A Virtual Desktop is a computer that exists in the cloud, which you access remotely. It works like a desktop or laptop computer except there is no physical hardware. Instead, the virtual desktop is made available “virtually” in Madison College’s datacenter; which you can access anytime, from almost any device, from anywhere with reliable Internet access.
Click the tabs above for step-by-step guides
Get Connected - Quick Start Guide
Use your own device to connect to your virtual desktop remotely
1. Multi-Factor Authentication
Off-campus a 2nd factor of authentication is required. If you try to connect before registering MFA, you will get an "access denied" error message
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DO THIS FIRST - Login and set up Multi-Factor Authentication
You will get an "access denied" error and will be unable to connect without setting up MFA.
3 options:
- SMS Text Message: get a text message with a six digit token code.
- Microsoft Authenticator app: get push notifications on your Android, iOS or Windows mobile phone.
- Phone Call: receive a phone call which will prompt you to press "pound" (#).
Use the drop-down menu to see all the methods and set up back-up options.
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Change your MFA account optionsLog in to change authentication methods, update your phone number, and more
2. Access your Virtual Desktop - Choose Client or HTML option
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VMware Horizon Client
Choose "Install VMware Horizon Client". Server = mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- App to access a virtual desktop
- Best user experience with all features
- Works with most operating systems and many mobile devices
- USB drives can be connected
Server = mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- Quick and easy access
- Displays right in your browser
- Use this when you can't add the Client app (ex. someone else's computer, Chromebook,...)
Saving your work
You won't be able to connect to your computer's hard drive (C:) or other local drives from your Virtual Desktop.
Save to your H drive or cloud storage like OneDrive.
Setup VMware Horizon Client: Windows Computers
You must have the proper permissions (admin rights/access) to install apps on your computer.
- Using Firefox or Chrome, go to https://mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- Click Install VMware Horizon Client
- After the VMware... .exe file finishes downloading, click the downloaded file to begin the installation.
- If you see a User Account Control box for WMware, click Yes.
- Step through the install - clicking Next, Yes, or Agree as needed. Accept the license agreement.
- When the splash screen appears, click Customize Installation.
- Uncheck the "Log in as current user" checkbox >
- in the "Default connection server" field, type "mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu" >
- click “Agree & Install”
- Click Launch
- Option: Hide the selector after launching an item (3 lines hamburger menu icon)
- Option: Autoconnect to this server (right-click the server cloud icon)
Use a virtual desktop: Windows
- Double-click the VMware View Client icon on the desktop or Start from your programs
- Connection Server: https://mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- Log in with your usual college username (do not add @madisoncollege.edu) and password
Off-Campus - use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you try to connect to a virtual desktop off-campus before activating your MFA Account, you will receive an "Access Denied" error message.
- Your should be connected to your virtual desktop
Sign Out / Log Off and Disconnect
- When you’re finished, and you sign out / log off and disconnect from the virtual desktop, you will be returned to your computer’s normal desktop.
- Save to a USB drive, your H: drive or other cloud storage (ex. OneDrive).
- Don't save anything to the desktop or to local storage (ex.C drive) of the virtual desktop! Everything on the virtual desktop is deleted when you sign out.
USB Devices (i.e. USB drives, headsets, etc.)
- Plug the device into one of the computer’s USB ports
- Click to Connect the USB Device using the Toolbar options
- It may take a minute or two for Windows to recognize the USB Device before it can be used. If your device does not appear in the menu, or you see an error message, try plugging into a different port
- To disconnect USB Devices, use the USB link in the Toolbar.
You can connect to your Windows virtual desktop using your MAC
Setup the VMware Horizon Client: MAC Computers
You must have the proper permissions to install apps on your MAC (your MAC admin password)
- Using Firefox or Chrome, go to https://mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- Click on Install VMware Horizon Client.
- After the VMware... .exe file finishes downloading, click the downloaded file to begin the installation
- Review and accept the VMware End User License Agreement (EULA) - Click Agree
- Click and drag the WMware Horizon Client over to the Applications folder shortcut in the mounted disk image box
- Open your Applications Directory and select VMware Horizon Client to launch the app
- Tip: Drag the VMware Horizon Client to your dock for quick access.
- VMware was downloaded from the internet warning - click Open
- Start remote USB and Printing Services - click Continue
- VMware Horizon Client wants to make changes - enter your MAC admin User Name and Password (not your college username and password) and click OK.
- Enter Connection Server: mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- Check Always connect at launch and click Connect
- Login with your Madison College username (do not add @madisoncollege.edu) and Password
- You should be connected to your desktop
Use a virtual desktop: MAC
- Click the VMware Horizon Client icon - or open from your Applications folder. Tip: drag it to your dock for easy access
- Connection Server: mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- Log in with your College Username and Password
Off-Campus - use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you try to connect to a virtual desktop off-campus before activating your MFA Account, you will receive an "Access Denied" error message.
- Your Desktop should appear
Sign Out / Log Off and Disconnect
- When you’re finished, and you sign out / log off and disconnect from the virtual desktop, you will be returned to your computer’s normal desktop.
- Save to a USB drive, your H: drive or other cloud storage (ex. OneDrive).
- Don't save anything to the desktop or to local storage (ex.C drive) of the virtual desktop! Everything on the virtual desktop is deleted when you sign out.
USB Devices (i.e. USB drives, headsets, etc.)
Note: Virtual desktops run Windows, so USB devices must be formatted for Windows in order to work properly. Mac-formatted USB devices will not work on College virtual desktops.
- Plug the device into one of the computer’s USB ports.
- To connect your device to the Virtual Desktop, click on the USB symbol icon in the Toolbar.
- Click on the name of your device in the menu.
- It may take a minute or two for Windows to recognize and install the USB Device before it can be used.
- Disconnect your USB Devices by using the Toolbar.
MAC Keyboard layouts and functions - differ between MAC and Windows.
Install the VMware Horizon Client: Android
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Google Play Store - VMware Horizon Client
Download and install (or upgrade) the free VMware Horizon Client for Android from the Google Play Store. Works with many Chromebooks and other Android devices.
Use a virtual desktop: Android
- Open the VMware Horizon app on your device
- Accept these options, if prompted: Allow Horizon to make and manage phone calls. Allow Horizon to access photos, media and files on your device
- Server Name or Address: enter mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu, and tap Connect
- Log in with your usual College username (do not add @madisoncollege.edu) and password, then tap Connect.
Off-Campus - use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you try to connect to a virtual desktop off-campus before activating your MFA Account, you will receive an "Access Denied" error message.
- You should be connected to your virtual desktop.
Client Tools Radial Menu - Toolbar icons
- Help
- Settings
- Full screen
- Disconnect
- Navigation Keys
- Virtual Touchpad - Toggles setting to move mouse cursor by sliding your finger
- Keyboard - Show or hide the onscreen keyboard
Log Off
When you’re finished, and you disconnect / log off from the Virtual Desktop, you will be returned to your Android's normal screen.
Save your Work
- Don't save anything to the desktop or to local storage (ex.C drive) of the virtual desktop!
- Most desktops are non-persistent, meaning that when you log off, everything on the virtual desktop is discarded.
- Save to cloud or network storage.
Android Considerations
- USB Devices – not supported on Android devices. To access working documents from a virtual desktop, copy them to network or cloud storage.
- Printing – not supported.
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Unity Touch Sidebar Helpopen files and applications, switch between running applications, and minimize, maximize, restore, or close windows and applications.
Install the VMware Horizon Client: Chrome Devices
- Log in to the Chrome device
- Download and install VMware Horizon Client for Chrome from the Chrome Web Store
- Server Name or Address: enter mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- Log in with your College username (do not add @madisoncollege.edu) and password
Note: If you get a certificate invalid prompt and have an older VMware Horizon Client for Chrome App, uninstall the older client and find the current one in the Chrome Web Store.
Off-Campus - use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you try to connect to a virtual desktop off-campus before activating your MFA Account, you will receive an "Access Denied" error message.
Sign Out / Log Off and Disconnect
- When you’re finished, and you sign out / log off and disconnect from the virtual desktop, you will be returned to your computer’s normal desktop.
- Save to a USB drive, your H: drive or other cloud storage (ex. OneDrive).
- Don't save anything to the desktop or to local storage (ex.C drive) of the virtual desktop! Everything on the virtual desktop is deleted when you sign out.
USB Devices (i.e. USB drives, headsets, etc.)
- Plug the device into one of the computer’s USB ports
- Click to Connect the USB Device using the Toolbar options
- It may take a minute or two for Windows to recognize the USB Device before it can be used. If your device does not appear in the menu, or you see an error message, try plugging into a different port
- To disconnect USB Devices, use the USB link in the Toolbar.
Install the VMware Horizon Client: IOS
Download and install (or upgrade) the free VMware Horizon Client for iOS from the Apple Store
Use a virtual desktop: IOS / iPhone
- Open VMware View Client icon on your iOS device
- Connect to Madison College by tapping on the server labeled mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- To add the server, select Add Server. Enter mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu, then click Connect
- Log in with your College username (do not add @madisoncollege.edu) and password
Tap Connect
Off-Campus - use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you try to connect to a virtual desktop off-campus before activating your MFA Account, you will receive an "Access Denied" error message.
- You should be connected to your virtual desktop
Radial Menu - Tools
- Settings/Options
- Virtual Touchpad
- Keyboard
- Navigation Keys
- Disconnect
- Help
Log Off
When you’re finished, disconnect / log off from the Virtual Desktop.
Save your work
- Don't save anything to the desktop or to local storage (ex.C drive) of the virtual desktop!
- Most desktops are non-persistent, meaning that when you log off, everything on the virtual desktop is discarded.
- Save to your H drive or other cloud or network storage.
IOS Considerations
- USB Devices - not supported. To access working documents from a virtual desktop, copy them to network or cloud storage.
- Printing - not supported.
- Shift Key – The Shift key in the top row of the onscreen keyboard or in the navigation keyboard is for entering key combinations, such as Ctrl+Shift. If you need to capitalize a letter or generate keyboard symbols, use the Up Arrow in the standard onscreen keyboard as you normally would.
Install the VMware Horizon Client: Kindle Fire
Download and install the free VMware Horizon Client for Kindle Fire from the Amazon Appstore
Use a virtual desktop: Kindle Fire
- Tap the VMware Horizon icon on your device
- On the Server Name or Address line enter mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu and click Connect
- Log in with your College username (do not add @madisoncollege.edu) and password
- Tap Connect
Off-Campus - use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you try to connect to a virtual desktop off-campus before activating your MFA Account, you will receive an "Access Denied" error message.
- You should be connected to your virtual desktop
Toolbar
The toolbar is usually at the top of the screen. If you are in Full screen mode, tap the circular icon at the right side of the screen to show the toolbar icons. You may tap on any of the following toolbar icons for different effects.
- Help
- Settings
- Fullscreen
- Disconnect
- Navigation Keys
- Keyboard
- Virtual Touchpad
Log Off
When you’re finished, log off the Virtual Desktop.
Save your work
- Don't save anything to the desktop or to local storage (ex.C drive) of the virtual desktop!
- Most desktops are non-persistent, meaning that when you log off, everything on the virtual desktop is discarded.
- Save to your H: drive or other cloud or network storage.
Kindle Fire Considerations
- USB devices and Printing - not supported on Kindle Fire devices.
Install the VMware Horizon Client: Linux
Installation instructions assume that Linux OS is the standard “out of box” configuration
Download and install the View Client 
- In your web browser, go to https://mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- Click on Install VMware Horizon View Client.
- Click the link - To see the full list of VMware Horizon View Clients (including Linux clients).
- Download the 32-bit or 64-bit Linux client appropriate for your system.
- Open a terminal window.
- Run the following command to add the repository containing the VMware View Client:
- sudo apt-add-repository "deb http://archive.canonical.com/ $(lsb_release -sc) partner"
- Update your local repository definitions by running this command:
- sudo apt-get update
- Finally, install the VMware View Client by running the following command:
- sudo apt-get install vmware-view-client
Use a virtual desktop: Linux
- Open the VMware View Client
- View Connection Server = mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- In the next window, log in with your usual College username (do not add @madisoncollege.edu) and password
Off-Campus - use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you try to connect to a virtual desktop off-campus before activating your MFA Account, you will receive an "Access Denied" error message.
- You should be connected to your virtual desktop.
Log Off and Disconnect
- You will be returned to your computer’s normal screen.
Save your work
- Don't save anything to the desktop or to local storage (ex.C drive) of the virtual desktop!
- Most desktops are non-persistent, meaning that when you log off, everything on the virtual desktop is discarded.
- Save to your H: drive or other cloud or network storage.
Linux Considerations
- USB Devices – are not supported by the Linux Client. To access working documents from a virtual desktop, copy them to network or cloud storage.
- Printing – Printers connected to the Linux computer are not supported on virtual desktops.
Windows Mobile Devices
Download and install (or upgrade) the free VMware Horizon Client ffrom the Windows Mobile Store.
Use a virtual desktop: Windows Mobile
- Open the VMware Horizon app on your Windows Mobile Phone
- Accept these options, if prompted: Allow Horizon to make and manage phone calls. Allow Horizon to access photos, media and files on your device
- Server Name or Address: mydesktop.madisoncollege.edu
- Log in with your usual College username (do not add @madisoncollege.edu) and password, then tap Connect
Off-Campus - use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you try to connect to a virtual desktop off-campus before activating your MFA Account, you will receive an "Access Denied" error message.
- You should be connected to your virtual desktop.
Log Off
When you’re finished, and you disconnect / log off from the Virtual Desktop, you will be returned to your Android's normal screen.
Save your Work
- Don't save anything to the desktop or to local storage (ex.C drive) of the virtual desktop!
- Most desktops are non-persistent, meaning that when you log off, everything on the virtual desktop is discarded.
- Save to cloud or network storage.
VMware HTML Access
- Quick and easy access
- Displays right in your browser
- When you can't add the Client app, for example, many Chromebooks or when using someone else's computer.
Off-Campus - use Multi-Factor Authentication. If you try to connect to a virtual desktop off-campus before activating your MFA Account, you will receive an "Access Denied" error message.