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ECS Helpdesk Remote Tools
ECS Remote Tools
The College of ECS provides access to ECS labs remotely.
The campus also provides Zoom, a web video conferencing solution, to help get into contact with staff, students, or to study together remotely. Please see the tutorials on this page to help you get started.
If you have questions/issues regarding any of these tools please contact the ECS Helpdesk Student Assistants for clarification
ECS Helpdesk Student Assistants
(916) 278-6690
How do I use ECS Labs Remotely?
Starting Spring 2024, we will be using Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktops (AVD) as our primary way to provide access to ECS software remotely. Direct ECS lab system access via Sassafras will not be available after Spring 2024 so it is important to fully test AVD now.
AVD information and connection instructions for ECS students, faculty, and staff.
Azure Virtual Desktops (AVD)
Sac State offers Virtual Computer Labs to help you stay connected to the essential tools you need for coursework. You can connect to a Windows-based virtual computer using virtually any device. In addition to the general Sac State AVDs, ECS students can connect to ECS specific AVDs. These ECS AVDs have all ECS engineering software installed. There are two types of AVDs available to ECS students:
ECS-General
These systems have all the lab software that an ECS student would need to compete all ECS-based assignments.
ECS-GPU
These are intended to be used with software that requires heavy use of a graphics card for rendering or simulation, like Solidworks, Ansys, Autocad, etc. Student access to these systems must be requested by an ECS student or an ECS professor. They shouldn't be used for basic tasks/assignments and only have limited ECS applications installed.
Specific connection Instructions & Access Request (via ECS Resource Center Canvas Course)
Connecting to the CSUS VPN via the Global Protect VPN Client
What's a VPN, why do I need to use it?
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network. It creates a secure tunnel from your system to the campus internal network.
Many ECS resources are not available outside of the campus internal network (Linux servers, etc.) so you will need to connect to the campus network using the CSUS VPN.
VPN Clients for Windows, Mac, and Linux
*most modern PCs are 64-bit
Zoom Video Conferencing and Meeting software
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a web conferencing technology which allows the campus community to hold live meetings, webinars, and share content from our screens. All you need is a device with an Internet connection. The Zoom platform offers web conferencing services with both voice and video, and other features like Q&A, polling, remote screen control, whiteboards, and discussions.
All CSUS faculty, staff, and students already have zoom accounts which can be accessed via your normal CSUS Saclink credentials.
You can host video/audio meetings with anyone, not just CSUS faculty/staff/students. People that wish to join meetings do not need the app or a smartphone.
To get started using Zoom, please read the Zoom Instructions or check out Zoom's Video Tutorials.