I am looking for a solution for my students who all have Chromebooks (which are locked down).
Their opportunities will be greatly expanded if they had access to Windows-based software (Blender, Unreal Engine, 3D slicing software, etc.,).
I have access to a couple desktop machines that I could host virtual boxes on if there was some way for them to remote into them through a web browser.
Is that something that is possible, and where would I get the information to get started hosting something like that?
If not, are there any alternative solutions that do not require a paid subscription?
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“Remote desktop” from google works good for what you’re trying to do I think
I thought so too, but the students are locked out altering any software on their Chromebooks
You only need to install the “host” software on the machine you’re going to share, the chromebooks only need to visit remotedesktop.google.com
I would recommend that you bring in someone with experience instead of trying to wing it. It sounds like you are trying to bypass your IT department which is never a good idea. Talk to the people who control the Chromebooks.
What you are looking for is virtual desktop. It will cost money but it is worth it in the end. I would highly recommend that you take a look at Azure virtual desktop or related services. It is all cloud based and it is likely what you are after.
If
If you can get It’s blessing I’d suggest something like KASM workspaces or WebTops, basically a Linux desktop in the browser.
if they had access to Windows-based software (Blender, Unreal Engine, 3D slicing software, etc.,).
All of those applications that you mentioned run on Linux too. Maybe check if everything you want to use runs on Linux and then you don’t need to sell your students’ souls on their behalf.
I’m fine with them accessing either OS. Right now they only have access to a glorified bloated web browser.
Students, as in you’re a teacher? Talk with your school’s IT department first.
Yeah, if the student devices are locked down its done so per policy. Creating VMs which allow students to bypass that policy is going to potentially get you into trouble with administration. IT could maybe setup those students with Citrix Workspaces or something similar they support to achieve that without having to throw student restrictions out the window.
Not to mention they might have a solution that is already in place.
I’m in a rural area without much funding. They would likely take issue with me adding complexity to their already overworked schedule.
Anyway, I’d rather ask forgiveness than for permission in most instances like these.
That’s a very bad idea
It will almost certainly blow up in your face and cost more money in the long run. (Time is money)
Please ask for your department’s help before setting up rogue hypervisors on your school’s network. Depending on network security, you might not get far anyway.
Not to mention there is liability from student actions
This does sound like it could be a liability issue if not done correctly
How locked down are the Chromebooks?
Remote VM seems overkill if you can just enable “Linux for Chromebook”, which gives a sandboxed terminal at which point you can setup and install software like Blender, PrusaSlicer, etc.
It won’t be the fastest because they are thin clients, but even modern thin clients do decently for ‘light’ work.
If only! They cannot be reimaged at all. They cannot even add extensions to Chrome. They are LOCKED down.
By whom?
Please talk to your IT department. If nothing else you could get the green light for something else.
Linux from chromebook is just a configuration you enable from the settings menu. If offers you a shell which is similar to a Ubuntu and you can install standard Linux software using the “apt install” command. Said so, if they cannot even install chrome extensions this is likely disabled too.
Does it have access to boot menu? If so, change boot order so it goes to usb first. You will then only need to create a bootable usb stick with Linux on it
I’m sure that won’t cause problems…
They are bios locked (or whatever the Chromebook equivalent of that is).
Try Guacamole.
I’m vegan, so I’ve had it before…Oh, the software! Looks exactly like what I need (even though it might be out of my league to set up)
Docker is your friend. :)
I never really got their marketing campaign: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNsKvZo6MDs
Screenconnect, teamviewer, proxypro, vnc, RDP are all remote access solutions. Some work fine through a browser but work better from a chrome app.
I wouldn’t virtualize that type of software you listed though, I’d just give them access to the desktop itself.
The only reason I would virtualize would be to allow multiple users to have access to their own workspaces.
It would seem safer to have them sandboxed within a virtual workspace than to give them all user accounts synchronously on a desktop, if that’s even possible.
The apps you list need decent gpu and gpu doesn’t virtualize well. You also don’t run into licensing issues with Windows.
You can create individual accounts on the desktops so they get their own workspace.
The apps you list need decent gpu and gpu doesn’t virtualize well.
That’s not really true any more. To actually get it working, especially sharing a GPU between multiple VMs, is finicky, especially if you’re not using the very narrow supported configuration and expensive enterprise hypervisor features. But it is possible, and you can find plenty of articles from people who have gotten it working.
But I still wouldn’t recommend it. I’d give one whole GPU to one VM with PCI passthrough, and let multiple users remote in. Hopefully the apps support that.
But I still wouldn’t recommend it. I’d give one whole GPU to one VM with PCI passthrough, and let multiple users remote in.
Which is why I’ve made the recommendation I did. Skip virtualization and go straight to remote access.
Yeah, that would be my recommendation too. Anything else will produce a worse experience (laggy and slow) and more complexity to get setup/maintain.
Explore kasm, it is fucking amazing Kasm
I would go for something Cloud based like Azure virtual desktop or similar. I don’t think Kasm has a cloud option.
Why?
There are not benefits in the cloud solution over the hosted server. It could even be more expensive on the long run…
And yes, kasm has a cloud solution in its web page
The benefit is that it way easier to manage since you don’t have to worry about physical hardware.
I get that it could easily be to expensive but it might not be bad with educational discounts.
This looks great! It’s far outside of my price range though.
What you’re looking for is Promox.
I don’t think Proxmox can do VDI
Neat project but not enterprise grade
I don’t think a high school teacher trying to setup something for a couple classes on some old hand me down desktop requires enterprise grade anything, so we’re good!
Just checked it out, and this might be exactly what I was looking for!
Thanks!
Whatever way you go for setting up the systems themselves, I’ve found dwservice.net to be perfect for accessing systems with only a browser.
The host component is Mac, Windows and Linux compatible. The clients need only an account at DW. Hosts tied to your own account can be shared with others.
Depending on host OS, you get screen, terminal and fire transfer access. Sessions are logged if you need to review who’s accessed what.
Free. Donation optional.
This might be the solution I was looking for! Thanks!
