Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

All faculty, staff, and students have access to Horizon.

Horizon Frequently Asked Questions
 

• Who can use Horizon?
  • All faculty, staff, and students with an active UNCW account.
     
• I am a first-time Horizon user. How do I get started?
  • Learn how to get started by following the instructions in the How do I install and Configure Horizon? knowledge base article.
     
• What is the difference between virtual desktops and virtual applications?
  • Virtual Desktops: Virtual desktops contain full operating systems and select applications. Access to applications is based on class enrollment. For example, faculty and students who are in Math classes will have the math-based applications assigned, while Business classes will have business-based applications. Applications like Microsoft Office and Web browsers are available to all virtual desktops. Students enrolled in multiple disciplines will see applications from all areas (e.g., Math and Business).
  • Virtual Applications: Stand-alone virtual applications allow access to all available applications without the full desktop experience.
     
• Does Horizon work on both Windows and Mac computers?
  • Yes, Horizon works on both.
     
• Can I use Horizon off-campus?
  • Yes, Horizon is available both on and off-campus. All you need is an Internet connection and an active UNCW account.
     
• When off-campus, do I need to connect to VPN to access Horizon?
  • No, do not connect to VPN.  Horizon will not work if you have an active VPN connection.
     
• Can I print when I use applications on Horizon?
  • Yes, your locally installed printer will be recognized by Horizon. In addition, you can use iPrint services from within virtual desktops.
     
• How do I open and save files when using Horizon?
  • Please follow the instructions found in the How do I install and Configure Horizon? knowledge base article.
     
• Will my Horizon session time-out during periods of inactivity?
  • The initial login page will time out after 15 minutes of inactivity. However, applications that were started prior to the login page time-out will continue to function normally. If an application is idle for 10 hours, it will disconnect.
     
• Will I have access to all of the software on Horizon?
  • Your access to any particular software package(s) is determined by the licensing agreement. Some software licensing is campus-wide, while others are more specific. The software that you are licensed to use is tied to your UNCW credentials, and this software is shown when you log in.
  • Some applications are available to all users as stand-alone programs, but only select applications are available within the virtual desktops. This is based on your UNCW credentials and is done to increase the performance of the virtual desktop.
  • If you would like access to specific software, please submit the Horizon Issues, Questions & Installations service request.
     
• Can I make changes or install applications to the virtual desktop?
  • Some changes made to the virtual desktops will carry over to future uses. For example, you can change the background and create shortcuts on the desktop. However, other changes will be reset each time to log in. For instance, you may be able to install an application or plug-in during your session, but that will not be present next time.
  • DO NOT save to "Desktop" or "Documents" folder have limited space. "This PC" is a Horizon virtual machine and you will loose any data stored there. ITS highly recommends saving your files to OneDrive or your local hard drive. For assistance on saving files, please follow the instructions found in the How do I install and Configure Horizon? knowledge base article.

If you need further assistance, please submit a service request or CHAT with TAC.