NSM Virtual Computer Labs

Starting Spring 2024, we will no longer have remote access to NSM lab computers using Sassafras and Microsoft's Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This change is due to Microsoft's licensing terms in the CSU's Microsoft contract.

Instead of remote access to lab computers, we are introducing the use of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktops (AVDs). AVDs are virtual computers that you can access and use remotely but are hosted on Microsoft's servers.

Azure Virtual Desktops (AVDs) are meant to be used as instructional support and are not meant for research purposes. These devices restart at midnight and are subject to frequent data wipes. We highly encourage you to save any progress made on AVD in OneDrive or your Campus Drive.

Microsoft's Azure Virtual Desktops (AVDs)

NSM provides two different devices: GPU NSM and General NSM (non-GPU). GPU NSM is intended to be used with software that requires heavy graphics card use. The General NSM is intended for software that does not have high GPU requirements.

All NSM students and faculty will have access to the General AVD from launch. Access to the GPU AVD will be provided on a per-course basis upon the request of your professor. Personal access must be requested by an NSM student or NSM professor.

Keep in mind that not all software will behave the same; some software may perform better on GPU or non-GPU, despite the software requirements.