How to use vlab

Owned by
Derrick Lin
May 18, 2024
2 min read

vlab

Really quick guide to VLAB

VLAB is how you get access to a CSE lab computer on your own desktop or laptop computer, or on a tablet or smart phone.

All you need is a VNC client program or a web browser.

A VNC client program is the best way to use VLAB - only use the web browser option if you're somewhere with restrictive networking.

Using a VNC client

Install the software

For desktop and laptop computers we recommend TigerVNC, though any VNC client will work.

  • For Mac: download TigerVNC-version.dmg, open the file and drag the TigerVNC app to your Applications folder

  • For Windows: download vncviewer64-version.exe to your desktop

  • For Ubuntu, run sudo apt-get install tigervnc-viewer tigervnc-common from the terminal

For tablets and smart phones we recommend the following apps:

Set up an encrypted connection

If you are connecting from inside the UNSW Sydney campus, you can skip this step.

To use VLAB from outside the UNSW Sydney campus, you need an encrypted connection.

If you are using TigerVNC, just connect on port 5920 (see below), and your connection will be encrypted automatically.

If you're using a different VNC client, or you can't use port 5920, follow the instrucions on the UNSW VPN to install and run the VPN client.

Connect to VLAB

Run TigerVNC, or whichever VNC app you've installed on your computer.

If you're using a different VNC app, you will need to adapt these instructions for the software you're using.

  • Windows: double-click the app you downloaded to your desktop

  • Mac: Run TigerVNC from your Applications folder

  • Ubuntu: Run vncviewer from the console.

In the Server field, enter vlab.cse.unsw.edu.au:port, where port is the port you want to use.

Most people using TigerVNC will be best off using port 5920.

If you're using a different VNC client, or you have special requirements, see the table below:

Port

Window size

Comment

Port

Window size

Comment

5911

640 x 480

 

5912

800 x 600

 

5913

1024 x 768

 

5914

1280 x 800

 

5915

1650 x 1050

 

5916

1920 x 1080

 

5919

1024 x 768

Resizeable, TigerVNC required

5920

1024 x 768

Resizeable, TigerVNC required, works off campus without VPN

Log in

 

In the VNC client login window, enter your zID and zPass

Enter your zID and zPass to log in.

Log out

Log out as you normally would when you're done and the VNC client program should close.

Using a web browser

Only use this option if you can't use a VNC client.