Virtualization Solutions allows a user to emulate one operating system on a different operating system. GCU Technical Support has a limited scope of service for assisting with the different Virtualization Solutions.
GCU Students are provided access to Virtualization Solutions like Skillable, VMWare, LopesCloud and VirtualBox. Access to the appropriate software is provided through an automatic criteria process. This process provides access for users based on whether they are in a class that requires the use of the virtualization solution or not. Information about the virtualization solutions and the classes that use each of these solutions can be found on the GCU Virtualization Solutions page.
LopesCloud is a web-based platform offering cloud-based virtual environments, accessible via a web browser without local installations through your online classroom. It's easy and convenient to interact with a virtual environment with LopesCloud, which is available in courses that require them for course work. LopesCloud will allow you to interact with whichever virtual environment your assignment requires, whether it is Windows, macOS, Linux, or multiple systems! For more information about using LopesCloud, check out our support article.
Skillable Labs is a cloud-based virtual lab platform used at GCU to support hands-on learning in technical courses. You will access your lab environment directly through Halo in your course materials. We also recommend checking out the Using Skillable Labs at GCU page for a detailed overview of steps for using the program and access to tools and resources that can help troubleshoot the virtualization solution.
If you experience any problems with Skillable, we recommend making sure that you are not on a VPN or using an international keyboard. If you experience any further problems we can try to resolve them by completing Basic Troubleshooting steps. If those steps still do not resolve the problem, please contact GCU Technical Support and provide us with your ID so that we can escalate your ticket for further investigation.
VirtualBox is another virtualization solution that is used by courses at GCU. This software allows users to create a virtual machine to access different operating systems. We recommend checking out GCU Virtualization Solutions for information about what classes use this solution and how to install the program. If you need assistance with using VirtualBox, we recommend reaching out to your instructor.
VMware is another cloud-based program that allows students and faculty the ability to create virtualized desktop operating systems. Follow the steps in the section below for information on how to download VMWare.
Downloading the Software
- To download the VMware software, start by navigating to the Broadcom Support Portal.
- Click on the Support Portal in the top right corner.
- If this is your first time logging in, select Register from the drop-down menu. If you are already registered, select Go To Portal and skip to step 9.
- On the user registration page, enter your email address and complete the CAPTCHA, then click Next.
- You will be asked to verify your email by entering the verification code sent to your email address. Enter the code and then select Verify & Continue.
- Fill out the account and contact information to complete the registration. Once done, click Create Account.
- A confirmation page will appear once your registration is successful. We recommend that you build your profile later and select the I'll do it later option.
- Next, you will be redirected to the Broadcom Support Portal home page. To log into your account, select Login in the top right corner.
- Enter your username and press Next. Once your username is found, enter your password and click Sign In.
- Click the Product Division icon in the top right corner, and then select VMware Cloud Foundation.
- You will be directed to the My Dashboard page. On the left-hand panel, click My Downloads.
- On the My Downloads page, search for the version of VMware needed for your course. If you are not sure which version to request, we suggest reaching out to your instructor for more information.
- After picking the download option you need, choose the dropdown for Personal Use option of the software.
- Make sure you select the most recent release.
- After selecting the most recent version, click I agree to Terms and Conditions and then the Download icon.
- On the Trade Compliance Verification page, select I agree and then Submit.
- You will be directed back to the download product files page. Finally, click the Download icon again and the installer will begin downloading.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to install the VMware software. Once the installation has been finished, you can now use VMware for your homework assignments.
Azure DevTools gives students and faculty access to professional developer tools, software, and services that are provided by Microsoft. The following steps will walk through accessing the Azure DevTools.
Accessing Software
- To access the Azure DevTools, start by navigating to Microsoft Azure DevTools.
- Select Sign In.
- Sign in with your GCU email and password.
- Check the box to agree to the terms and then select Accept Terms.
- You will now be signed into the Software page. On the left menu select Software to view all available Operating Systems, Productivity Tools, and more software.