What is Mosaic Anywhere?
MosaicAnywhere is a way to run a Mosaic Windows session remotely from almost any computer. As long as a computer is connected to the Internet you can use built in Windows utilities and the campus VPN to connect to a Mosaic session.
Linux Mosaic Anywhere (Linux Lab Pool)
When off-campus, first use Cisco VPN client to connect to campus. VPN Help.
Software available on the Linux Lab Pool
To access the labpool, click on one of the following links, login with your NinerNET credentials, and launch one of the VirtualGL session options:
- Ubuntu – https://engrulabpool.uncc.edu/
- RedHat – https://engrrlabpool.charlotte.edu/
HOW TO USE MOSAIC ANYWHERE
You must first download the Cisco VPN client from here and connect. After installing the VPN client, you need to insert the following address “vpn.uncc.edu” to connect. An FAQ is available here for the VPN.
On OSX
If you are trying to use Mosaic Anywhere on a Mac running OSX please download the program found here. Note that this is an older version of Microsoft RDP. This program will have limitations if downloaded from the Apple app store, such as lack of local drive sharing and multi-monitor support. Now, when you download RDP files they will open with the program.
On Linux
If you are trying to use Mosaic Anywhere on a Linux system please download the program found here. Detailed usage instructions can be found below.
Mosaic Anywhere Documentation
- Windows
- OSX
- Linux
Usage Policies
The same usage policies that apply to the regular Mosaic Lab machines also apply to the MosaicAnywhere system. They can be found here.
You may not logon to more than one remote desktop workstation at a time. This policy is enforced at logon. Note: As in most other cases, you should make sure that you have logged out of the system that you use on campus, before using another system, including the remote desktop Mosaic lab.
Time Limits
Because MosaicAnywhere is a resource limited service, specific time limits have been established for use. The two time limits are called the “session time”, and the “idle time”. The session time limit is the maximum amount of time that you can use the system. Near the end of your session time you should save all files and logoff, or you will be automatically logged off. The idle time refers to the amount of time the system can be left alone without keyboard, or mouse use. If you logon to a remote desktop system and don’t move your mouse, or press a key on the keyboard for a period extending beyond the idle time, then you will be automatically logged off.
You will be given a 5 minute warning within these time limits, so these time limits include the 5 minute warning time as follows:
The current session time limit is:
1 hour 55 minutes + 5 minute warning. Total Time = 2 Hours1.
The current idle time limit is:
10 minutes + 5 minute warning.
Total Time = 15 Minutes2.
1. Only if all remote desktop workstations are in use.
2. Only if there are more than 5 other available workstations.
(Up to 1 hour max, see Idle Time Extensions below.)
Session Time Extensions
Mosaic has added session time extensions to the MosaicAnywhere service. Session time extensions are added at the end of your session time at the 5 minute warning. You will be provided 5 extra minutes per available MosaicAnywhere workstation. This means if no workstations are available, then you will not get any extension time, and you will be logged off after your 5 minute warning time has elapsed. If at least one workstation is available, you will be given 5 extra minutes before the 5 minute warning time to logoff. If two workstations are available, then you will be given 10 extra minutes before the 5 minute warning time to logoff, etc. If you are the only one using the MosaicAnywhere service, then you will receive 5 minutes for every available machine. At the end of every session time extension, another session time extension will be evaluated for you. This will allow you to stay logged on as long as there are open machines and your idle time has not expired (see next). The session time extensions operate to make sure that everyone has equal access to the system.
Idle Time Extensions
Mosaic has added idle time extensions to the MosaicAnywhere service. Idle time extensions are added at the end of your idle time at the 5 minute warning. You will be provided 5 extra minutes of idle time if at least 5 other remote desktop workstations are free, otherwise you do not get any extra idle time. At the end of every idle time extension, another idle time extension will be evaluated for you. When the total idle time reaches 1 hour, you will be logged out. This will allow you to stay logged on up to 60 minutes if there are 5 free workstations, and as long as your session time is being extended. The idle time extensions operate to make sure that everyone has equal access to the system.
Warnings and limitations of use
* The remote desktop system is not intended to replace the on-campus desktop systems. It can be fairly snappy at some tasks, but with programs such as AutoCAD or Solidworks, you will start to notice a lag.
