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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Students, as in you’re a teacher? Talk with your school’s IT department first.
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.
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.
This does sound like it could be a liability issue if not done correctly
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.
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.
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
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.
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
They are bios locked (or whatever the Chromebook equivalent of that is).
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.
What you’re looking for is Promox.
Just checked it out, and this might be exactly what I was looking for!
Thanks!
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!
Explore kasm, it is fucking amazing Kasm
This looks great! It’s far outside of my price range though.
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!
