Labs
NUWorkspace (Apporto)

NUWorkspace (powered by Apporto) is a Windows virtual desktop service that allows you free on demand access to key engineering software in any modern web browser on any modern device with an internet connection. No VPN or desktop client is required. 

For more information about this service, including connection instructions and how to get help, see: https://nuworkspace.northwestern.edu/ and https://www.apporto.com/helpcenter. 

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Login

NUWorkspace is accessed at: https://northwestern.apporto.com/

Log in with your NetID and password. It may take several seconds to load the App Store or launch your desired application. 

System Requirements

Browser 

NUWorkspace uses HTML 5 to open software in a virtual container directly in your browser. Any modern browser will work, however Google Chrome is recommended. 

Device 

While NUWorkspace is also operating system and device agnostic, for the best experience: 

  • use a computer with a keyboard  
  • do not use a smartphone as a hotspot  

Internet Speed 

A reliable internet connection is required for optimal performance. If you have a poor network connection, you may notice slowness or a lag in response and images may appear pixelated.

For graphics-intensive applications like Photoshop and SolidWorks, the following are recommended: 

  • Network bandwidth of 1 Mbps or greater
  • Network latency of less than 50ms Latency 
  • A hard wired “cabled” internet connection  

Network Indicator  

To get a sense of your network quality in real time, you may glance at the network indicator  in the top menu bar of your NUWorkspace window.

If you see 5 bars, you have a fast and reliable network connection.  If you see one bar, you have a poor connection.  It is common for the network to fluctuate a little; click on the network indicator to see more details about your network latency and bandwidth usage.

If you notice a consistently poor connection, try sitting closer to the wifi router, connecting your computer to the router via a cable, or moving to a location with more stable connectivity. 

Working with and Saving Files

Use NUWorkspace’s Cloud Mounter to download and save files to and from cloud storage to the virtual desktop.  The Cloud Mounter is available for OneDrive and GoogleDrive.

When using the Cloud Mounter, copy large files to NUWorkspace first (for example, by dragging files onto the desktop) before working with them. 

Be sure to save frequently to cloud storage, especially if your network is unstable or unreliable. The apps are running on remote servers, and you will not be connected to the same server each time. More importantly, each desktop is refreshed upon session termination, so your files will be lost if you did not save them in a location accessible by your device or if you saved them to the virtual desktop. 

Exiting the Virtual Desktop 

Shut down to exit the remote desktop to enable others to access the environment, as there is a limit to the number of users who can be logged in at the same time.

From the Windows Start menu select Power > Disconnect

After 1 hour of inactivity, you will be automatically logged off. Any open applications will be closed and your work will not be automatically saved. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What applications are available in the virtual computer lab?

    Available software includes:

    • Abaqus
    • Adobe*
    • Allegro CL SMP 10.1 
    • Ansys*
    • AspenOne (HYSYS)
    • AutoCad*
    • CogSketch
    • CrystalMaker
    • Keyshot
    • MASM32
    • MatLab
    • Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 Community 
    • NX
    • Python 3.7 
    • Racket
    • SolidWorks
    • ThermoCalc
    • Visio

      *Select components

      Where possible, based on available licensing and operating system compatibility, users are encouraged to direct download software on their personal devices for optimal performance.
  • I can’t log into NUWorkspace, what could be wrong? 
    Authentication Failed or Unable to log in: Your username is just your Northwestern NetID. Ensure you typed in your NetID password correctly. All McCormick students should have access to the virtual computer lab. please contact the NUIT Support Center to report a loss of access. Please include that you are a McCormick student in your message.  
  • How long can I work in NUWorkspace before being disconnected? 
    Your session in NUWorkspace will remain active as long as you are not idle for more than an hour.  The time counter in the center bar will show you how much time you’ve spent in the session. 
  • Can I print while logged into NUWorkspace? 
    The virtual desktops are not currently integrated with NUPrint. However, you can print to a local printer from your virtual desktop. 
  • Can I access my Northwestern email in NUWorkspace? 
    Yes. You can access your Northwestern email via a web browser on your virtual computer lab desktop on webmail. 
  • How do I save and access files on my local machine? 
    Files saved to the Desktop or in This PC on a virtual  desktop do not persist across sessions.  Use NUWorkspace’s Cloud Mounter to download and save files to and from cloud storage to the virtual desktop.  The Cloud Mounter is available for OneDrive and GoogleDrive. 
  • How do I adjust display settings in NUWorkspace? 
    Application windows launched through NUWorkspace can be resized just like application windows on your local computer. The screen can be resized by dragging a corner of the remote desktop window to the desired size. If you encounter issues with resolution or scaling check the display settings on your local computer. Additionally, you can change the display mode by clicking the square arrowed icon in the top menu bar to toggle the display to full-screen mode. 
  • Is NUWorkspace safe? 
    Yes. As this service is delivered through your web browser and all data is deleted at the end of your session, there is no risk of data loss due to hardware failure. Additionally, all transmissions are SSL-encrypted, your session is private, and your profile data is kept discrete from the back-end infrastructure. However, like all other experiences on the web, IT does still highly recommend vigilance in managing your internet experience. For more information, see the Information Security Office.