This article guides you to access Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE) and Common Learning Space (CLS) workstations from remote.

Know more about Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE), Common Learning Space (CLS) workstations, remote desktops and virtual workspaces

Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE)

The Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE) gives you access to a Windows virtual desktop from any device in any location, no matter if you are at home or on campus. 

You will also have access to all your files plus the most popular applications. This includes filestore services, software, library resources and licensing of university software applications such as Microsoft Office and SPSS .

You can launch SVE from:

1. Any web browser
2. Your computer, using Windows Remote Desktop Client. 

You do not need to connect to Global Protect VPN to access this service
Important note:  If you select Win 10 Student when signing in to SVE any setting or preference changes will NOT be saved when you logout.

Common Learning Spaces (CLS) workstations

Common Learning Spaces (CLS) workstations are physical machines located on campus. There are 2 main differences between the Virtual Environment and CLS:

1. You can use remote CLS workstations when you need access to specialised software only available via Common Learning Spaces. Examples of these kind of software are Abaqus, Aladin, Ansys, or Aperture Photometry Toolbox.
2. To access a CLS workstation remotely using the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI):
   1. if you are using a Windows-based computer, you must install and use the VMWare Horizon Client, 
      or
   2. if you are using an Operating System different from Windows, you can access it through SVE (see Accessing SVE and CLS workstations remotely using your browser section below).

There are now only a very limited number of CLS “Remote Access” workstations, and so you may find availability to be an issue. If possible, please use SVE instead.

Software availability on SVE and CLS

Depending on what you need to do, you will need to use SVE or CLS workstations. This is because certain specialised software is only available on the University Common Learning Space PCs and these can be accessed remotely though Common Learning Spaces (CLS) workrooms:

• Full list of software available on Common Learning Spaces workroom
• Full list of software available on Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE)
• All software available in SVE, CLS and Software Centre

Know more about Remote Desktop

Remote Desktops allows you to access a computer based in another location from anywhere. Through a remote session on your machine, a remote desktop allows you to access:

• the university servers
• your user profile
• workloads
• applications

Know more about virtual workspaces

A workspace combines all the desktops and applications that have been made available to you by your admin. A workspace is associated with a specific URL, in our case https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery.

To be able to see these in the Remote Desktop client, you need to add the workspace.

In the next sections you will find instructions for several devices.

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Accessing SVE and CLS workstations remotely from Windows

To access the university SVE for the first time you need to download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop application.  

Once installed, you can access SVE by using the app without installing it again.

Accessing SVE by using Microsoft Remote Desktop application

Installing Microsoft Remote Desktop and accessing SVE for the first time

1. Open the web page "Connect to Azure Virtual Desktop with the Remote Desktop client for Windows" and:

1. Go to the section in the section "Prerequisites"
2. Download the Remote Desktop client installer for Windows  
3. Install you Remote Desktop following the instructions listed in the section “Install the Remote Desktop client”

2. Open your Downloads folder and double-click the file you have just downloaded 

3. Follow the instruction to install the application 

. Select the button Get. The download process will start

. Select the button Open

. Add a new workspace by following the steps below:

1. Select +Add  from the toolbar
2. From the button-down menu, select Workspaces
3. In the field Email or Workspace URL enter the following workspace: https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery
   
   
    

. Select Subscribe

. Login with you University account

. Choose the most appropriate pool to you

. Remember to log off at the end of your session

 

Accessing SVE through Remote Desktop

1. Launch Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Start menu

2. Select your pool (Win 10 Staff or Win 10 Student)

3. Enter your university username followed by @soton.ac.uk (for example: ab1c23@soton.ac.uk) and password 

4. Select the button Connect

The SVE will appear in a new window.

 

Logging off when you have finished

1. Double-click on the Log off icon on the virtual desktop

2.  Confirm your choice by selecting the option "Log off"

 

Accessing CLS

To access our CLS workstations remotely, you need first to download and install the VMWare Horizon client on your computer. Find the last version of VMWare Horizon Client from the official page Download VMware Horizon Clients.
 
Step-by-step instructions:

1. Download and install VMWare Horizon Client

2. Launch VMWare Horizon Client

3. Select + Add server

4. Enter vdi.soton.ac.uk and select Connect

5. Double-click the icon to connect to vdi.soton.ac.uk

 
6. Accept the conditions
7. You should now be able to see the CLS button

8. Enter your university email and password, then select Login

9. You will then be allocated a free machine, it there is one available.

10. Remember to log off using the desktop icon when you finish your tasks. This action will ensure that your connection has been cleared.

 
 
You should only use the CLS pool machine for the shortest time you can reasonably manage. That’s because the machine you are using is one of a small number of actual physical machines in a CLS room and it needs to be freed up for other remote users.

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Accessing SVE and remote CLS workstations remotely from Apple macOS

To access the university SVE for the first time you need to download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop application.  

Once installed, you can access SVE by using the app without installing it again.

Please note: due to technical limitations, Apple macOS users cannot access directly our remote workstations. If you need to get access to CLS workstations, please read the section "Accessing CLS".

Accessing SVE by using Microsoft Remote desktop application

Installing Microsoft Remote Desktop and accessing SVE for the first time

1. Download and install the Remote Desktop client from the Apple Store

2. Once installed, launch Remote Desktop

3. Select the button Add workspace

4. Add a new workspace by following the steps below:

5. Enter the following workspace: https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery

6. Select Add

7. Allow the client access to your camera and microphone  

8. Sign in with your university username followed by @soton.ac.uk (for example: ab1c22@soton.ac.uk) and password. You might be asked to confirm your identity through Multi-Factor Authentication.

9. Once successfully logged in, choose the most appropriate pool to you:

 

Accessing SVE through Remote Desktop

1. Launch Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Start menu

2. Select your pool (Win 10 Staff or Win 10 Student)

3. Enter your university username followed by @soton.ac.uk (for example: ab1c23@soton.ac.uk) and password 

4. Select the button Connect

The SVE will appear in a new window.

 

Logging off when you have finished

1. Double-click on the Log off icon on the virtual desktop

2.  Confirm your choice by selecting the option "Log off"

 

Accessing CLS

Due to technical limitations, you are unable to directly access our remote workstations through Mac OS. You can work around this issue following one of the options below:

Option 1 (recommended method)

This option does not require you install Windows.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Access SVE as described in the section "Accessing SVE through Remote Desktop" above

2. Connect to the pool that fits better for you

3. Go to the Search field and enter "VMWare Horizon Client"

4. Open the application

5. Select the vdi.soton.ac.uk server available

6. Accept the conditions

7. You should now be able to see the CLS button

8. Enter your university email and password, then select Login

9. You will then be allocated a free machine, if there is one available.

10. Remember to log off using the desktop icon when you finish your tasks. This action will ensure that your connection has been cleared.

  
 
You should only use the CLS pool machine for the shortest time you can reasonably manage. That’s because the machine you are using is one of a small number of actual physical machines in a (closed) CLS room and it needs to be freed up for other remote users.

Option 2

You can access SVE and CLS workrooms from any browser. Guidance in the section "Accessing SVE and CLS workstations remotely using your browser".

This option does not require you install Windows.

Option 3

Installing Windows 10 on your machine following the article “Using VMWare to install Window10 on macOS hardware”.

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Accessing SVE and CLS workstations remotely from your browser

1. Go to https://sve.soton.ac.uk/ 
2. Select the option “Launch SVE with your browser”
3. Once successfully logged in, choose the most appropriate pool to you  

4. Enter your university username followed by @soton.ac.uk (for example: ab1c22@soton.ac.uk) and password
5. Once you are logged in, select Start and browse the software available 
6. Select the software you are looking for. Please note: opening the software could take a while
If you need to access a CLS workstation, you can now:
7. Go to Search and enter the VMWare Horizon client

 

8. Launch the application 
9. In the VMWare Horizon Client application, double-click the vdi.soton.ac.uk icon. You might be asked to approve your Multi-Factor Authentication
10. Accept the conditions
11. Enter your university username (for example: ab1c22) and password
12. You should now be able to see the CLS button. Double-click on the icon

13. You might be prompted to login. Enter your university username and password
14. You will then be allocated a free machine, if there is one available. 
15. Remember to log off using the desktop icon when you finish your tasks. This action will ensure that your connection has been cleared.
   
You should only use the CLS pool machine for the shortest time you can reasonably manage. That’s because the machine you are using is one of a small number of actual physical machines in a (closed) CLS room and it needs to be freed up for other remote users.

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Accessing SVE and CLS workstations remotely from Chromebooks

To access the university SVE for the first time you need to download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop application.  

Once installed, you can access SVE by using the app without installing it again.

Accessing SVE by using Microsoft Remote Desktop application

Installing Microsoft Remote Desktop and accessing SVE for the first time

1. Download and install the Remote Desktop client from Google Play

2. Once installed, launch Remote Desktop

3. Select the button Add workspace

4. Add a new workspace by following the steps below:

5. Enter the following workspace: https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery

6. Select Add

7. Allow the client access to your camera and microphone, if requested  

8. Sign in with your university username followed by @soton.ac.uk (for example: ab1c22@soton.ac.uk) and password. You might be asked to confirm your identity through Multi-Factor Authentication.

9. Once successfully logged in, choose the most appropriate pool to you:

 

Accessing SVE through Remote Desktop

1. Launch Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Start menu

2. Select your pool (Win 10 Staff or Win 10 Student)

3. Enter your university username followed by @soton.ac.uk (for example: ab1c23@soton.ac.uk) and password 

4. Select the button Connect

The SVE will appear in a new window.

 

Logging off when you have finished

1. Double-click on the Log off icon on the virtual desktop

2.  Confirm your choice by selecting the option "Log off"

 

Accessing CLS

We are aware of some limitations with accessing our remote workstations through Chromebooks. You can turn around this issue following one of the following options:

Option 1 (recommended method)

This option does not require you install Windows.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Access SVE as described in the section "Accessing SVE through Remote Desktop" above

2. Connect to the pool that fits better for you

3. Go to the Search field and enter "VMWare Horizon Client"

4. Open the application

5. Select the vdi.soton.ac.uk server available

6. Accept the conditions

7. You should now be able to see the CLS button

8. Enter your university email and password, then select Login

9. You will then be allocated a free machine, if there is one available.

10. Remember to log off using the desktop icon when you finish your tasks. This action will ensure that your connection has been cleared.

  
 
You should only use the CLS pool machine for the shortest time you can reasonably manage. That’s because the machine you are using is one of a small number of actual physical machines in a (closed) CLS room and it needs to be freed up for other remote users.

Option 2

You can access SVE and CLS workrooms from any browser. Guidance in the section "Accessing SVE and CLS workstations remotely using your browser".

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Accessing SVE and CLS workstations remotely from Linux

Linux users can access SVE and CLS workrooms from any browser. Guidance in the section "Accessing SVE and CLS workstations remotely using your browser".

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Accessing SVE from iOS (iPhone / iPad)

To access the university SVE for the first time you need to download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop application.  

Once installed, you can access SVE by using the app without installing it again.

Installing Microsoft Remote Desktop app and accessing SVE for the first time

1. Download and install the Remote Desktop client from the App Store

 

2. Once installed, launch Remote Desktop

3. Select the “+” button and then Add workspace from the drop-down menu

4. Enter the following workspace: https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery

5. Select Next

6. Sign in with your university email (for example: ab1c22@soton.ac.uk) and password. You might be asked to confirm your identity through Multi-Factor Authentication.

7. Once successfully logged in, choose the most appropriate pool to you 

8. Allow the remote PC access:

• Local storage
• Microphone
• Camera
• Clipboard

9. Select Connect 

10. Enter your university username followed by @soton.ac.uk (for example ab1c23@soton.ac.uk) and university password

11. Select Continue

 

Accessing SVE

1. Tap on the RD Client's app icon 

2. Select the pool

3. Enter your university username followed by @soton.ac.uk (for example ab1c23@soton.ac.uk) and university password

4. Select Continue

 

Logging off when you have finished

There are 2 ways to log off:

1. Double-click on the Log off icon on the virtual desktop, then confirm your choice

  
 
2. To log off select the VMWare icon at the top of your screen and then:

1. Select Disconnect all PCs 
   or
2. Deselect the PC you are using
   

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Accessing SVE from Android

To access the university SVE for the first time you need to download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop application.  

Once installed, you can access SVE by using the app without installing it again.

Installing Microsoft Remote Desktop app and accessing SVE for the first time

1. Download and install the Remote Desktop client from Google Play

2. Once installed, launch Remote Desktop

3. Select the “+” button and then Add workspace

4. Add a new workspace by following the steps below:

5. Enter the following workspace: https://rdweb.wvd.microsoft.com/api/arm/feeddiscovery

6. Select Next

7. If prompted, allow the client access to your resources (camera, microphone, local storage, and clipboard)

8. Sign in with your university email (for example: ab1c22@soton.ac.uk) and password. You might be asked to confirm your identity through Multi-Factor Authentication.

9. Once successfully logged in, choose the most appropriate pool to you  

 

Accessing SVE

1. Tap on the RD Client's app icon 

2. Select the pool

3. Enter your university username followed by @soton.ac.uk (for example ab1c23@soton.ac.uk) and university password

4. Select Continue

 

Logging off when you have finished

There are 2 ways to log off:

1. Double-click on the Log off icon on the virtual desktop, then confirm your choice

  
 
2. To log off select the VMWare icon at the top of your screen and then:

1. Select Disconnect all PCs 
   or
2. Deselect the PC you are using
   

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