How to connect to the staffdesktop service
Listed below are a set of videos and step-by-steps, created to help guide you through the download (where applicable) and installation of the remote desktop client software (VMware) onto various different operating systems and the final video showing how the interface may appear, especially if you are using a small screen iOS or Android device.
Windows
Windows PC or Laptop / Tablet
The remote desktop client software (VMware) is available to install from the Software Center program on all managed Desktop computers in the university.
Step-by-Step
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To install the client on your Windows device, go to staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk
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Click on Install VMware Horizon Client
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Find the client for Windows and select Go to Downloads
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Select Download
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The client software will be downloaded to your computer
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Once it has finished downloading, run the installer
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Read the terms and conditions and, press Agree & Install
- Click Finish
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Your computer will need to reboot. When appropriate, click Restart Now
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Once your computer has rebooted and you have logged back in,
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From the Start menu, select VMware Horizon Client
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Initially it will appear at the top of the menu, in the Recently added section
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Click on Add Server and enter staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk into the popup window before clicking Connect
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Read the disclaimer and press Accept
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Enter your username followed by @gre.ac.uk and your password
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Select Login
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If you are off campus, you will now be prompted to enter, or approve your credentials with multi factor authentication, which you will receive via the app, a text or a call
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The virtual desktop may launch automatically
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If not, select Windows 10 - Virtual Desktop – STA
MacOS
Large screen Mac computers or laptops
The videos below demonstrate how to download, install and configure the remote desktop client software (VMware) on the Mac Operating systems
Step-by-Step
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To install the client on your Mac, go to staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk
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Click on Install VMware Horizon Client
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Find the client for Mac and select Go to Downloads
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Select Download
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The client software will be downloaded to your computer
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Run the installer, once it has downloaded
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Read the terms and conditions and, select Agree
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The Horizon client installer will open
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Drag the VMware Horizon Client icon to the Applications folder shortcut
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You can now close the installer
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Open the software and accept any messages
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Enter the Connection Server name, which is staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk
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Click Connect
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Read and accept the disclaimer
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Enter your username followed by @gre.ac.uk and your password
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Select Login
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If you are off campus, you will now be prompted to enter, or approve your credentials with multi factor authentication, which you will receive via the app, a text or a call
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The virtual desktop may launch automatically
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If not, select Windows 10 - Virtual Desktop - STA
Android
Small screen devices
The videos below demonstrate how to download, install and configure the remote desktop client software (VMware) onto devices running the Android operating systems
Step-by-Step
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To install the client on your Android device, open the Google Play Store and search for VMware Horizon Client
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Select install and wait for it to download
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Open the app and agree to any permissions requested
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Enter the server name, which is staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk
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You can also add a description
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Press Connect
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Read and accept the terms and conditions
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Enter your username followed by @gre.ac.uk and your password
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Select Done
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If you are off campus, you will now be prompted to enter, or approve your credentials with Multi-Factor Authentication, which you will receive via the app, a text or a call
-
The virtual desktop may launch automatically
-
If not, select Windows 10 - Virtual Desktop - STA
iOS
Small screen devices
The videos below demonstrate how to download, install and configure the remote desktop client software (VMware) onto devices running the iOS operating systems
Step-by-Step
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To install the client on your iOS device, open the App Store and search for "VMware Horizon Client"
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Select and install the client
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Open the app and agree to any permissions requested
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Enter the server name, which is staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk
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You can also add a description
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Press Connect
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Read and accept the terms and conditions
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Enter your username followed by @gre.ac.uk and your password
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Select Login
-
If you are off campus, you will now be prompted to enter, or approve your credentials with multi-factor authentication, which you will receive via the app, a text or a call
-
The virtual desktop may launch automatically
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If not, select Virtual Desktop
Via a browser
Secure access via most web browsers
This video demonstrates how you can access the staffdesktop service via a web browser. This method is recommended only when you do not have access to the remote desktop client software (VMware).
(Some small screen devices may not work with the browser based version.)
Step-by-Step
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Go to staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk and click on VMware Horizon HTML Access
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Read the disclaimer and press Accept
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Enter your university username followed by @gre.ac.uk and your password
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Select Login
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If you are off campus, you will now be prompted to enter, or approve your credentials with Multi-Factor Authentication, which you will receive via the app, a text or a call
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Select Windows 10 – Virtual Desktop - STA to connect to the desktop
On campus
Installation via Software Center
The remote desktop client software (VMware) is available to install from the Software Center program on all managed Desktop computers in the university.
Step-by-Step
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To install the client, open Software Center and search for VMware Horizon Client
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Select the software and click Install
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Wait for it to download and install before closing Software Center
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From the start menu, select VMware Horizon Client
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(Initially it will appear at the top of the menu, in the Recently added section)
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If it’s available, select staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk
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If it’s not, click on New Server and add staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk into the popup window before clicking Connect
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Read the disclaimer and press Accept
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Enter your university username followed by @gre.ac.uk and your password
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Select Login
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To connect to the virtual desktop, select Windows 10 – Virtual Desktop - STA
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The VMware Horizon Client is now configured on your computer
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Please note.
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If you are accessing the staffdesktop service on a university managed desktop or laptop while on campus,you will only need your university username and password
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If you are accessing the service via a managed laptop from off campus, you will also need to provide Multi-Factor Authentication approval, which you will receive via the app, a text or a call
Client Interface
Accessing Windows within the remote desktop client software (VMware)
This video shows how to use the remote desktop client software (VMware), including how it will adapt windows to suit a small screen device.
Rules and Regulations
Regulations: Before connecting to the network, you should familiarise yourself with the regulations for computing use at the University of Greenwich. You are reminded that when using the University of Greenwich computing facilities you are bound by the Regulations for the Use of Computing Facilities at the University of Greenwich. While using the service you are also bound to the JANET Acceptable Use Policy.
Please refer to our full list of policies.
Be sure to save your work regularly, and to log off when you have finish working.
If you have any questions, comments or concerns regarding the process outlined above, please contact the IT Service Desk (itservicedesk@gre.ac.uk) via email with a subject title of "Remote Desktop".
Additional security when off campus via MFA
When off-campus, when connecting to the staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk platform, you will be required to enter your usual university credentials and an additional code or approval via the university Multi-Factor Authentication system.
Please ensure that your have your MFA approval method configured and readily available before logging into staffdesktop.gre.ac.uk. MFA is time sensitive and each code or approval lasts for only 30 seconds.