Connecting to A-B College Computing Environment through Citrix Web AccessFrequently Asked Questions
What is Citrix Web Access?Citrix MetaFrame Presentation Server is a technology that can allow remote users to connect to desktops and/or applications that are actually installed on a remote computer. At A-B College, Citrix Web Access provides remote access to your own A-B College desktop and applications environment. This means that you can remotely access the same software and files that are available to you on campus. After you log on and click on one of the available applications, you will be running software on the A-B College servers instead of on your local computer. For example, if you use the A-B College desktop, you can run any of the Microsoft Office applications and certain lab applications even though they are not installed on your local computer. When using Citrix and save a file to "My Documents," it will save the file to the A-B College file server and will be available to you when you log on to any computer on campus. Likewise, files you created and saved to "My Documents" while on campus will be available to you remotely through the Citrix environment. Back to TopBack to Main PageWhat do I need to use Citrix? What Client should I use?First, you must have an active directory user account at Alderson-Broaddus College. Secondly, to use Citrix through the web, you need a Citrix client. There are two basic clients that you can use: Citrix Web Client: This is the default and preferred client. If you are accessing the A-B College Desktop from a computer where you are able to install software, then this is the client you should use. In order to use this client, you must install the correct software. When you go to the logon page and have not yet installed the web client, you will be presented with a link where you can download and install the Citrix Web Client. You should make sure you have the latest client to insure proper operation. To install the latest client, click here. There are clients available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux/Unix operating systems. For more information on configuring the web access client, see Configuring Citrix Web Access to use the Citrix Web Access Client. Citrix Java Client: This client is best used when you are accessing the A-B College Desktop from computers where you cannot install software (public libraries, hotel lobbies, etc.). The client is designed to run on multiple operating systems using different web browsers and will run on any computer where Java is already installed (most browsers have java installed as a component or plugin). For more information on configuring the Java client, see Configuring Citrix Web Access to use the Citrix Java Client. Following is a chart and explanation of features for each of the clients: Note: Citrix Client's for other operating systems (MAC, Linux, etc.) are available. Each offers different features. Please consult the documentation that comes with each of these clients.
Explanation of features
Back to TopHow can I improve performance when using Citrix over a dialup (modem) internet connection?Citrix is designed so that it can be used over a dialup connection. There are several steps you can take to improve performance, however.
Where can I print my documents?The Citrix Web Client normally maps local printers and sets whatever your default local printer is as your Citrix default printer. When you go to select your printer from whatever application you are using, mapped local printers are named something like "Client/abcollege-username#/localprintername" with the default printer being set as the default printer on your local computer. IMPORTANT -- only print small documents to local printers if you are using a dialup internet connection! You can also choose to print your job on one of the Campus printers. Select the printer you wish to use and print to it. Be aware that these printers may be publically available. Because of the number of things that can go wrong with print jobs, we do not suggest printing to these printers unless you are on Campus to monitor and/or retrieve the job. The Java Client usually does not support local printing. If you must print to a local printer using the Java Client, then call the Computer Center for assistance. Back to TopWhat do I do if I get disconnected from a session?Disconnection from a session usually happens when you lose your internet connection. If you get disconnected from an application while working in a Citrix session, you have a few minutes to get reconnected to the application before you will lose your work. IMPORTANT: If you do not see the "Reconnect" button at the bottom of the Applications window, you must install a newer client. Click here to install the Citrix Web Client. Simply reconnect to the internet, log in to the Citrix Web Client again. You should be automatically reconnected to the session or you can click on the "reconnect" button. You will be right back where you were working. If you delay too long in getting reconnected to the application, you will lose your work. DISCLAIMER: A-B College cannot be responsible for any work lost due to disconnection from a Citrix session or any other failure while using Citrix Web Access. Save your work often! Back to TopI am having problems, what should i do?Call the Computer Center during regular office hours (M-F, 8 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.) at 457-6331. Remember, viruses, adware, spyware, etc., can interfere with Citrix. Please make sure you use up-to-date virus protection and regularly scan you computer to rid it of adware and spyware. There are free tools available to assist you. Call the Comptuer Center if you need assistance. Back to Top |
on the Applications page. Consider using the following settings (note the window size, color and audio settings). For even better performance, set your window color to 256 colors. 