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), using 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.
Instructions
Step 1: 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 2: Launch the Remote Desktop
- Select Light Version:
- Click Use light version to use the browser-based Citrix Workspace Web. Do not click Detect Citrix Workspace App.
- Select Your Lab:
- Click Desktops at the top of the screen.
If no labs appear at the Desktops screen, please confirm eligibility (see FAQs section below).
- Click on the lab desktop with the appropriate area of study your course or role falls under.
- In the dropdown menu for your selected Lab Desktop, click on the Open button under Actions.
- Read the Acceptable Use Policy and click Ok to continue.
- Log In to the Remote Desktop.
If you receive the following error message stating that your user name or password is incorrect, ignore it by clicking Ok
- Next, click the button labeled Other user on the bottom-left side to open the login screen.
- This will bring the login screen to the workstation. Type in your student credentials. Your password is the same password you use to log into myGateway.
4. Wait for Connection:
The desktop may take 30–60 seconds to load. If you get the “Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktop Warning” popup window, just click on Ok.
(It may take a few seconds for the virtual Desktop to recognize your mouse pointer).
Step 3: Use Software
- You may find a shortcut to the App you would like to use on the Desktop.
- You can also search the Start menu in the lower left corner for Apps (e.g., “Adobe Creative Cloud - FC Adobe Guide,” “SPSS”).
- Save work before logging out (see Step 5).
If you are using the SPSS App and you get this error message you can just click on “Cancel”
Step 4: Save and Transfer Files
Files are not retained on the remote desktop after logout. Save work to OneDrive or download locally:
- 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 5: 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. (Faculty/staff access is role-based, contact ACT for issues.)
- Citrix Workspace App: No Longer Recommended (2026).
- 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 may need to 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 the following error messages, “Cannot start desktop,” “Cannot connect to server,” or “Launch failure”?
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?
No.
Where are my downloaded files?
Check your browser’s downloads folder or configured save location.