Appstream

What is a Virtual PC?

You have probably heard the term "cloud computing" being used by a lot of big companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft, well MSJC is using the same technology to give its students the best learning experience possible. MSJC is very committed to providing our students with cutting edge technology.

 Some of the classes you enroll in at MSJC (online & face-to-face) may use Appstream also known as a virtual PC or virtual machine (VM). Using a virtual PC is no different than using a computer in the classroom, at home, or at work. The advantage of using a virtual PC is that MSJC's IT personnel can easily customize a computer environment that students will need to complete assignments in many of our technology-based courses. For example, students enrolled in the CSIS 101, CSIS 111B, CSIS 113A, CSIS 113B, CSIS 113C, CSIS 115A, CSIS 525 and CSIS 786 courses need to have access to the Microsoft Office or Visual Studio software to be able to complete their assignments; using virtual PCs make that possible to have access to software without having to buy it yourself.

By using a virtual PC you are able to access a full version of Microsoft Windows and full versions of any required computer application software without any special installation needed on your own personal computer. If you are on campus, you will connect to the Appstream over the MSJC intranet, from home you can have the exact same access to the Appstream over the Internet. All that is needed is an intranet or Internet connected PC (laptop or desktop) with the Edge or Chrome Web browser installed. All of the processing and memory needs of the software is handled by an extremely powerful array of Amazon cloud servers.

How to Access Your Virtual Machine (VM)

Click here to view instructions.

What If You Have Problems?

If you have problems accessing the MSJC RDS or any problems operating the VM environment itself, please contact the MSJC Help desk, help@msjc.edu.