This guide provides essential information on accessing and installing various software and hardware resources crucial for students in the College of Engineering (COE). Whether you need to connect to virtual labs, utilize specialized engineering software, or manage your design data, this resource will walk you through the process.
Accessing the COE Virtual Lab with Omnissa Horizon Client
The Omnissa (formerly VMware) Horizon Client is your gateway to the COE Virtual Lab, a powerful resource for accessing specialized software and environments remotely.
Important Note: For Windows users, it is highly recommended to follow the direct installation instructions below. Avoid using the Windows App Store version, as it may lack essential features.
- Download: Navigate to https://omnissa.link/horizonclient in your web browser.
- Select Version: Click on the “downloads” link and choose the installation file appropriate for your operating system. Version details are provided below for Windows and macOS.
- Install: Locate the downloaded file and run it with administrative privileges. Follow the on-screen prompts, and the default settings are generally suitable.
- Connection: For instructions on how to connect to the Virtual Lab, please refer to this guide.
Version Information:
- Windows: Version 2506.1
- macOS: Version 2503
Secure Network Access with GlobalProtect VPN
Certain university resources necessitate a secure VPN connection. The GlobalProtect VPN client ensures that your connection is protected.
- Download VPN: Access the download at https://vpn.northeastern.edu.
- Video Instructions:
- Windows 10 and Windows 11: Video Guide
- macOS: Video Guide
Utilizing SolidWorks
SolidWorks is a critical software for many engineering disciplines. COE students have specific pathways to access and download it.
COE Students:
- Connect to the VPN.
- Use your COE (not NUnet) username and password to download the SolidWorks Student Engineering Kit from this link. This will also provide your activation code.
Non-COE Students:
Follow the instructions provided here for downloading SOLIDWORKS.
- Video Instructions (Windows):
- Windows 10 and Windows 11: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about SolidWorks Installation
- SPE Installation Issues: Ensure you’ve followed all instructions precisely. If you have a previous SPE or SEK installation, it must be completely removed before installing the new version to prevent conflicts. COE students facing persistent issues should email coehelp@northeastern.edu with error screenshots and availability for troubleshooting. Non-COE students should contact help@northeastern.edu with detailed information.
- Mac or Linux Compatibility: SolidWorks is designed for Windows only. However, you can run Windows on your Mac or Linux PC using VMware Fusion (for Mac) or VMware Workstation (for Linux), both available for free through the MyNortheastern Portal. You can then install SolidWorks within this virtual machine.
- Accessing SolidWorks Without Local Installation: COE students can utilize the COE VLAB from any device. Non-COE students can access SolidWorks through ITS’s Windows Virtual Desktop (VDI) environment, which can be found by searching for “Windows Virtual Desktop” on the public service portal.
SolidWorks PDM Professional
SolidWorks PDM Professional is a secure data vault for CAD and design process information, available to faculty and students with advisor approval and a COE account.
There are four dedicated PDM servers:
Capstone: For capstone students and groups. Access requests must be submitted by the Capstone professor to coehelp@northeastern.edu, including group member details, vault name, and administrator rights. Vaults are typically deleted at the end of the semester unless an extension is requested.
Research: For researchers. A Principal Investigator (PI) must contact coehelp@northeastern.edu with group details and vault specifications. Vaults are not deleted unless requested by the PI and may be subject to review after prolonged disuse.
Teaching: For professors teaching classes. Contact coehelp@northeastern.edu with your request. Vaults are generally retained unless deletion is requested and may be reviewed after inactivity.
Student Group: For student groups. Group advisors must submit access requests to coehelp@northeastern.edu with member details and vault preferences. Vaults will not be deleted unless requested by the advisor and may be subject to review after inactivity.
Video Instructions (Windows): Connect to a vault on Windows 10 and Windows 11: Video Guide
Installing AutoCAD
For AutoCAD access, please visit Autodesk’s education page.
- Register for a free account or sign in with your existing Autodesk credentials.
- Follow the on-site instructions for installation. Crucially, when downloading, select the “browser download option” from the dropdown arrow.
- The Windows download file is approximately 1.2 GB and is an executable (.exe) file. AutoCAD is also available for Mac.
- This educational license is valid for one year and requires renewal.
Thonny IDE for Python
Thonny is a user-friendly Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Python.
Windows Installation:
- Go to https://thonny.org.
- Click the Windows download link to obtain the installer (
.exe). - Run the installer, accept the license agreement, choose an installation location (or use the default), and decide whether to install for all users or just yourself.
- Click Finish upon completion.
- Launch Thonny from your Start Menu or desktop.
macOS Installation:
- Visit https://thonny.org.
- Click the macOS download link to get the
.dmgfile. - Open the
.dmgfile and drag the Thonny application into your Applications folder. - Launch Thonny from Applications. If you encounter a security warning, right-click the app and select Open to proceed.
Accessing MATLAB
MATLAB resources can be accessed through the Northeastern MATLAB Portal or by following the guide on how to access MATLAB.
Mathworks sponsors a graduate student to assist students with MATLAB. For more details, visit the tutoring page.