Welcome to Virtual Owl at Kennesaw State University

The Virtual Owl website provides a comprehensive resource for downloading and using “virtual desktop” tools on your personal computer or laptop. A virtual desktop is a remote user interface that allows you to access a collection of software programs hosted on a remote server. By connecting your computer to the virtual desktop, you can use applications that may not installed on your local device. The tool for connecting your computer to the virtual desktop is VMware View™.

The VMware Horizon Client section below offers links to download the Virtual Owl Desktop Client for Windows and macOS, along with resources to help you install and use the Virtual Owl Desktop. This section provides detailed information about working with VMware Horizon.

Architecture and Construction Management Students!
New! Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) replaces VMware Horizon for classes in the College of Architecture and Construction Management. AVD is also available for select courses in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. Please check with your instructor for details. For installation instructions, click the appropriate link: Windows, MacOS, Android OS.

Our goal is to support a better educational experience by providing you with free access to a wide variety of software directly from your own computer.

Minimum requirements:

Windows 10 or higher
macOS High Sierra 10.13, macOS Mojave 10.14, macOS Catalina 10.15 or higher
Ethernet cable
Mac AirPort turned off
Display resolution above 800x600

Recommended use of a 64-bit intel-based Mac to work on your remote desktop or published application.

Note: Virtual desktop availability is limited based on department requests and prior approval. 

VMware Horizon Client

Quick Start Notes:

This client gives you access to all of your virtual desktops at Kennesaw State University. Once the virtual desktop is open, you have access to all applications on the VDI. Be sure to save frequently to OneDrive or your connected device. ​When finished, be sure to disconnect and log out to enable others to access the VDI as there is a limit to the number of students who can be logged in at the same time.

Installation Note:

Use ksuview.kennesaw.edu as server name when installing the client.

Click below to download the client appropriate for your device. Depending on your device, you may be required to restart your machine.

download vmware horizon clients

Virtualization Buzz Words

  • It is the taking of something physical and making it abstract so that it simulates the physical functions of that object.
  • The leading provider of virtualization software.
  • A desktop virtualization product from VMware.
  • A software implementation of a physical machine which can run software (such as Word or Excel) like a physical machine.

  • A very powerful computer that provides services to clients.  Example: I: Drive, Banner, and websites.

  • A computer that has virtual machines installed on it, typically a physical server.
  • A virtual machine that runs on a host machine.
  • A technology allowing a remote computer’s display to be redirected to a user’s local machine while giving the user full control over the remote computer.
  • It is internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software and information are provided to computers and other devices on-demand, like electricity.
  • A fully functional physical computer, such as a student’s laptop, which is used to connect into a virtual desktop.