Virtual Computing Lab (VCL)

Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) Access & User Guide

The Virtual Computing Lab (VCL) gives MGCC students, faculty, and staff access to virtual desktop environments and specialized academic software from a personal device. Use this guide to learn how to access the VCL, choose the correct virtual environment, save your work safely, and get help when something is not working.

Quick Summary

  • Access the VCL through the myMGCC portal.
  • Use your myMGCC username and password.
  • Complete MFA if prompted.
  • Choose the virtual desktop or software environment assigned for your course.
  • Always save work to OneDrive, cloud storage, or another approved location before ending your session.
  • Files saved only inside the temporary virtual desktop may be deleted when the session ends or resets.

1. What Is the Virtual Computing Lab?

The Virtual Computing Lab provides access to virtual desktop environments that may include software used for coursework, labs, technical programs, design work, math, statistics, programming, engineering, networking, and other academic needs.

Instead of installing all required software on your personal device, you connect to a virtual desktop that contains the tools needed for your class or program.

Plain-English Explanation

The VCL works like a remote computer lab. You use your own device to connect to a college-provided virtual desktop that already has selected academic software installed.

2. Before You Start

Before accessing the VCL, make sure you have:

  • Your myMGCC username
  • Your current myMGCC password
  • Access to MFA if prompted
  • A reliable internet connection
  • A current web browser such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox
  • A plan for where you will save your work

Important:

Do not begin important coursework in the VCL until you know where you will save the file. Virtual desktop sessions are temporary.

3. How to Access the VCL

  1. Open a web browser and go to myMGCC.
  2. Sign in with your myMGCC username and password.
  3. Complete your MFA prompt if requested.
  4. Select the Virtual Computing Lab tile or link from the myMGCC dashboard.
  5. Review the available virtual desktop environments.
  6. Select the environment required for your course or assignment.
  7. Launch or connect to the virtual desktop.

Tip

If you do not see the VCL tile or the virtual desktop you expected, check with your instructor first. Access may depend on your course, program, enrollment, or assigned software.

4. Choosing the Correct Virtual Desktop

Different virtual desktops may contain different software. Choose the environment that matches your class, assignment, instructor instructions, or required application.

Common Reasons to Use a Specific Environment

  • Your instructor assigned a specific virtual desktop.
  • Your course requires specialized software.
  • The software is only available in one VCL environment.
  • The application requires a specific Windows or Linux environment.
  • The software requires a named user license or special sign-in.

Software Availability Notice:

Available software and virtual desktop names may change. If you do not see the software listed in your assignment or syllabus, contact your instructor or the MGCC I.T. Help Desk.

5. Critical Warning: Save Your Work Before You Leave

Do Not Save Important Work Only Inside the Virtual Desktop

VCL sessions are temporary. Files saved only to the virtual desktop, Downloads folder, Documents folder, Desktop, or another local location inside the virtual machine may be deleted when the session ends, disconnects, resets, or is reassigned.

Always save your work to a location you can access after the VCL session ends.

Recommended Save Locations

  • VCCS OneDrive: Recommended for most student files and schoolwork.
  • Canvas assignment upload: Use when you are ready to submit final work for a course.
  • Approved cloud storage: Use only if allowed by your instructor and appropriate for the type of file.
  • Local computer or USB storage: Use if supported by the VCL connection and appropriate for your work.

Best Practice

  1. Save your file early.
  2. Save your file often.
  3. Save a copy outside the virtual desktop before logging out.
  4. Confirm that the saved file opens from OneDrive, Canvas, or your chosen storage location.

6. Using OneDrive with the VCL

OneDrive is usually the best place to store files you need after leaving a VCL session.

  1. Inside the virtual desktop, open a web browser.
  2. Go to office.vccs.edu or Microsoft 365 Apps.
  3. Sign in with your full VCCS student email address, such as username@email.vccs.edu.
  4. Open OneDrive.
  5. Upload or save copies of your files to OneDrive before ending your VCL session.

Before You Log Out:

Open OneDrive from a browser and confirm that your file is visible there. Do not assume a file is saved just because it appears on the VCL desktop.

7. Named User Licenses and Special Software Sign-In

Some applications may require a separate sign-in or named user license after the virtual desktop opens.

This may apply to software such as:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Autodesk applications such as AutoCAD or Inventor
  • ArcGIS Pro
  • MATLAB or other licensed academic software
  • Other specialized software assigned by a course or program

Important

Opening the virtual desktop does not always mean you automatically have access to every application inside it. Some software may require your own student, academic, or course-issued license.

8. Software and Environment Availability

The VCL may include different virtual environments depending on course needs, licensing, semester demand, and system availability.

Examples of software or environment categories that may appear include:

  • General Windows desktop environments
  • Microsoft Office or Microsoft 365 tools
  • Programming and development tools
  • Networking and cybersecurity tools
  • Engineering and electronics tools
  • CAD and drafting software
  • Math, statistics, data, and analysis software
  • Design, GIS, or media-related applications
  • Linux-based environments

Software List Notice:

Software availability may change. Use the VCL portal, your instructor, or course documentation as the source of truth for what is currently available for your class.

9. Session Timeouts, Disconnects, and Logging Out

VCL sessions use shared virtual computing resources. Sessions may disconnect, reset, or close after inactivity or after a defined session period.

What This Means

  • Do not leave important work unsaved.
  • Do not rely on the virtual desktop as long-term storage.
  • Disconnected sessions may not remain available indefinitely.
  • Files stored only inside the virtual desktop may be lost when the session resets.

When You Are Finished

  1. Save your work to OneDrive, Canvas, cloud storage, or another approved location.
  2. Confirm the file is available outside the virtual desktop.
  3. Sign out of any personal or licensed software accounts if needed.
  4. Log out or sign off from the virtual desktop instead of only closing the browser tab.

10. Troubleshooting Common VCL Problems

I Cannot Find the VCL Tile

  • Confirm you are signed in to myMGCC with the correct account.
  • Check whether your course or program should have VCL access.
  • Contact your instructor if the VCL is required for class.
  • Contact the MGCC I.T. Help Desk if the tile appears to be missing unexpectedly.

I Do Not See the Software I Need

  • Check your course instructions or syllabus.
  • Confirm you selected the correct virtual desktop environment.
  • Ask your instructor which environment should be used.
  • Contact the MGCC I.T. Help Desk if the required environment appears unavailable.

The Session Is Slow or Lagging

  • Check your internet connection.
  • Close extra browser tabs or programs on your personal device.
  • Try a different browser.
  • Move closer to your Wi-Fi router if using wireless internet.
  • Save your work before troubleshooting further.

The Virtual Desktop Disconnects

  • Reconnect if the session is still available.
  • Check whether your internet connection dropped.
  • Save your work outside the VCL as soon as possible after reconnecting.
  • If the session is gone, check OneDrive, Canvas, or your selected storage location for saved files.

11. What Information Should I Include When Asking for Help?

Providing clear information helps support staff understand the issue faster.

  • Your full name
  • Your myMGCC username if known
  • The course name and section, if the issue is course-specific
  • The virtual desktop or environment name you selected
  • The software application involved
  • The exact error message, if one appears
  • What device you are using
  • What browser you are using
  • Whether the issue happens on another browser or device
  • A screenshot, if it does not show passwords, Social Security Numbers, grades for other students, banking information, or other sensitive information

Privacy Reminder:

Do not send passwords, Social Security Numbers, banking information, or other sensitive personal information in a support ticket or email.

12. Common Questions

Q: Do I need to install software to use the VCL?

A: In most cases, the VCL is accessed through a web browser. If your course or VCL environment requires a special client or additional step, follow your instructor’s guidance or VCCS documentation.

Q: Can I use the VCL from a Chromebook, iPad, or tablet?

A: Many virtual lab environments are designed to work through a browser, but the experience may vary by device, browser, internet connection, and software requirements.

Q: Where should I save my work?

A: Save important files to OneDrive, Canvas, approved cloud storage, or another location outside the temporary virtual desktop.

Q: What happens if I save only to the VCL desktop?

A: Files saved only inside the virtual desktop may be deleted when the session ends, disconnects, resets, or is reassigned.

Q: Why do I not see the software my class requires?

A: You may have selected the wrong environment, your course may not have assigned access yet, or the software may require a specific license. Check with your instructor first.

Q: Can I install my own software in the VCL?

A: The VCL uses managed virtual environments. Students should not assume they can install additional software. Use the applications already provided or contact your instructor if software is missing.

13. Quick Reference

Need Help With What to Do
Accessing the VCL Sign in to myMGCC and select the Virtual Computing Lab tile.
VCL tile missing Confirm course access and contact your instructor or the MGCC I.T. Help Desk.
Choosing a virtual desktop Use the environment assigned by your instructor or course documentation.
Saving work Save files outside the temporary virtual desktop, preferably to OneDrive or Canvas.
Named user license software Sign in with the required student, academic, or course-issued license when prompted.
Slow or disconnected session Check your internet connection, save work, reconnect if possible, and contact support if needed.
Software missing Confirm the required environment with your instructor before submitting a support ticket.

14. Need Technical Assistance?

If you experience login failures, missing VCL access, software launch errors, session problems, or other technical issues inside the Virtual Computing Lab, contact the MGCC I.T. Help Desk.

VCCS Documentation

References

TDX Search Tags

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