Information
The Student Virtual Lab is available to all students through Omnissa (formerly VMware). This service enables off-campus access to specialized lab software, including:
- SPSS Statistics (Available in ATC Lab Pool only)
- QuickBooks (Available in Business Lab only)
- Maple
- Microsoft Office: Access, Publisher, and Visio
- Acrobat DC
Environment
- Web Portal: mydesktop.grcc.edu
- Applications: Omnissa Horizon Client (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS)
Process
Accessing the Omnissa Environment
Option 1: Via Web Browser (HTML Client)
- Open your preferred web browser.
- Navigate to mydesktop.grcc.edu (opens in a new window).
- Click Omnissa Horizon HTML Access.
- Sign in with your MyGRCC username and passphrase.
- Select either the Student Virtual Lab or Student Business Lab icon.
- You are now connected and may access your lab software within the browser tab.
Option 2: Via Desktop Client
Connecting to the Lab
Windows
- Open the Start Menu and search for Omnissa.
- Launch the Omnissa Horizon Client.
- Click New Server (if not already configured).
- Enter mydesktop.grcc.edu in the Connection Server field and click Connect.
- Enter your MyGRCC login credentials and click Login.
- Double-click Student Virtual Lab to open the virtual desktop.
macOS
- Open your Applications folder and double-click Omnissa Horizon Client.
- If prompted, enter mydesktop.grcc.edu as the Connection Server.
- Enter your MyGRCC credentials and click Login.
- Select the Student Virtual Lab option.
Mobile (iOS and Android)
- Download the Omnissa Horizon app from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Open the app and enter mydesktop.grcc.edu as the server address.
- Log in using your MyGRCC username and passphrase.
- Tap the Student Virtual Lab icon to connect.
Disconnecting (Crucial Step)
To ensure your session ends correctly and resources are freed for other students, always sign out properly:
- Within the virtual desktop, click the Start button.
- Click your User/Account icon.
- Select Sign out.