There are two ways of connecting to the Linux Virtual Desktop
Using the VMware Horizon Client native application for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android or IOS
For this you will need to download the VMware Horizon Client from here. You can also access the documentation for the different clients here.
After that, you will need to follow these steps.
1. After you start the VMware Horizon client, you must configure it with https://vdesk.ecmwf.int as the server.
2. Once the server is configured should see a screen similar to this (Mac client shown as an example)
3. In the first authentication window you will need to provide your ECMWF user identifier (the short one of three or four letters) and the passcode generated with your ActivID (HiD) token or application. After that is done successfully you will get to a second user and password screen
4. In the second authentication screen you need to provide your ECMWF user identifier again, and your "desktop password". That is, the same you would use in an internal ssh connection.
The next step would be a choice of the type of virtual desktop you want
5. In this screen you must choose one of the available options, keeping in mind that the number of options may be different depending on the user accessing. The main choice being between a Linux and a Windows system. Choose Centos 8 for a Linux VDI session.
6. Finally, you will need to supply your user and password once the system is started up
Using the web interface
The web interface can be used with a supported browser, by accessing the following URL https://vdesk.ecmwf.int
1. In the first page you need to provide your ECMWF user identifier (the short one of three or four letters) and the passcode generated with your ActivID (HiD) token or application. After that is done successfully you will get to a second user and password screen
2. In the second authentication page you need to provide your ECMWF user identifier again, and your "desktop password". That is, the same you would use in an internal ssh connection.
3. On the next page you must choose one of the available options, keeping in mind that the number of options may be different depending on the user accessing. The main choice being between a Linux and a Windows system. Choose "Linux (Centos 8.3)" for a Linux VDI session.
4. Once the system has started up, you will need to supply your user and password and choose the type of virtual desktop you want.
If your Linux VDI is already running then you will be connected to the current session.