Overview

Remote Labs at Montana State University

Remote Labs, provided by Montana State University, offer remote access to non-persistent virtual Windows-based computers equipped with academic and research software. These virtual systems can be accessed from anywhere using a standard web browser or the VMware Horizon desktop client, enabling students and researchers to work remotely without needing physical access to on-campus computer labs.

 

Research Resources Now on Remote Labs

RCI now offers free access to high-performance Windows workstations through Remote Labs. These virtual machines are designed specifically to support research workloads, allowing users to run resource-intensive applications and perform complex data analyses remotely.

This means researchers needing intermittent non-persistent access to such resoruces can conveniently access powerful Windows-based virtual systems through the same Remote Labs platform used by students—bridging the gap between student labs and dedicated high-end workstations.

New Users Request

To request access to virtual research workstations, please fill out the Research Workstation Access request form.

Getting Started

To begin, login to the Remote Labs using your NetID. If your access has been approved, you will see the "Research" link along with the other options, as shown in the screenshot below.

Remote Labs Landing Page

Click on "Research" and you will be prompted to log in again. Use your NetID@msu.montana.edu (the account registered for Remote Labs access).

To work with and retain research data with the research virtual workstations, we recommend using Blackmore.  Blackmore shares is ideal for storing large and/or persistent data. Basic instructions for requesting and/or mapping a share can be found on the Blackmore page.

Support

To request the installation of additional programs on Virtual Research Workstations, email rci-support@montana.edu with the name of the software, a link to the official download/source, a brief explanation of how it will be used, and a note that you are requesting it be installed for Virtual Research Workstations.