Overview
Below you will find the most frequently asked questions about BingView Virtual Desktop
BingView FAQ
Q: Who can access the Virtual Desktop?
A: Active students, faculty, and staff can access the Virtual Desktop using their BU account.
Q: What is Virtual Desktop?
A: Virtual Desktop separates the physical machine from the PC desktop environment using a client/server model of computing. It allows ITS to deliver desktops on demand to users anywhere and to any device. The desktop is delivered in real time to the user's PC or tablet device.
Q: How do I log into a Virtual Desktop?
A: To access BingView, go to bingview.binghamton.edu. Students and off-campus users are required to connect to VPN before using BingView. Visit the IT Self Service for more info.
Q: Can I incorporate Virtual Desktop as part of my classroom instruction? How many virtual machines are available at a given time?
A: Yes, professors have incorporated Virtual Desktop as part of their research methods/statistics classes.
Systems are built dynamically as users log in. Please contact the Help Desk at 607-777-6420 if you are planning to use the virtual environment in a classroom setting. The systems can be pre-built prior to class, reducing login time.
Q: What computer system or platform do I need to access Virtual Desktop?
A: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Linux computers can all access Virtual Desktops.
Q: Who can access Virtual Desktop?
A: All current faculty, staff, and registered students, both undergraduate and graduate, can access Virtual Desktop using their BU username/password combination.
Q: Can I store data or files on Virtual Desktop?
A: Once you log in using your BU username/password combination, you will have access to your own C, UShare, on the server. These drives are pre-fixed with your username. All other drives without your username prefix are virtual drives and should not be used for saving files. Google Drive can also be used for file storage. USB flash drives can be used for local data storage (not for web access).
Q: Can I print my output or results from the Virtual Desktop?
A: Printing can be done utilizing Print@Binghamton. If you want to print to a printer other than a Print@Binghamton printer, you will need to save your output and then print it to your printer.
Q: What are the system requirements for Virtual Desktop?
A: System Requirements for Virtual Desktop:
- Windows
- Operating System: Windows 10 (32 or 64-bit)
- Mac
- Operating System: macOS X Mavericks (10.9) or newer
- Processor: 64-bit Intel-based Mac
- RAM: At least 2GB
- iOS
- Android
- Architecture: ARM and x86
- Versions: Android 2.3.3, 3, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, or 4.4
- HTML5 Web Browsers
- Chrome
- Internet Explorer 11
- Safari
- Mobile Safari on iOS devices running iOS 9
- Firefox
Ensure your system meets these requirements to ensure a smooth experience with Virtual Desktop.
Q: Is there a time limit associated with the Virtual Desktop?
A: Sessions are currently limited to 24 hours. If the session disconnects abnormally, reconnecting within 5 minutes will take you back to the interrupted session without loss of work. Remember to save your work to Google Drive or U-Drive.
Q: What happens to the contents of my desktop when I log off or disconnect?
A: These desktops are stateless. Do not save anything to the desktop, as it will be destroyed.
Q: What if I am using a Mac?
A: Mac users can download and install the Horizon View Client or use Safari 6 or later to connect to a virtual system. Visit system requirement for Mac clients page for more information
If you would like assistance, please feel free to contact the Binghamton University ITS Help Desk at 607-777-6420 or Submit a Request, and we'll be happy to help.
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