, but will allow you to access most features without installing anything.
Connecting Via Web Browser (Horizon HTML Access)
- Please navigate to: labanywhere.umflint.edu.
- Select VMWare Horizon HTML Access.
- Then enter your uniqname and current password.
- Next, to use Duo type in 1, 2, or 3 to the "Next Code" box to send yourself a Duo push, call, or text message (respectively). Then click Continue
- Then, if prompted, select ITS Lab.
- You will now be logged into the VMWare Horizon Client through your web browser.
Additional Information
- Please note that you are connecting to a virtual computer hosted on UM-Flint's network.
- Please make sure you are aware saving locally can cause your files to be deleted, use alternative storage.
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- If you print a document that you've been working on through the client, it will queue the job on the printers on campus.
Troubleshooting
What to Do If Horizon Client Exits Unexpectedly:
Problem: Horizon Client might exit unexpectedly. You might see a message such as "There is no secure connection to the View Connection Server". In some cases, no message is displayed.
Cause: This problem occurs when the connection to the server is lost.
Solution: Restart the Horizon Client and attempt to reconnect.
Local printer not showing in the Horizon HTML Access method:
Problem: When using the Horizon HTML Access method, you are unable to find your local printer.
Solution: The Horizon HTML Access website does not support printer forwarding. In order to print from your local printers, you will need to use the Horizon Client.
If you have any questions or experience any issues with this article, please visit or contact the ITS Helpdesk for assistance.
Location: 206 Murchie Science Building
Hours: go.umflint.edu/Hours
Phone#: (810)-762-3123
Email: flint.its.support@umich.edu
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