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Chapter 2. Running Virtual Machines

2.1. The User Portal Graphical Interface
2.2. Turning On a Virtual Machine
2.3. Connecting to a Virtual Machine
2.4. Logging Out of a Virtual Machine
This chapter describes the features of the User Portal and how to run, connect to and stop virtual machines. On the User Portal, virtual machines are represented by icons that indicate both type and status. These icons indicate whether a virtual machine is part of a desktop pool, or is a stand-alone Windows or Linux virtual machine. They also reflect whether the virtual machine is running or stopped.
The User Portal displays a list of the virtual machines assigned to you. You can then turn on one or more virtual machines, connect, and log in. You can have access to virtual machines that are running different operating systems, and you can use multiple virtual machines simultaneously.
In contrast, if you have only one running virtual machine and have enabled automatic connection, you can bypass the User Portal and log in directly to the virtual machine, similar to how you log in to a physical machine.

2.1. The User Portal Graphical Interface

The User Portal Graphical Interface enables you to view and use all the virtual machines that are available to you. The screen consists of three areas: the title bar, a virtual machines area, and a details pane. A number of control buttons allow you to work with the virtual machines.
The User Portal
Figure 2.1. The User Portal

The title bar (1) includes the name of the User logged in to the portal and the Sign out button.
In the virtual machines area, the names of the virtual machines or desktop pools assigned to you display (2). The logo of the virtual machine's operating system also displays (3). When a virtual machine is powered up, you can connect to it by double-clicking on the virtual machine's logo.
On each virtual machine's icon, buttons allow you to play, stop or pause a virtual machine. The buttons perform the same functions as buttons on a media player (4).
  • The green play button starts up the virtual machine. It is available when the virtual machine is paused, stopped or powered off.
  • The red stop button stops the virtual machine. It is available when the virtual machine is running.
  • The orange pause button temporarily halts the virtual machine. To restart it, press the green play button.
The status of the virtual machine is indicated by the text below the virtual machine's icon - Machine is Ready or Machine is Down.
Clicking on a virtual machine displays the statistics of the selected virtual machine on the details pane to the right (5), including the operating system, defined memory, number of cores and size of virtual drives. You can also configure connection protocol options (6) such as enabling the use of USB devices or local drives.