Using Amazon AppStream -- Faculty (Ultra)
Amazon AppStream is a technology that allows users to use software directly in their web browser without installing it on their computer. It should work with nearly any computer and web browser, as long as the student has a robust internet connection. Currently, Christopher Newport University is providing Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel in an AppStream environment for students without Windows PCs.
Students using Macs may be able to use the Macintosh version of Excel for their work. As doing so uses fewer Christopher Newport University resources and has a better experience for students, this is recommended if the Mac version of Excel is suitable for the work being done.
Adding AppStream to your Course
Once you’ve confirmed that resources are available, adding AppStream to your course is easy. Click the plus sign at the top or bottom of any section of your Course feed, and select "Content Market".
Select the module labeled "AWS Appstream–MS Access/Excel" by clicking the plus sign in the bottom right corner.
This will add it into the location you selected in your Content feed. (Note: The link will default to being added to the course in a Hidden state. You will need to make it visible in order for students to see and access the link.)
Accessing AppStream
To use AppStream, click the link created in your course feed using the above instructions.
After a brief wait, you’ll be taken to the app selection screen. Select the app that you need to use.
There will be up to a 2-minute wait as an AppStream session is created for you. DO NOT close the browser window, but you’re welcome to use other browser tabs on your computer while you wait.
Once the wait is over, your application will launch, and behave identically to the desktop-based versions of these platforms.
Setting up Google Drive -- REQUIRED
Any files that you save on AppStream will be deleted when you log out. However, AppStream can save files to your CNU Google Drive, which will allow you to keep your work across sessions, and access the files later from any computer. The first time you use AppStream, you’ll need to link it to your Google Drive account, especially if you need to use Appstream to edit existing files already stored in Drive.
To do so, click on the My Files button in the toolbar.
On the right, click Add Storage.
Then choose Google Drive.
Use your CNU credentials to log into your SSO account. You’ll then have to authorize AppStream to access your account.
Using AppStream
On the whole, you’ll be able to use AppStream just like the desktop-installed versions of these programs. There are a few minor changes to how you use it.
Saving Files
You’ll need to make sure to save your work regularly in your linked Google Drive account. To do so, you’ll need to choose a save location.
On the left side, select the This PC dropdown and choose Google Drive.
If you get a “Not Ready” error, just wait a few seconds and try again. Your entire Google Drive may also take some time to load; this is normal. You can then use your Google Drive just as if it were part of the computer you’re on.
Copy/Pasting
Copy and Paste works differently if you’re copying from or pasting to your computer. To copy from AppStream, copy the text in your application, then click the Clipboard button at the top of the screen.
A window will pop up that allows you to use Ctrl + C to copy Appstream content to your local device, or paste content into your Appstream session using Ctrl + V.
Printing
Printing is a two-step process. You’ll print from your app like normal, but select DCV Printer in the print options.
Your browser will then open a PDF of the document that you can print to your printer.
Leaving the Session
When you’re done working verify that all of your work is saved to your Google Drive. Once you leave your session, any work saved directly on that session WILL BE LOST.
To leave the session click the person icon at the top and choose End Session
Troubleshooting
Here are a couple of troubleshooting steps for common issues:
My App Closed
If your app got closed by mistake, you’ll see a blank screen. Simply select your app from the Catalog menu at the top left to get it back.
My Browser Tab Closed
If you close your browser tab/window, you’ll lose access to your session. As long as you click the Scholar link within five minutes, you’ll be able to get back to your existing session.
My Google Drive is Slow/I get a “Not Ready” Error
If you get a “Not Ready” error when accessing your Google Drive, just wait a few seconds and try again. Your entire Google Drive may also take some time to load at the beginning of a session; this is normal.