How to Access Lab Software

Students can access software applications from:

  • thin client workstations located in ITSS managed or partnership spaces and labs 
  • BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). BYOD means you can use almost any device, including desktops, laptops, tablets, and smartphones to access the software you need for class.

Selected courses may use a third party cloud service called Apporto to access specific software applications. Your instructor will provide information on how to use Apporto if it applies to your course.

How to Access Lab Software from a thin client

  1. If you are in an ITSS managed or partnership space or lab , simply log into the computer thin client station using your UMD credentials.
  2. Click on the "desktop" (Basic Access, Standard Access and/or Performance Access) available to you based on the course or courses you are currently enrolled in. Find out more about desktop access levels . Be sure to click into the Desktop tab to view your options. The Favorites tab will be empty until you select a Favorite Desktop.
  3. If you don't see the access desktop you need, please send the following information to [email protected]:
    1. Your name and University email address
    2. The course information (for example: ENGR 1222 section 1 with Instructor Name) for the course that requires the software
    3. The software you want to access
  4. Once you open your desktop you will click the Standard or Performance folder to access links to specific software applications.

How to Access Lab Software via BYOD:

  1. Your device must have a strong Internet connection.
  2. You can connect in two ways, either via Citrix Workspace Light, with no need to download or install software, or the Citrix Workspace App. We recommend using Citrix Workspace Light, but the choice is yours.
  3. How to use each:
    1. Citrix Workspace Light: Follow the instructions on the University of Minnesota's IT webpage for Signing in Using the Citrix Light Version .
    2. Citrix Workspace App: Follow the instructions on how to Install the Citrix Workspace app are provided by the University of Minnesota's IT department.
  4. Once Citrix loads, you should see the access desktop(s) available to you depending on the courses you are enrolled in and the software it requires. Find out more about desktop access levels . Be sure to click into the Desktop tab to view your options. The Favorites tab will be empty until you select a Favorite Desktop.
  5. If you don't see the access desktop you need, please send the following information to [email protected]:
    1. Your name and University email address
    2. The course information (for example: ENGR 1222 section 1 with Instructor Name) for the course that requires the software
    3. The software you want to access
  6. Once you open your desktop you will click the Standard or Performance folder to access links to specific software applications.