Getting Started with the Central Piedmont Cloud

It is strongly recommended that you use the Citrix Workspace stand-alone application when accessing the Cloud, as the web desktop may not have all of the available features. You can download the app for your device using the following links:

• Chrome OS Citrix Workspace download
• Apple iOS Citrix Workspace download
• Desktop Environments Citrix Workspace download

Hardware and software guidelines do not supersede, and are not inclusive of, the minimum requirements of the operating system.

If you cannot use the Citrix Workspace application, you can use the HTML5 web-based interface. This option is not as powerful and lacks some features of the Citrix Workspace. If you have to use the web-based interface, we strongly recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when using the Central Piedmont Cloud as they offer full HTML5 support.

• screen size: 10 inches or larger
• screen resolution:1024 x 768 or better
• keyboard: external keyboard is required in all cases unless specified differently by the Central Piedmont Disability and Access Services office
  • external keyboard must disable the on-screen keyboard
• pointer device: a mouse, touchpad, or other pointing device is required
  • using the touchscreen as a pointing device is not recommended
• audio: audio capabilities with headphones/earphones are required for some applications
• network (off-campus): minimum of 800 kbps required; 2 mbps recommended for use of high definition audio and video
  • You can check your internet speed using the free Ookla Internet Speed Test.
• video out (recommended): HDMI

These guidelines do not supersede and are not inclusive of the minimum requirements of the operating system.

As long as your mobile device meets the specified requirements, all you need to do is bring the device to class. If you need to purchase a mobile device that meets our hardware and software requirements you have a few options:

Option 1: Purchase Using Financial Aid

If you need to use financial aid, the Central Piedmont Bookstore is available to help you purchase a recommended mobile device. You will need to go in person to one of the campus bookstores to complete a mobile device purchase using financial aid. Locations and hours of operation are located at the Central Piedmont Bookstore website. At this time, a mobile device can't be purchased via the bookstore's website.

Option 2: Purchase Using Personal Funds

We have set up a website to provide a selection of recommended mobile devices. A list of recommended mobile devices is located on Dell's Central Piedmont Member Purchase Program website. At this time you will need to use your personal funds to complete a purchase via the Central Piedmont member purchase program site. Financial aid cannot be used on the member purchase program site.

Students can check out Chromebook laptops from checkout kiosks on each campus. Checkout kiosks are in the following locations:

• Cato III building, 1st floor
• Harper IV building, lobby
• Merancas Transport Systems building, 2nd-floor student lounge
• Harris I building, 1st floor
• Levine I building, 1st floor near food court (coming soon)
• Central Campus Zeiss building, lobby

Additional locations will be made available.

Make sure you are connected to the internet.

• If you are on campus, connect to the Central Piedmont wireless network.
• If you are off campus, refer to the "Additional Cloud Requirements" section for the network requirement.

1. In a web browser, navigate to www.citrix.com/downloads/workspace-app/.
   
2. Make sure that the Workspace version is compatible with your version of Windows and click on the “Download for Windows” button.
   
   
3. Save the file to your local machine. Once it has completed downloading, click “Run.”
   
   
4. You will be presented with the Citrix Workspace installer. Follow the onscreen instructions to install the Workspace application.
   
   
5. When the installation is complete, click on the “Add Account” button. In the “Enter your work email or server address field provided by your IT department” field, type in cloudgw.cpcc.edu and click the add button. 
   
   
6. Enter your Central Piedmont username and password and click “Log On.” 
   
   
7. The Workspace will begin to connect. Please be patient during this process. 
   
   
8. When the Workspace has connected to the Central Piedmont Cloud, it will display your virtual environment. You are now connected and ready to use the Cloud.

1. In a web browser, navigate to www.citrix.com/downloads/workspace-app/.
   
2. Make sure that the Workspace version is compatible with your version of Mac and click on the “Download for Mac” button. 
   
   
3. Once the download is complete, open your downloads location in Finder. Double click the CitrixWorkspaceApp.dmg file to launch the installer. 
   
   
4. Double click the “Install Citrix Workspace” file and follow the installation instructions. 
   
   
   
5. When the installation is complete, close the installer and open the Citrix Workspace app from your applications folder in Finder. When Citrix Workspace first opens, you may receive a message that “Citrix Receiver is now Citrix Workspace.” Simply click the “Got it” button. 
   
   
6. The Workspace will prompt you to add your account. Enter cloudgw.cpcc.edu into the dialogue box and click “Add.” 
   
   
7. You will be prompted to enter your username and password. These are the same as your Central Piedmont username and password. You may receive one or both of the following login prompts (one that includes a "domain" field and one that does not).
   1. If you are a student, select lab.cpcc.edu for the domain field.
   2. If you are an employee, select cpcc.edu for the domain field. 
      
      
      
8. When the home screen loads, you have successfully connected to Central Piedmont Cloud using the Citrix Workspace. 
   
   

   

Add Your Central Piedmont Account to Your Chromebook

If you already have a Chromebook that has been configured to your personal account, complete the following steps to add your Central Piedmont account to your existing setup. This will make sure that your personal profile and data is not removed. Following these instructions will provide you with the ability to keep your personal files and folders separate from your Central Piedmont Cloud files and folders. This will also protect you from accidental data lose and/or overwrite.

1. The following is a screenshot of a Chromebook that has already been setup using a non-Central Piedmont Cloud account. The easiest way to differentiate which background is currently being displayed on your Chromebook. If you have the default Central Piedmont Cloud background, you are on your Central Piedmont Cloud account. The following screenshot shows a personal account. 
   
2. To add your Central Piedmont Cloud account, simply click on your avatar in the menu bar. This will open the user menu. Select "Sign Out." 
   
   
3. You will be logged out of your personal account and taken to the login screen. Click on the "+ Add person" tab in the menu bar. 
   
   
4. A prompt will appear asking you to sign in to your Chromebook. Enter your Central Piedmont email account (e.g. jdoe007@email.cpcc.edu), and click "Next." 
   
   
5. You will be prompted to re-enter your password so Chrome can update the device profile. This password is the same one that you use when signing into your email account. Confirm your password and click "Next." 
   
   
6. Another login screen will appear prompting you to enter your Central Piedmont login and password. This will log you into the Central Piedmont servers. Enter your login ID (this is everything to the left of the @ sign) and password. Click "Login." 
   
   
7. You will notice that the background will change to the Central Piedmont logo and that applications you may not have previously installed are available in the menu bar. You are now logged in with your Central Piedmont account. 
   
   
8. You can also check which account you are logged into by clicking on the account avatar in the menu bar and then right clicking. You should see your Central Piedmont account listed before your internet connection options. 
   
   
9. Now when you log out of an account, you will be presented with an option for each account to log in to your Chromebook:
   1. your Central Piedmont account
   2. your personal account 
      
      

Access the Cloud From Your Chromebook Using Your Central Piedmont Account

After adding your Central Piedmont Cloud account to a Chromebook that has already been configured using your personal account (if applicable), use the following steps to access the Cloud. Screenshots were taken on an HP Chromebook running Chrome OS Version 53.0.2. Your device may not match the screenshots, but the steps remain the same:

1. Login to your Chromebook using your Central Piedmont account. Locate the Workspace application on the start bar.
   
2. You will be prompted to sign in. Sign in using your Central Piedmont credentials. 
   
   
3. The Central Piedmont Cloud homepage will open, displaying any desktops or applications that you have marked as a favorite. 
   
   

Use the following instructions to help you download, install, setup, and use your Central Piedmont Cloud virtual environment. The following screenshots were taken on a Google Pixel 3 running Android 9.0 (Pie). Your device may not match the screenshots, but the steps remain the same.

1. Login to the Google Play Store. Search for and install the "Citrix Workspace." 
   
2. Once the Workspace has installed, open the app. You will then be prompted to accept the access request to allow the app to properly function. The app will request access to:
   1. photos, media, and files on your device
   2. make and manage phone calls
   3. record audio
   4. the device's location 
      
      
3. After accepting the access requests, tap the "Get Started" button. 
   
   
4. Enter the Central Piedmont Cloud address (cloudgw.cpcc.edu) and click Continue. 
   
   
5. Enter your Central Piedmont username and password. 
   
   
6. Select the virtual desktop or application you want to use. The Workspace will begin to connect automatically. 
   
   

Use the following instructions to help you download, install, setup, and use your Central Piedmont Cloud virtual environment. These screenshots were taken on an iPad Air 2 running iOS v11.4.1. Your device may not match the screenshots, but the steps remain the same.

1. Login to the Apple App Store. Search for and install the "Citrix Workspace."
2. Launch the Citrix Workspace and select the “Get Started” button.
   
   
3. Enter cloudgw.cpcc.edu in the Address text box and select "Continue."
   
   
4. Enter your Central Piedmont username and password and click "Sign In."
   
   
5. You can tap the plus sign to open a list of all the available virtual desktops and applications.
   
   
   

Connecting to Central Piedmont Cloud using the Citrix Workspace may provide access to more advanced features as opposed to connecting to Central Piedmont Cloud using the web browser interface. We recommend using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox when working within the Central Piedmont Cloud Desktop-As-A-Service (DaaS), although other browsers can be used. It is strongly recommended to use the standalone Citrix Workspace application whenever possible.

Central Piedmont Cloud DaaS functions differently than previous versions or other virtual environments you may have used in the past. By utilizing HTML5 web technology, we can now deliver the Central Piedmont Cloud to your web browser without the need to download any web browser extensions or add-ons. You will no longer be prompted to download any files to setup or begin your session.

The following instructions were written using the Google Chrome web browser. All of the information on this page is consistent with any browser that you may be using, but the screenshots and download locations may differ depending on your current browser.

1. Launch your internet browser and enter cloudgw.cpcc.edu in the address bar. Enter your Central Piedmont username and password and select next. 
   
2. Your session will now start. By default you will see your Home page. To launch an application or virtual desktop, click its icon and the application or virtual desktop will open in a new browser tab.