Access UNLV computer lab resources from anywhere using virtual desktops
UNLV students can remotely access virtual machines using Omnissa Horizon Client. The same rules for computer labs apply to these machines, as they are monitored by OIT.
This service gives you a full desktop environment — both Windows and Linux (Ubuntu) options are available — with specialized software, development tools, and computing resources, from your personal device, whether you're at home, in the library, or anywhere with an internet connection.
Connect from any device with internet access
Same software and tools as physical labs
24/7 access to virtual machines
Follow these steps in order. The whole setup takes about five minutes the first time; after that you just open the client and sign in.
The virtual desktops are not reachable from the open internet. If you're on campus Wi-Fi or a wired campus connection, skip this step.
Download the client for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and install it. Restart your computer if the installer asks you to.
Open the Horizon Client and choose Add Server (or the + button). Enter this server name and click Connect:
workspaces.unlv.edu
You only have to do this once — the client remembers the server after the first time.
Enter your ACE ID as the username — just the username, not your full email address — and your ACE password. Approve the multi-factor prompt if you get one.
Forgot your password? Request an ACE password reset.
When prompted, allow the client to use your keyboard, mouse, microphone, and audio. If you deny these, you won't be able to interact with the desktop properly.
You'll see the desktops available to you — Windows and Ubuntu options are offered. Double-click the one you want and it will open in a new window.
This is the step people lose work on. The virtual desktop resets when you log off, so anything saved to the Desktop, Documents, or the C: drive is permanently deleted. Only the Y: drive persists.
Rule of thumb: if the path doesn't start with Y:, it will not be there tomorrow. See the File Storage guide.
Sign out from inside the desktop (Start → Sign out) rather than just closing the window. This saves your session cleanly and frees the machine for another student.
cyrus.cs.unlv.edu is the Computer Science department's Ubuntu Linux server. You connect to it over SSH for a command-line session with compilers, interpreters, and development tools. Your home directory on cyrus is your Y: drive, so your files are the same ones you see in the labs and on the virtual desktops.
Cyrus is not reachable from the open internet. On campus, skip this step. VPN setup guide »
Windows: open Windows Terminal or PowerShell from the Start menu.
macOS: open Terminal (Applications → Utilities, or search with Spotlight).
Linux: open your terminal application.
Type this and press Enter, replacing your-ace-id with your own ACE username:
ssh your-ace-id@cyrus.cs.unlv.edu
The very first time you connect, you'll be asked whether you trust the server. Type yes and press Enter. You won't be asked again on that computer.
Nothing will appear as you type — no dots, no stars. That is normal and intentional; the characters are still being entered. Type your password and press Enter.
You'll land at a prompt that looks like this, in your home directory — your Y: drive:
your-ace-id@cyrus:~$Anything you save here is the same storage you see everywhere else on campus.
Type exit and press Enter (or press Ctrl + D) to close the session.
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
Permission denied | Wrong ACE username or password — check Caps Lock, and remember it's your ACE ID, not your email address. |
Connection timed out | You're off campus and not on the VPN, or the network is blocking port 22. |
Could not resolve hostname | Check the spelling of cyrus.cs.unlv.edu. |
Host key verification failed | The server was rebuilt, or something is wrong. Email csadmin@unlv.edu before continuing. |
If you'd rather have a graphical Linux desktop than a terminal, Ubuntu desktops are available through the Omnissa Horizon Client using the steps above — just pick the Ubuntu desktop when you sign in. They use the same Y: drive, so your files carry over between the desktops, cyrus, and the labs.
Virtual machines are monitored by UNLV OIT. All lab policies apply including acceptable use, software licensing, and conduct guidelines. Violations may result in loss of access privileges.
Contact UNLV IT for assistance with remote access setup or troubleshooting
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