Preconfigured Citrix ICA Clients

 

XEN Clients

The later versions of the XEN client software may have issues accessing the UNIX CAD02 environment. For these clients we need to use a modified client that can be found at: UNIX : cad02 XEN Client

Installing and configuring the Citrix environment

In order to utilise the web links to access the Citrix Metaframe environment you should install and configure your local system with the Citrix client tools. At the University all appropriate machines will have the client pre loaded. Details of how to load and configure the tools onto a personal machine can be found on the relevant ami pages Loading and configuring Citrix ICA client

Features of Citrix Client Web Links

There are two distinct Citrix Client interfaces. The normal direct link that provides a desktop session to the target system. For example cad02 ( UNIX) is an example of this type of interface. "Access Platform 2" provides a more complex web based interface. Once users have logged on they are presented with a interface form and a range of available options. The plan is to migrate all system access to the web based interface over the next year.

Using the Access Platform 2 Web Interface

Configuring your system

It may be that during the processes of configuring your system to access the Web interface environment you will need to authorise and/or download software. The actual process will depend on your system and security configurations. If you do encounter any issues or have any questions that are not answered by the installation guide at Loading and configuring Citrix ICA client , please let us know.

Logging onto the Web Interface

When you access the link you will be presented with a secure web based login page. You should use your normal Bolton University or AMI user name and password. If however Citrix is not installed or of a compatiable version then the message area will indicate this.

Figure Web Interface Access Platform 2 Login Page

Once you have succesfully logged on you will be presented with the Web Interface form showing the available options.

Caveat: I can log on but see no applications

You may find that you are able to log onto the web interface but no tools or applications are displayed in the box. In this case although you have a valid account it has not been authorised for connection to the Access Platform. In this case please email ami@bolton.ac.uk including your name and user name.

Once you are authorised and logged on you should see:

The Web Interface form comprises three distinct sections.

Figure Application Server 2 Web Interface Page

Applications

The "Applications" sections contains links to all the available tools and desk top environments supported by "Access Platform 2". As well as links that open to desktops e.g. "Citrix BEE Desktop". There are links that open up specific tools e.g. "Comsol 3". The instructions for your module will tell you which links you should utilise.

Instructions

This section contains instructions on using the access platform as well as any appropriate messages.

Messages

This section contains information on any disconnected sessions or other current environments that are already configured and accessible for your account. You can use this to reconnect to existing or disconnected sessions should you wish.

 

Tools and Desktop environments

A limited number of tools are supported using direct application links. However students can still access these tools using the BEE Citrix desktop should they so wish. For all other windows based tools students will need to log onto the BEE Citrix desktop. The intention as the number of tools supported increases is to provide folders in which the tool suites will reside for example Matlab, Comsol, Microsoft.

Unless specifically directed to do so in the module the recommendation is to utilise the BEE Citrix Desktop.

Accessing the BEE Citrix Desktop

To access the Citrix BEE desktop click on the "Citrix BEE Desktop" link in the applications pane. If your web login has not expired then you will be presented with the BEE Citrix Windows Cluster desktop. If your login has expired then you will prompted to login into the Web interface again before the desktop is displayed.

Figure BEE Citrix Desktop

Available window resolutions and display modes

This section covers the features and in particular the differences between the Citrix ICA clients and the Citrix client web links.

 

Access Platform 2

These windows can be treated in the same manner as any other Windows "window" in that it can be resized, maximimsed, minimised to meet your requirements. Do not restrict yourself to the initial default size.

 

 

The Citrix Metaframe remote clients will automatically adopt the resolution of your current desktop. The screen size of the clients is fixed. The recommended minimum screen resolution to be used with the EDA tools is 1024 x 768. Two different types of window interface are provided for the servers. It is suggested you experiment to determine which you prefer. In both cases the windows resolution will match that of your windows desktop.

Seamless

In the seamless interface the remote server interface overlays your current desktop. Whilst your current desktop remains behind the server window. You will need to use the Window Menu key or <ALT><TAB> to bring that desktop to the fore. To exit the session you should logout of the remote session before you logout of your desktop session. If the server is unable to match the screen resolution selected it will default to "windowed" mode and use the closest resolution it has to the one currently in use.

Windowed Mode

In this mode the server interface is displayed within a normal window and your current desktop task bar remains displayed and directly available. Like a normal window it can be resized, maximised and minimised.

 

 

The Citrix File and Security Forms

When logging onto the windows server you may be presented with the security form. This controls the access the citrix client interface provides to your computers local resources. This includes the disks and printers available on your local system. You must "OK" this form before you can proceed. For more information on this see the relevant AMI Citrix ICA Client guide section at the : Citrix ICA Client File Transfer and Security Section

 

Closing Down a Window Session

When logging out of a Citrix ICA client window do not use the File -> Close or the "x" on the window frame. Make sure you logout of the remote session within the window. This will automatically close the window. Otherwise you will leave a disconnected session which will continue to use the Citrix ICA Client and tools licenses. Unless of course you wish to reconnect to the session at a later date. There is a time limit on the windows systems on the lenght of time such disconnected session will be supported. We are currently evaluating the time for the optimum balance between access and resource availability. Feedback would be appreciated.

 

Preconfigured Citrix Server ICA Client Web Links

 

PC/Windows Systems

 

Application Server Links

Window Mode

Remote Server Type and role

Web Interface

 

Access Platform2 : Citrix Web Interface Login Page

Superceding Gandalf for all PC based EDA and AMI tools

 
   

 

UNIX/Linux Systems

Application Server Links

Window Mode

Remote Server Type and role

cad02 : cad02.bolton.ac.uk

Solaris UNIX EDA tools and AMI applications server desktop

XEN Client

Window Mode

This client is configured to work with the newer XEN Clients

cad02: cad02.bolton.ac.uk

Solaris UNIX EDA tools and AMI applications server desktop

Configured for use with the Xen Client Citrix Software

Direct Application and Tool Links

The links in this section provide access to preconfigured tools and applications. Although students have to logon to access the application the full PC or UNIX desktop is not displayed. Instead the applications are displayed in a seamless mode on the host systems desktop. It provides tutors with the ability to provide preconfigured tools and environments to students on specific course or modules. Hence the table includes the relevant course or module.

Closing down an application

When closing down an application do not use the "x" function. Make sure you use the File -> Close or File -> Exit options on the applications menus, before you logout of your windows session. This will ensure that the application is closed down correctly and the license is released.

if you have more than one application open make sure that you close down each one.

Available window resolutions and display modes

As these applications are displayed seamlessly on your desktop the resolution used will match that of your desktop.

 

PC Direct Application and Tool Links

All PC direct tools links require you to logon to use the Access Platform 2 Web interface and then select the relevant tool from the Applications area. However there are still a number of UNIX based direct access links that are supported.

 

UNIX Direct Application and Tool Links

 

Altera Quartus

Direct Tool Link for Altera Tools

Tool or Application

Display Mode

Remote Environment

Relevant Module or course
Configuration
Altera Quartus
Solaris UNIX
AMI 4233
Reconfigured for Module
Max Plus Help
Solaris UNIX
AMI 4233
None
       

Cadence

Cadence provides a large number of design tools and suites. To facilitate student access a number of preconfigured and standardised environments are provided. This area provides access to preconfigured tools and environments for the various Cadence tool suites utilised in undegraduate and post graduate exercises. Full access to the tool suites is supported by the UNIX and Windows application server desktops.

Cadence NC VHDL

Direct Tool Link for Cadence NC VHDL and Verilog Tools

Tool or Application

Display Mode

Remote Environment

Relevant Module or course
Configuration
NC VHDL
Solaris UNIX
Undergraduate
Selects AMI/NCVHDL as work area
       

 

Matlab

Direct Tool Link for Matlab Tools

Tool or Application

Display Mode

Remote Environment
Relevant Module or course
Configuration
Matlab
Solaris UNIX
AMI 4622
Selects AMI/Matlab as work area
         

 


Updated 10-06-08 NJC