Lab Software

FSLogix and UIT Student Computer Lab Data Retention

Overview
Montana State University’s UIT Student Computer Labs are designed to provide a consistent experience across campus. Whether you're working in one lab or another, your files can follow you—making it easier to pick up where you left off.

Best Practice: Use OneDrive
For the most reliable way to access your files across labs and academic years, sign in to Microsoft OneDrive during your session. Saving your work to OneDrive ensures:

- Your files are available no matter which UIT lab you use
- Your data is backed up to the cloud
- You retain access to your files as long as you are enrolled at MSU

FSLogix
Some labs may also use a tool called FSLogix, which helps keep your files, application settings and logins available across different lab computers during the academic year. This provides a more seamless experience when using virtual desktops or shared lab machines.

Saving Filesin FSLogix
Files will be saved to normal folders on the computers e.g. Desktop, Documents etc. Files will stay in the location where you save them rather than being deleted when you logout of VDI.

Availability
FSlogix may not be deployed in all labs. If FSLogix has been deployed in the lab, the desktop background on the computers in the lab will indicate the end of academic year data retention timeframe.

Important: Data stored through FSLogix is automatically removed at the end of each academic year. It is not a long-term storage solution.

To use FSLogix at Montana State University, follow these steps:

1. Access the Virtual Desktop: Log in to a lab computer. More information on this can be found.

2. Profile Management: FSLogix will automatically manage your files, application settings and logins, ensuring that your data are preserved across session.

Getting Help
If you need help with FSLogix or have any questions, please contact the UIT Service Desk. They are available to assist you with any issues or concerns you may have.

Available Software Suites

To download software or make changes on an MSU-owned Windows device, faculty, staff, and student employees/graduate assistants must use Make Me Admin, a tool that allows  users to perform privileged actions on a temporary basis. 

Two suites of software are available for use, on Student Labs VDI¹ WINDOWS computers.

   * General Application Suite - for universal use
   * Rendering Suite - for high intensity graphics use

Please see below for a detailed list of software available in each suite on WINDOWS and MAC computers in our labs.

The General and Rendering Suites are also available via our Remote Computer Labs.

When using Microsoft 365 applications on Student Lab computers and the Horizon VMWare, you will need to ensure you sign in to OneDrive appropriately in order to retain your work and get full access to the licensed Microsoft 365 products. Information on signing in can be found at https://studentlabs.montana.edu/microsoft365-vdi.html

¹For more information about VDI, see:  Virtual Desktops (VDI)