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 Virtual Desktop Service:

  1. Request virtual desktop access by visiting this link
  2. Go to https://appd.engr.utexas.edu/
  3. Log in with UT eid and password
  4. Click on the Downloads tab and install the client for your OS
  5. Once the client has been installed, go back to the applications tab
  6. Choose ECE Desktop from the applications tab to launch the Virtual ECE desktop
For more information, visit ECE IT webpage for Remote Windows Desktop