Audience: Fullerton College students, faculty, and staff
Overview: Fullerton College Remote Labs (FC Labs) provide access to campus workstations running specialized software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, SPSS) for students enrolled in eligible courses and faculty/staff with instructional needs. This article explains how to log into FC Labs using Citrix Workspace Web (browser-based), optionally install the Citrix Workspace App for enhanced performance, use software, save/transfer files, and troubleshoot issues.
Prerequisites
- Students accounts: A student email (e.g., [email protected]) and MyGateway password; enrollment in a course with remote lab access (confirm with instructor).
- Faculty/Staff accounts: A staff email (e.g., [email protected]) with MFA enabled.
- Device: A Windows or macOS device with a stable internet connection and a modern browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, or Safari).
- MFA: Students/Staff must have Multi-Factor Authentication set up.
- (Optional) For Citrix Workspace App: Administrative rights to install software on your device (advanced users).
Instructions
Step 1: Optional – Install Citrix Workspace App (Advanced Users)
For better performance or persistent lab access, install the Citrix Workspace App instead of using the browser-based version:
- Visit fclabs.fullcoll.edu in Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.
- Sign in with your Fullerton College email (e.g., [email protected] or [email protected]) and password.
- If prompted, complete MFA.
- Click Detect Receiver (or Change Citrix Receiver in Gear > Account Settings if previously used light version).
- Click Download to download CitrixWorkspaceApp.exe, accepting the license agreement.
Run the installer:
- Save to Downloads folder.
- Approve “Allow app to make changes” prompt.
- Configure the app:
- Enter server address: https://fclabs.fullcoll.edu
- Check Do not show this window again and - Click Add.
- Sign in again with your FCNet email and password.
- Add favorite labs:
- Click the + icon in Citrix Workspace App to view available labs.
- Select labs (e.g., “General,” “Fine Arts Lab”) to pin to Favorites.
- Note: The light version (browser-based) is sufficient for most users; use the app for frequent access or complex software.
Step 2: Access the FC Labs Portal
- Open a supported browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari).
- Go to https://fclabs.fullcoll.edu.
- Sign in with your FCNet email (e.g., [email protected] or [email protected]) and MyGateway/email password.
- Complete MFA if prompted (students authenticate via phone/SMS; faculty/staff use existing setup).
Step 3: Launch the Remote Desktop
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Select Light Version (if not using Citrix Workspace App):
- Click Use light version for browser-based Citrix Workspace Web.
-
Navigate to Labs:
- Click Desktops at the top.
- Choose the lab desktop for your class (students) or role (e.g., “General,” “Fine Arts Lab”).
- If no labs appear, confirm eligibility (see FAQs).
-
Log Into the Workstation:
- Students: Enter your 8-digit student ID (e.g., 01234567) and MyGateway password.
- Faculty/Staff: Enter your FCNet username (e.g., jdoe) and email password.
- Click OK or press Enter.
-
Wait for Connection:
- The desktop may take 30–60 seconds to load. Ignore pop-ups (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+Del) or click Cancel.
Step 4: Use Software
- Search the Start menu for applications (e.g., “Adobe Creative Cloud,” “SPSS”).
- Save work before logging out (see Step 5).
Step 5: Save and Transfer Files
Files are not retained on the remote desktop after logout. Save work to OneDrive or download locally:
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Save to OneDrive (Recommended):
- Open File Explorer on the remote desktop.
- Navigate to OneDrive – Fullerton College.
- Save files (e.g., Adobe projects) to a folder in the OneDrive folder.
-
Download Locally:
- Save files to This PC > Documents on the remote desktop with a memorable name.
- Close the application (e.g., Photoshop, Word).
- Open the Citrix session toolbar (black semi-circle with three lines at the top/side of the window).
- Click the download icon (cloud with arrow).
- Select the file from Documents and click Open.
- Your browser downloads the file to your local device (e.g., Downloads folder, per browser settings).
- Submit Work: Upload saved files to Canvas or email to your instructor.
Step 6: Log Out
- On the remote desktop:
- Click Start (bottom-left) > user profile > Sign out.
- In the Citrix portal:
- Click the gear icon (top-right) > Log off.
- Close your browser to disconnect fully.
Notes
- Eligibility: Students need course enrollment; confirm with instructors via Canvas or MyGateway. Faculty/staff access is role-based, contact ACT for issues.
- Citrix Workspace App: Optional; light version is default for simplicity. Install for frequent users or complex software (e.g., 3D modeling).
- File Retention: Remote desktop files are deleted post-logout; always save to OneDrive or download.
- Performance: Avoid Teams/Zoom during lab use to reduce lag or audio issues.
- MFA: Students set up MFA on first login.
- Policy Compliance: Follow NOCCCD’s Acceptable Use Policy (AP 3720).
FAQs
Why don’t I see my lab?
Verify enrollment/payment in MyGateway (access may take 48 hours). First work your instructor and/or email ACT with your Banner ID, CRN, and course title.
Why do I get “Cannot start desktop” or “Cannot connect to server”?
Wait 30 seconds and retry. If persistent, email [email protected] with error, time, lab name, and Citrix log file (if available).
Is sound choppy?
Close conferencing apps (e.g., Teams, Zoom). Check device audio settings (Windows: search “Sound Settings,” verify output).
Do I need VPN?
No, FC Labs are accessible without VPN.
Should I install Citrix Workspace App?
Use the light version unless you need frequent access or run complex software.
Where are my downloaded files?
Check your browser’s downloads folder or configured save location.