Apporto

Apporto Virtual Desktop Guide

This article explains how students and faculty can access Apporto, launch virtual apps, access Apporto through Canvas, manage files, use cloud drives, share their screen, and use virtual classroom mode.

Before you begin: Apporto can be accessed from a web browser or through Canvas. Each option may provide access to a different set of virtual apps. When working in Apporto, save your work frequently and download or store files in a cloud drive to avoid data loss after a session expires.

Access Apporto ▾

Students and faculty can access Apporto anytime and anywhere with an internet connection on smartphones, tablets, PCs, and Macs.

Sign in through the Apporto web portal

  1. Sign in to https://fau.apporto.com with your FAU credentials.
  2. You will see apps available on the home page.
  3. Click Launch on the desired app to open it.

Apporto home page showing available apps and launch option

Access Apporto in Canvas

Students can access Apporto in their Canvas course.

  1. Sign in to https://fau.canvas.edu .
  2. Open your course from the Dashboard.
  3. Click Apporto to open the virtual desktop located in the course navigation or embedded in the course content.

Access Cloud Drives in Apporto ▾

Saving your work directly to the virtual desktop server is not advisable. You can save your work through the cloud and access cloud drives, such as Google Drive and OneDrive, through Cloud Mounter.

Cloud Mounter is an application on Apporto that enables easy access to cloud storage services such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. It lets you view, upload, download, and manage files on the Apporto virtual desktop.

  1. Open the Cloud Mounter application on your Apporto desktop.
  2. Apps such as Google Drive and OneDrive are now available for access.
  3. Select your preferred cloud storage service and enter the necessary login details.

New and previous files will be saved and stored in the drive.

Manage Files in Apporto ▾

Upload a File in a Virtual App

Apporto users can upload files directly from their downloads on personal computers onto the virtual desktop. This feature allows for easy access to work on documents.

  1. Click the Upload button.
  2. Find and select the file you want to upload.
  3. Once successfully uploaded, the file will appear on the virtual desktop.

Save Your Work in Apporto from a Virtual App

It is essential to note that progress should be saved frequently on Apporto to prevent data loss due to unexpected issues, such as internet outages or system crashes.

  1. Click File in the given application.
  2. Select Save As > Browse > This PC.
    1. Save work to This PC to ensure that your files are saved to your local computer, not just in the virtual environment.

Download Files from Apporto

  1. Saved work on Apporto will not be stored after a session expires. To guarantee that you have a permanent copy of your work outside of Apporto, always remember to download it to your computer before signing off.
  2. Click the Download button in the menu bar at the top of the desktop screen.
  3. The File Download box will pop up, displaying files to choose from. The default directory is Desktop.
  4. Select a file and click Download.

Share Your Screen in Apporto ▾

Apporto's screen-sharing feature allows students to share their desktop screen with collaborators such as instructors or other students. This option is beneficial for completing group-oriented projects in real time and receiving assistance with any technical issues.

  1. When the app is launched, you have the option to share your screen to collaborate or troubleshoot with others.
  2. Click the button to begin a screen share. This will open two options: Collaborate Now or Collaborate Offline.
    1. Collaborate Now: View only, View and Draw, or Full Control. This is live, and your team members will be able to participate based on your share settings.
    2. Collaborate Offline: This shares a link that expires either in one day or in one week and allows the user to control your screen, even if you are offline.
  3. To end your screen share, click End Share.

Virtual Classroom Mode in Apporto ▾

The virtual classroom feature on Apporto is an interactive mode in which instructors can host a class session for students. In a virtual classroom, students have a live view of the host's screen, while the host has a live view of all present students.

  1. Select the Virtual Classroom option.
  2. Select a group to host.
  3. Students can raise their hands. A red bar will appear around their screen so the host can help with any issues.
    • To help, the host can request remote control of a student's screen, where students can decline or accept.
    • Another option to help students is through the Messenger option, where teachers and students can direct message each other or call.
  4. The host can view the class roster, including who is absent and who is present.
    • Click End Session to end the virtual classroom session.

Troubleshooting ▾

  • If you cannot find Apporto in Canvas, check both the course navigation and the course content area.
  • If you cannot access the expected virtual apps, try accessing Apporto through Canvas and through the Apporto web portal, since each option may provide access to a different set of virtual apps.
  • If files are missing after a session expires, check whether they were downloaded to your computer or saved to a connected cloud drive.
  • If you are working on important files, save frequently and download a copy before signing off.
  • If screen sharing or collaboration options do not work as expected, end the share and start a new screen share session.
Print Article