Skip to main content

Accessing virtual machines

OpenVLE uses Apache Guacamole to provide web-based access to virtual machines.
This allows you to securely access your desktops, servers, or workstations from anywhere – without any additional software.

Prerequisites​

To access via Apache Guacamole, you need:

  • An internet connection
  • A modern web browser (e.g., Firefox, Chrome, Edge, Safari)
  • A valid user account on the OpenVLE platform (OIDC / LDAP account or local account)

Features at a glance​

  • Secure remote access via the web browser (no local software installation required)
  • Support for RDP, SSH, and VNC connections
  • Automatic single sign-on with OpenVLE credentials
  • Session management and parallel access to multiple systems
  • Optional file transfer between local and remote systems
  • Responsive design – ideal for desktop, laptop, or tablet

Logging in to Guacamole​

  1. Open your browser and navigate to your organization's Guacamole URL.
    You can get the URL from your administrator (e.g. https://desktop.example.com).
  2. Log in with the same credentials you use for OpenVLE.
  3. After successful login, you will be automatically redirected to your personal dashboard.
Example: Example: Login via Guacamole

After entering your credentials, the home page appears with all available connections. If only one virtual machine is assigned to you, you will be automatically connected to it directly.

Accessing remote systems​

After logging in, you will see a list of your available connections.
Each connection corresponds to a remote system – e.g., a virtual machine from an event.

  • Click on a connection to open the remote desktop.
  • Access happens directly in the browser – no additional tools need to be installed.
  • You can use mouse and keyboard as usual; inputs are transmitted in real time.

Session management​

  • If you manage multiple systems, you can switch to other connections at any time.
  • To end a session, simply close the browser tab or window.
  • A manual logout via the Guacamole menu will fully terminate all active sessions.

File transfer (optional)​

If enabled, you can exchange files between your local machine and the remote system:

  • Drag and drop files into the session via drag & drop.
  • Or use the integrated file browser.

This feature is only available if it has been enabled on the server side.

Tips for usage​

  • Keyboard shortcuts:
    Open the Guacamole menu during a session with
    Ctrl + Alt + Shift (Windows/Linux) or Ctrl + Option + Shift (macOS).

  • Adaptability:
    Guacamole automatically adjusts to different screen sizes – ideal for use on laptops or mobile devices.

Example or use case​

Example: Remote access to an event

An instructor wants to access the prepared VMs of participants during an event. She logs in via her organization's Guacamole URL, selects the connection "Environment IT Security – VM 01" and opens the remote environment directly in the browser.

Notes / Special considerations​

  • Guacamole is fully web-based – no client installation required.
  • Sessions continue running on the server side even when the browser is closed (depending on the configuration).
  • Access is controlled by roles and permissions in OpenVLE.
  • In case of network interruptions, the connection can be automatically restored.