Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

If you have any questions, or are unable to resolve your issue, support can be received via the Service Desk.

Service Desk

What is Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?

Azure Virtual Desktop is a desktop and app virtualization service that runs in the cloud.

Who can use it?

This AVD environment is intended for Staff that need access to Mosaic-specific software.

Service Availability

Both the Development and Production AVD desktop environments are available Monday – Friday, from 7 am-6 pm.

Outside of these core hours, you can still access the environments, but there will be approximately a 5-minute delay, while the environment starts up a desktop for use.

Software Availability

Production:

  • PeopleTools (Configuration Manager, Application Designer, Data Mover, nVison)
  • SQL Developer
  • Hyperion Smartview plugin for Excel

Development:

  • PeopleTools (Configuration Manager, Application Designer, Data Mover, nVison)
  • SQL Developer
  • Hyperion Smartview plugin for Excel

Why use Azure Virtual Desktop?

It gives you instant access 24/7 to a fully configured virtual university computer. You can use this service to access:

  • A range of specialist software applications without the need to download on your personal or work device.
  • Windows Virtual Desktop is a managed virtual desktop service that includes many security capabilities to keep your organization safe.

How to get it

To use AVD, you will need to install the Microsoft Remote Desktop Client, or, use a web browser.

Select your Operating System below and follow the accompanying steps.

Additional Application Documentation

See the file named ‘readme.pdf’ on your AVD desktop for additional instructions on using the Mosaic AVD applications.

Installing Virtual Desktop

  • In a browser, navigate to: https://windows365.microsoft.com/ent#/devices
  • Sign in with your University email address (macid@mcmaster.ca) and password when prompted.
  • Complete the tutorial steps on your first login.
  • From the “Devices” menu you’ll find the following VMs:
    •  “UTS Mosaic Development” for the Mosaic Development environment
    • “UTS Mosaic Production” for the Mosaic Production environment.
  • Click on the “Connect” button next to the VM you’d like to use and login once again with your University email address and password to start the desktop.
  • You will now see the Virtual Desktop starting up.
  • Shortcuts for all applications will be on your desktop.
  • There is also a “README.PDF” file on the desktop that contains additional information.
  • If you’d like to install the “Windows App” desktop client, to enable copy-paste functionality, click on the “Download” button on the bottom left hand side of the screen.
  • Select the download option that corresponds to your Operating System.