I am looking for a solution for my students who all have Chromebooks (which are locked down).

Their opportunities will be greatly expanded if they had access to Windows-based software (Blender, Unreal Engine, 3D slicing software, etc.,).

I have access to a couple desktop machines that I could host virtual boxes on if there was some way for them to remote into them through a web browser.

Is that something that is possible, and where would I get the information to get started hosting something like that?

If not, are there any alternative solutions that do not require a paid subscription?

  • drspod@lemmy.mlEnglish
    121·
    16 days ago

    if they had access to Windows-based software (Blender, Unreal Engine, 3D slicing software, etc.,).

    All of those applications that you mentioned run on Linux too. Maybe check if everything you want to use runs on Linux and then you don’t need to sell your students’ souls on their behalf.

    • Vegan_Joe@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      2·
      16 days ago

      I’m fine with them accessing either OS. Right now they only have access to a glorified bloated web browser.

  • bmcgonag@lemmy.worldEnglish
    7·
    15 days ago

    If you can get It’s blessing I’d suggest something like KASM workspaces or WebTops, basically a Linux desktop in the browser.

  • Brkdncr@lemmy.worldEnglish
    6·
    16 days ago

    Screenconnect, teamviewer, proxypro, vnc, RDP are all remote access solutions. Some work fine through a browser but work better from a chrome app.

    I wouldn’t virtualize that type of software you listed though, I’d just give them access to the desktop itself.

    • Vegan_Joe@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      1·
      16 days ago

      The only reason I would virtualize would be to allow multiple users to have access to their own workspaces.

      It would seem safer to have them sandboxed within a virtual workspace than to give them all user accounts synchronously on a desktop, if that’s even possible.

      • Brkdncr@lemmy.worldEnglish
        6·
        16 days ago

        The apps you list need decent gpu and gpu doesn’t virtualize well. You also don’t run into licensing issues with Windows.

        You can create individual accounts on the desktops so they get their own workspace.

  • Possibly linux@lemmy.zipEnglish
    5·
    15 days ago

    I would recommend that you bring in someone with experience instead of trying to wing it. It sounds like you are trying to bypass your IT department which is never a good idea. Talk to the people who control the Chromebooks.

    What you are looking for is virtual desktop. It will cost money but it is worth it in the end. I would highly recommend that you take a look at Azure virtual desktop or related services. It is all cloud based and it is likely what you are after.

    If

    • B0rax@feddit.orgEnglish
      2·
      14 days ago

      Sounds like OP is a teacher at a school. Schools very seldom have It departments, even in this day and age…

    • Possibly linux@lemmy.zipEnglish
      1·
      15 days ago

      I would go for something Cloud based like Azure virtual desktop or similar. I don’t think Kasm has a cloud option.

      • thelittleblackbird@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        14 days ago

        Why?

        There are not benefits in the cloud solution over the hosted server. It could even be more expensive on the long run…

        And yes, kasm has a cloud solution in its web page

        • Possibly linux@lemmy.zipEnglish
          1·
          14 days ago

          The benefit is that it way easier to manage since you don’t have to worry about physical hardware.

          I get that it could easily be to expensive but it might not be bad with educational discounts.

          • thelittleblackbird@lemmy.worldEnglish
            1·
            14 days ago

            Got it.

            But looking that the question has been posted in a selfhosted thread I don’t see the recomendation of the cloud solution :)

              • thelittleblackbird@lemmy.worldEnglish
                1·
                13 days ago

                Honestly I totally disagree, this community is about avoiding SaaS and controlling the important part of the stack to keep your own data under control.

                If the service you need is just a provider of vm for your own business, is not a contradiction and it is still selfhosted as long as you control it.

  • SwizzleStick@lemmy.zipEnglish
    3·
    16 days ago

    Whatever way you go for setting up the systems themselves, I’ve found dwservice.net to be perfect for accessing systems with only a browser.

    The host component is Mac, Windows and Linux compatible. The clients need only an account at DW. Hosts tied to your own account can be shared with others.

    Depending on host OS, you get screen, terminal and fire transfer access. Sessions are logged if you need to review who’s accessed what.

    Free. Donation optional.