Centrally Managed Computers
Information Technology Services (ITS) provides reliable support and maintenance of computing technology and services responsive to the needs of the university community by the University Mission. Through computer management practices, ITS can provide better support and ensure UAS is properly licensed to avoid costly fines/litigation.
UAS-managed computers share common software builds. These builds are intended to ensure that:
- UAS computers run licensed software.
- Only authorized individuals can access UAS computers.
- Effective “patch management” is in place to keep software and operating systems up to date.
- Files are automatically backed up and encrypted to protect sensitive data.
- University resources are consistent.
- Devices are effectively maintained by UAS ITS.
These strategies are intended to provide a uniform level of service across UAS. In developing these standards, UAS works closely with the rest of the UA system to ensure that there is commonality across UA. When departments need to work outside the established strategies, they need to address the University requirements on the departmentally managed equipment page.
There are three styles of ITS-managed computer builds: Employee Virtual, Employee Non-Virtual, and Student Virtual.
Information Technology Services provides both a virtual and non-virtual infrastructure for staff and faculty. We can create a personalized virtual build or non-virtual build to supplement or replace your existing laptop or desktop. Students have access to a student virtual build in various campus locations.
To be eligible for the UAS Staff Build with full technical support, please work with your department's Authorized Buyer to purchase from the recommendations provided by OIT.
Employee Virtual
What is a virtual machine?
A virtual machine is a software computer that runs an operating system and applications in a similar manner to a non-virtual computer. These virtual machines are stored on a centralized system rather than on local computers. Once configured, virtual machines provide the same set of functionality as non-virtual computers, with the added benefits of portability, manageability, and security.
Benefits
There are many benefits to using VMware. Please consider the following when deciding if a virtual machine is right for you.
- Virtual Machines are independent of hardware. They are accessed through VMware, which can be installed on any computer that follows our license agreements.
- Consistent work environment across multiple devices on one profile.
- VMWare is fully compatible with older machines that may independently have issues with newer software.
- ITS can rapidly deploy a common, supported desktop environment across the network.
- Updates can be managed centrally, ensuring that all virtual computers are consistently up to date.
- Central management of each standalone workstation across the entire virtual environment.
- Users connecting to a virtual desktop can have full access to all features of that VM without impacting the other virtual desktops or the host server.
Limitations
Virtual machines are not for everyone. Please consider the following when deciding if a virtual machine is right for you.
- An internet connection is required. Loss of the internet results in disconnection from your virtual machine. This results in no loss of data.
- If your job requires you to travel or you are frequently away from a stable internet connection, virtual machines are not well suited for you.
- Audio output via HDMI is currently unavailable. This is primarily a concern for folks making frequent presentations or lectures.
- Hardware settings (like batteries) can't be changed from the virtual environment. This limits your external customization (but you still have control outside of the virtual space).
- Virtual machines do not recognize internal disk drives. You will need to use an external disk drive.
- External monitors may require additional configuration.
- Departmental software cannot be licensed to a specific computer. Licenses must be generalized or login-based.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Virtual | Non-virtual |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Virtual computers run and store all data on UAS servers. | Non-virtual computers use an internal hard drive. |
| Network availability | Can be accessed from anywhere that has an internet connection. | Does not need an internet connection to function. |
| User experience | Consistent work environment across multiple devices. | Ideal for people who travel frequently, present from multiple locations, or have a poor internet connection. |
| System updates | System updates are centrally managed and installed automatically. | Users schedule and manage system updates. |
Employee Non-Virtual
Windows and Mac computers are both supported by UAS. When deciding on a platform, we recommend choosing one that is not only familiar to you but also supports the applications you will need to be using. A Windows machine built by UAS ITS will have our standard software by default. For a list of additional university-licensed software available for each platform please see the software catalog.
Departments are responsible for the purchase of their computers. ITS has provided the below information as guidance for departments preparing to make a new purchase.
UAS ITS will make every effort to place the employee non-virtual build on departmentally purchased hardware, but cannot guarantee that it will work with every device. Departments should be aware that they may need to return the device(s) if found to be incompatible with our employee non-virtual build, utilize our employee virtual build, or assume responsibility for them as departmentally managed computers.
Minimum Recommended Specifications
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i5 |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB |
| Hard Drive | 500 GB or 256 GB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel HD Graphics |
| Service Contract |
|
The University of Alaska has contracts with Dell and Apple which allow us to purchase computers at a discounted price with enterprise-level support. UAS ITS cannot guarantee support for other computer brands or those purchased from other vendors.
Please visit the Office of Information Technology's Current Hardware Recommendations webpage for Dell and Apple purchasing links.
Student Virtual
Classroom Support manages the student virtual inventory and software environment (or build).
Student workstations are available in the Learning Center, Writing Center, Technical Education Center (TEC), and in the Anderson Building. Mobile Classrooms are available upon request for classes in the Egan Wing and Library. Both the student workstations and mobile classrooms have access to software on the student virtual build.
Due to the transition to online classes, we are allowing students to access their virtual computers from their devices. Below is a how-to on the steps to take advantage of this resource.
Note: all virtual machines undergo routine maintenance in the evening of the 3rd Friday of every month. All virtual machines may be unavailable during this time.
How to access your Virtual Computer
More information about Virtual
For more information about available classroom technologies please contact Classroom Support (796-6521, uas.classroomsupport@alaska.edu) or the UAS Helpdesk (796-6400, uas.helpdesk@alaska.edu).
Virtual Computers FAQ
A virtual machine is a customizable computer designed to be accessed from a variety of locations. It works similarly to non-virtual computers but is located on UAS servers. Employees and students can access their virtual machines on any computer with a licensed VMware Horizon Client installation and an internet connection (campus or VPN).
Virtual machines and non-virtual machines differ in several ways:
- virtual machines are independent of hardware
- VMware can be accessed from any computer that follows our license agreements
- offer greater flexibility than physical machines
By shutting the VM down and changing its settings, ITS also can:
- add or reduce the server's memory
- add or remove a processor
- add a virtual disk
- increase an existing disk size
There is also a snapshot feature that lets you save the state of the server in case you need to restore it later on.
Virtual machines and VMware have many benefits:
- Virtual Machines are independent of user hardware. They are accessed through VMware, which can be installed on any computer that follows our license agreements (Windows or macOS).
- Consistent work environment across multiple devices on one profile.
- VMware is fully compatible with older machines that may independently have issues with newer software.
- ITS can rapidly deploy a common, supported desktop environment across the network.
- Updates can be managed centrally, ensuring that all virtual computers are consistently up to date.
- Central management of each standalone workstation across the entire virtual environment.
- Users connecting to a virtual desktop can have full access to all features of that VM without impacting the other virtual desktops or the host server.
Virtual machines are not for everyone. If your job requires you to travel or you are frequently away from a stable internet connection, virtual machines are not well suited for you.
- An internet connection is required. Loss of the internet results in disconnection from your virtual machine. This results in no loss of data.
- If your job requires you to travel or you are frequently away from a stable internet connection, virtual machines are not well suited for you.
- Audio output via HDMI is currently unavailable. This is primarily a concern for folks making frequent presentations or lectures.
- Hardware settings (like batteries) can't be changed from the virtual environment. This limits your external customization (but you still have control outside of the virtual space).
- Virtual machines do not recognize internal disk drives. You will need to use an external disk drive.
- External monitors may require additional configuration.
Stratodesk is an operating system, like Windows 10/11 or macOS. At UAS, this OS is set up to grant quick access to virtual machines using the VMware Horizon Client. Student computers on campus, as well as designated employee machines, run on Stratodesk.
VMware Horizon Client: This is a downloadable client used to access your virtual computer, available at mydesktop.uas.alaska.edu. It can be installed as an app on Windows and macOS.
Yes, we can create a virtual machine for you. It will be a standard Windows Virtual Machine; we do not currently have a macOS virtual environment. Any VM we create will be accessible from any university-purchased computer with VMware installed, Macs included.
Yes! VMware software can be run from a wide variety of devices. UAS is licensed to access our virtual machines from any UAS-owned or leased Microsoft or Apple computer.
It is recommended to not only disconnect from the VM but also log out when you don't expect to be using it for an extended period.
- In Stratodesk, these options are located on the VMware bar on the Connection menu, where you can either Disconnect or Disconnect and Log off.
- In VMware Horizon Client for Windows, these options are available in the VMware bar at the top of the screen on the Options menu.
What's the difference?
- Disconnect: stop viewing your VM. It will remain running on the server. You can return to your VM, in the same state you left it.
- Disconnect and Log off: stop viewing your VM. All programs will close and you will be logged out. When you next access your VM, you'll start fresh.
If you encounter any issues while accessing your VM, call the UAS IT Helpdesk at 907-796-6400 for immediate assistance.
Employee Virtual Machines save your changes, unlike the student Virtual Builds. It is still recommended to save to a department fileshare when using documents you wish to share.
Non-Virtual Computers FAQ
If you have an older computer that is not keeping pace with your everyday tasks, you can ask your department to purchase a new computer. The University of Alaska System has contracts with Apple and Dell that provide deals on our recommended hardware. Once your computer has arrived, you will need to fill out a Build Form requesting an employee virtual or employee non-virtual build for your new computer. With that completed, the Helpdesk will reach out to you to schedule a time when we can place the standard UAS software (or build) onto the computer, as well as any specific software you need.
Windows and Mac computers are both supported by UAS. ITS will make every effort to place the employee build on departmentally purchased Windows computers, but cannot guarantee that it will work with every device. We do not currently have a Mac build but will assist with management and maintenance.
The University of Alaska has contracts with Dell and Apple which allow us to purchase computers at a discounted price with enterprise-level support. UAS ITS cannot guarantee support for other computer brands or those purchased from other vendors. Please visit the Office of Information Technology's Current Hardware Recommendations webpage for Dell and Apple purchasing links.
IT provides software support for Mac computers. While we do not have a Mac build, we can provide certain UA-licensed software. For a list of software available please see the software catalog. Because IT does not have a build for Macs, they are considered Departmentally owned machines.
The primary user of a computer is given full administrator rights on the machine. This means you can install any programs you have legally acquired.
IT can install programs that we control the license for, managed through the Software Center. We can work with you to ensure that additional software is available to suit your needs.
When your computer is being built by our technicians, it will be assigned to an individual. This person, the primary user, will be granted full administrative rights to the machine. If there is no primary user for the machine, an administrator should be requested in the build request form.
If you have been issued a computer by your department but it hasn't been rebuilt, please contact the Helpdesk. We can remotely grant you administrator rights to your primary workstation.