Remote Desktop and MSDN Instructions

For this class, you will need to use the LC-3 simulator for your programming assignments. Since there are only two versions of the simulator, a Windows version and a Linux version, it may be challenging to complete the programs if you own a Mac.

Even if you do own a Mac, there are many options available to you. Using software such as VM Ware, Parallels, or Boot Camp, you could install Windows 7 on your Mac and proceed to use the Windows LC-3 simulator.

Acquiring a copy of Windows can be expensive, but the Engineering Department's IT Group offers a special deal with the Microsoft Developers Network Academic Alliance (MSDN AA) which allows you to download certain Microsoft software (including Windows 7) for free if used for academic purposes.

Alternatively, the ECE Department's IT services offers a "Virtual" computer lab which you can remotely access from your Mac (or Windows machine). When you access one of these Remote Desktops using your UT EID, any information you save will be permanently stored on the Remote Desktop and only accessible to you.

Even if you do not own a Mac, the information on this page, especially the MSDN AA instructions, is likely to be useful to you.

MSDN AA Instructions:

1. Enable your UTEID to use the engineering computer resources if you have not already done so by visiting https://apps.engr.utexas.edu/dnapps/EnableAccount/default.aspx.
2. Go to http://www.engr.utexas.edu/itg/products/434-msdn.
3. Click on the link labeled "is available for students, faculty, and staff."
4. Click on "sign in" at the top right of the page.
5. Sign in with your UT EID and password.
6. Click on the button labeled "Proceed to MSDN AA".
7. Now you can select files to download. See the help section on the MSDN website for details on what to do with the files you download.

Using ECE IT's Remote Desktop "Virutal LRC" Service:

Note: The directions below mention using the following server URL:

https://vdesk.utexas.edu/

If the above link is down, you may also use the follow server URL instead:

https://vlrc.ae.utexas.edu/

• The first step is enable your Austin domain account if you have not already done so:
  1. Go to https://apps.engr.utexas.edu/dnapps/EnableAccount/default.aspx.
  2. Log in using your UT EID.
  3. Check the "I have read and agree to this policy" box and click on "Continue to Request Access".
  4. You should be good to go. You may click on the "Select Optional Services" button if you wish, but it is possible that no optional services show up here for you.
• Next, you need to download and install the software required to access the "Virtual LRC":
  1. Go to https://vdesk.utexas.edu/. What do at the link depends on what operating system you're running.
     • On Windows:
       1. The link should tell you to download a standalone View Client.
       2. Make sure you DO NOT download the option with "Local Mode".
       3. Download the installer and run it. Install every feature.
       4. It'll ask you for a default server address, and you can use "https://vdesk.utexas.edu/" (do not include the quotes).
       5. The installer will ask you to restart your machine. Restart your machine.
     • On Mac/Linux:
       1. You will also need need a standalone View Client.
       2. You can either download the option provided to you at the link, or use the one at http://code.google.com/p/vmware-view-open-client/.
       3. Download and install your View Client of choice. Follow all directions during installation by clicking on "Next"/"OK"/"Yes"/"Accept"/"Continue" as necessary.
  2. Once you've installed a view client, open it up and enter https://vdesk.utexas.edu as the server URL and connect to it. This may take some time.
  3. Connecting should have taken you to a login window - use your UT EID and Password to login; the domain is AUSTIN. This may take some time.
  4. You should be confronted with a choice of which machines to log into. Choose "ECE vDesk Lab". The Windows Desktop should load and you should be ready to start using it! This may take some time.
  5. You can save files onto this Windows Desktop, and they will be private to you and still available the next time you log in. Backing up important files is suggested, especially for programming assignments in this class. You can do this by emailing files to you or whatever other method you're comfortable with. Remember, you are responsible for maintaining the security of your files! Do not allow anyone to see your programming assignment files.