WHAT IS VIRTUAL DESKTOP?
Virtual Desktop is an online environment that allows you to access NSF applications and a virtual desktop that mimics a Windows 7 environment. You can use Virtual Desktop to use applications such as MyNSF, visit internal websites such as InsideNSF or SharePoint, or reach information stored on the NSF network.
WHAT YOU NEED
A Windows, Mac, or iOS device with an internet connection. If you have a Seamless Mobile Computing (SMC) laptop, DIS recommends that you use AnyConnect to work remotely. For more information on using SMC, visit the SMC User Guide for Windows 7
Your NSF LAN ID and password
Your RSA SecurID token
LOG IN TO VIRTUAL DESKTOP
1. Go to remote.nsf.gov and click on the Virtual Desktop button.
2. Enter your NSF LAN ID (i.e. njones) in the User Name field.
Then, enter your NSF LAN password in the Password field.
Then, enter your passcode in the Passcode field. Your passcode includes your 4-8 digit PIN + 6 digit number that appears on your RSA SecurID token.
3. Click the Sign In button. If you have already installed the Citrix Receiver on your computer, you will be logged in. Go to page 2 of this guide for navigation instructions. If you are prompted to install the Receiver, follow the steps provided below.
SET UP CITRIX RECEIVER
1. The first time you log in to Virtual Desktop, you may be prompted to install Citrix Receiver. After you install Citrix Receiver, you will not need to take this step again. To install, click the I agree checkbox and then click the Install button.
2. After clicking the Install button, click the Run button to download the Citrix Receiver on your computer. The installation may take a few minutes to complete.
3. Once the Citrix Receiver is downloaded, click the Install button. When the Citrix Receiver is installed, you will automatically be logged in to Virtual Desktop.
More questions? Contact IT Help Central at 703-292-4357 or [email protected]
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Quick Tip:
If you plan to launch multiple applications at one time, DIS recommends that you use the Desktop feature.
NAVIGATE VIRTUAL DESKTOP
When you sign in to Virtual Desktop, you will see two buttons - one for the Apps page and one for the Desktops page.
These two buttons help you navigate between accessing NSF applications and launching your Virtual Desktop.
WHAT
NAVIGATE APPLICATIONS
The first time you log in to Virtual Desktop, you will see a few Microsoft applications on your screen. You can customize the applications you see on the application page and add icons for the tools you use most. To do this, click the add button (noted by a plus sign) on the left side of the page
LOG IN TO VIRTUAL D
After you click the add button, you will see application categories. To find an application, click on All Apps and scroll to find the application of your choice. To add an application, click on the application name and the application will
automatically appear on your Apps page. Click on the application icon you would like to use to launch that application.
Note that the application icon will now automatically appear each time you log in.
Quick Tip:
Learn how to set up your Outlook email account within Virtual Desktop on page 5 of this guide.
Quick Tip:
To remove an ap- plication from your Apps page:
Right click the application and click
“Remove”, or
Scroll over the left corner of the application and click the
“x”
NAVIGATE DESKTOP
The Virtual Desktop will look and feel like a PC running Windows 7. It will allow you to use NSF applications (e.g. VISIT or PARS), use Microsoft Outlook, Office 2010, and visit Inside NSF. To access the virtual desktop, click on the Desktops tab.
WHAT After you click the Desktops tab, click on NSF Windows 7 to launch the desktop.
YOU NEED
Once you launch the desktop, you will see a desktop similar to an NSF workstation.
NAVIGATE APPLICATIONS
To lock your desktop session, click the Ctrl+Alt+Del button on the toolbar. To unlock the desktop, click the same button and then enter your NSF LAN ID and password when prompted.
Log Out Instructions:
When you have finished using Virtual Desktop, you must log off to end your session. Click the red Log Off button on the desktop or click the start menu and then Log Off.
This step is important because it ensures that your documents are saved and programs close properly.
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NAVIGATE DESKTOP - SAVE YOUR DOCUMENTS
Make sure to save your work! After 4 hours of inactivity, you will be automatically signed out of Virtual Desktop. Follow these steps to save your documents while using the desktop feature:
When you save a file, Virtual Desktop will automatically save your document within the My Documents folder of the (R:) drive. Give your file a name and create any desired sub folders within your (R:) drive. Then, click Save.
To access your saved documents at a later time, go to Computer and click on your (R:) drive. Then, click on the My
Documents Folder or the folder you
created within the (R:) drive.
Visit the Internet Explorer Favorites user guide for step-by-step instructions for accessing your favorites from the (R:) drive.
Quick Tip:
If you saved your file directly to your desk- top, you can open it from the Desktop folder within your (R:) drive.
NAVIGATE DESKTOP - EXPORT/IMPORT YOUR INTERNET EXPLORER FAVORITES
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SET UP MICROSOFT OUTLOOK
The first time you launch Microsoft Outlook within the desktop and application features, you will be prompted to set up your email account. After you set up your account, you will not need to take these steps again:
1. When the Startup Wizard appears, click the Next button.
2. Check the Yes checkbox and click the Next button to configure an email account
3. Verify that your email account information is correct and click the Next button.
4. When prompted, enter your NSF LAN password in the Password field. Then, click the Remember My Credentials button and click OK. Then, click the Next button.
5. Click the Finish button to begin using your email account in Outlook within Virtual Desktop.
