Storage Options in the VDE

The virtual environment functions a lot like a normal Windows Desktop experience, however the traditional file structure that can be found in a normal Windows operating system is a little different in the virtual environment. There is no "My Documents" or other default folders other than "Desktop" and "Downloads", and any files saved here during the session will be permanently deleted upon the session's termination. 

To prevent file loss, there are other options to store files that can be retained across different sessions.

• Cloud Storage: The new eLumin VDE allows for the integration of Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage solutions into the environment itself, allowing for a swift transfer on file to and from the virtual environment and your local computer. Instructions to integrate these solutions can be found here. Box can also be used as an option, however there is no desktop client in the environment, it will have to be accessed from the web in the environment at box.umbc.edu. 

• The Home Folder is a catch-all option for holding files across sessions. However, keep in mind that this folder needs to be loaded upon every session beginning, and the more this folder contains the longer the start-up time for the session, as well as performance loss while using the environment. DoIT does not recommend this as a  primary storage option while in the environment.

Zip a File

Once you have access to your chosen VDE pool, click the Start button and scroll down until you see a file titled WinRAR. Click this, then click the application titled WinRAR.

The application will load and you will see a dialog box asking to purchase WinRAR. Please click Close "X" in the top right of the window.

To zip files, please click the Wizard button for the easiest experience.

When the dialog box pops up, select Create a new archive.

Select the files you would like to zip and click OK.

Name the .zip file and select the Home Folder or a cloud storage option to save it in and click OK. If no option is chosen, as with this example, it will be saved by default to the Desktop. More on the storage options can be found above. NOTE: After ending a session all files not located in the Home Folder or a cloud storage option will be PERMANENTLY DELETED. 

Here presented are extra options for the file. Select those needed and click Finish.

Here on the Desktop the newly created .zip file is shown. Please move the file to the Home Folder or a cloud storage option to retain it across VDE sessions.

Unzip a File

To unzip a file, locate the .zip file and be sure it is a WinRAR ZIP archive file type. It should be by default, but if not, right click on the file, select Properties, click Change next to the "Opens with: " title and select WinRAR archiver, click Apply at the bottom of the window, then OK.

Then locate the .zip file and double-click on it.

This will pull up WinRAR and inside the window will be the contents of the .zip file unzipped.