Must-knows when working in PVD

When using PVD, keep these important considerations in mind:

• Closing your browser tab will end your PVD session. Be sure to save your work before closing the tab.
• PVD sessions are terminated after 60 minutes without mouse or keyboard activity. You will get a notification before your session is ended, but must have the PVD tab open to see it, so save your work frequently.
• You may only have one active PVD session at a time. If you open a new session, the original session will end.
• If you need more computing power than PVD offers, consider using Princeton Research Computing (RC) resources. Refer to the Available Systems and Software pages on the RC website to learn more.

Important! All PVD Profiles and any data stored in PVD will be deleted 30 days after the end of final exams for the current term. Please confirm any data you want to keep long-term is on your Princeton OneDrive. Follow the links below for configuring on your local computer:

• KB0013375 - OneDrive - Getting Started on your Device

Working with files

OneDrive is the default cloud storage location. Files saved to the Desktop, Documents and Pictures folders will automatically be redirected to OneDrive using OneDrive Files On Demand.

Important! All data should be stored in the Desktop, Documents or Pictures folders to prevent data loss.

Printing

To print to your local printer, you must first save the file in PDF format and then download it to your computer — you cannot print directly from PVD. (To save as a PDF, use the Print to PDF or Save as PDF options within your application.)

For instructions on printing to OIT public printers see Campus Public Printing: Printing to public printers

Ending your session

When you are finished working in Princeton Virtual Desktops, you should always end your session — and be sure to save any work first.

To end your session:

1. Click the Start (Windows icon) menu in the Windows taskbar within PVD.
2. Select the Power icon.
3. Click Disconnect.

Connecting to Princeton Virtual Desktops - Using the Windows Microsoft Remote Desktop Client

1. Start the Microsoft Remote Desktop client.
   
   • If the Microsoft Remote Desktop client is not installed, download and install it on your Windows computer.
   • To launch the client after installation, use the Start menu and search for Remote Desktop.
   • Note: The native Remote Desktop Connection app built into Windows will not work because it does not support the Workspaces feature required for Princeton Virtual Desktops.
2. On the Let’s get started page, click Subscribe.
3. When prompted, sign in as netid@princeton.edu (use your Princeton netID).
4. If prompted, enter your password and respond to the Duo prompt.
5. If prompted to Stay signed into all your apps, choose an option below:
   
   • Clicking No, sign into this app only, will require you to enter your password and respond to a Duo prompt the next time you connect to PVD.
   • Clicking OK will save your account information and suppress Duo prompts for future connections to PVD.
   • Uncheck Allow my organization to manage my device to prevent unintentional management of your computer.
         
     

After you've signed in, you should see icons for available resources.