MyDesk (VDI) Norman Work From Home Solution – Mac Client Install

Unsure on which Work From Home product to choose? Use this guide to help decide.

In an effort to maintain productivity and maximize flexibility as the University responds to COVID-19, OU IT has extended the VMware Horizon Virtual Desktop service (VDI) to tri-campus Faculty and Staff.

Please note, you will need to install PingID and then authenticate to get access to this program, please see this page for more.

VDI delivers a CLEAN desktop with secure, encrypted access to network services. VDI does NOT duplicate your on-campus desktop computer. Files stored locally on your on-campus computer are not accessible via VDI.

Accessing VDI via the Client:

1. To begin, navigate to https://mydesknor.ou.edu/.
2. You should have two options, a standalone installer and an option for HTML access. Select the option for “Install VMWare Horizon Client”.
   
3. You will now be linked to the VMWare download website. Select the “Go to Downloads” link for your operating system.
4. Next click the Download button for your download. Once downloaded, click to launch the installer.

Mac Install

1. When the installer file launches, you will be prompted to agree to the privacy agreement and license terms. Select to Agree.
   
2. The installer will now load the installer package. Click to drag the application to the Applications folder.
   
3. When the install completes, you may now find the application “VMWare Horizon Client” in the Applications folder.
4. Upon launching the application, you may be prompted for your Admin username and password. Hit Continue and enter your computer’s admin credentials, then hit Ok.
   
5. You may receive an alert prompt that the Security Extension has been blocked. Click Open Security Preferences.
   
6. At the bottom of the Security & Privacy window, click the Allow option.
   
7. At the “Enter the name of the Connection Server” prompt, enter mydesknor.ou.edu
   • If you already have an existing connection, click the New Server option and then enter the server address above.
8. You will now be prompted to enter your OUNet username and password. Enter this in and then click Login.
9. You should also now be promoted to accept the authentication in PingID.
10. The desktop window will now load for your instance.

If you have problems connecting to Horizon VDI (mydesknor.ou.edu), please contact your local service desk. Norman IT Service Desk | Tulsa IT Service Desk.