You can connect to the University of Southampton Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) from university-owned laptops / desktops or using your own device.
To do that, we suggest you using the VMware Horizon Client 5.5.3 (build-19201434). This is the most compatible with the version of Horizon we have configured at this time. There may be later clients you can use, however we cannot guarantee the best experience with those.

Using a computer own by the University of Southampton (UoS) with Windows

University-owned laptops and desktops have already been configured. To install it:

1. Select the "Additional Software" icon on your desktop or click on the "Software Center" icon into the Start menu

2. Find it into the "Applications" list

3. Double click on the icon of the "VMware Horizon Client"

4. Select "Install"

5. The client will appear within the "Installation status" list

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Using your own computer with Windows

To use the update UoS Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), you need to install the VMware Horizon Client and set the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) configuration to use the SSL Proxy mode.

The SSL is a security protocol that provides privacy, authentication, and integrity to Internet communications.

What you have to do:

1. Go to the VMware Horizon Client for Windows

2. Select the version 5.5.3

3. Select "Download now"

4. When you start the installation select "Customise" and on the splash screen

5. In "Default connection server" type vdi.soton.ac.uk

6. Select "Agree" and install:

7. Carry on with the install and reboot

8. Once rebooted, run the Horizon Client, click the 3 lines at the top right-hand side and choose "Configure SSL":

9. Leave "Warn" before connecting to untrusted servers, check the box to "Allow connection via an SSL Proxy", and select "OK":

10. Back to the home screen

11. Double-click on vdi.soton.ac.uk to login

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Using your own computer with Apple macOS or Linux

To connect your macOS or Linux laptop to the University Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), you will have to use the Horizon client on the Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE).

This is due to issues with Microsoft RDP and those operating systems.

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Southampton Virtual Environment (SVE)

Using VMWare Fusion to install Windows 10 on macOS hardware

How to set up the University Virtual Private Network (VPN)