How can I use the Virtual Computing Laboratory (VCL)?

What is the VCL?

The VCL allows you to remotely access a variety of software from your own computer.

Getting Started

How to make a reservation and use the VCL

Video Tutorial for using the VCL

Set Your User Preferences

You may want to set your user preferences before making a reservation so that the “screen size” of the virtual machine matches your display’s resolution.

1. Go to vcl.ncsu.edu
2. Select "Log in"
3. Select the down arrow next to "Manager", and choose “User preferences.”
   1. On the User Preferences page, select RDP Preferences from the left sidebar.
   2. Choose your resolution to equal your screen size. For a 13-inch Macbook, for example, this is 1440x900.
   3. If you would like to receive emails about your reservations, click “General Preferences” and then choose “Enabled” under “Send email notifications about reservations.”
4. Now you’re ready to make a reservation!

Get Help With VCL

The VCL has documentation—including system requirements—and a set of FAQs on their website, in case you run into any issues we did not anticipate.

Contact the VCL team if you have questions or need a specific environment created for a course or research project.