Citrix XenApp: Remote Access to CAE Applications on Windows and MacOS
Citrix can be accessed using the following URL:
Additionally, a VPN connection is not required to use Citrix.
Citrix can be used in two primary ways:
- Light/Web Version: Runs the remote application through your web browser. Citrix Workspace does not need to be installed.
- Citrix Workspace: Uses the locally installed Citrix Workspace application to display the remote application. Workspace is optional and is primarily useful when access to files stored on the local computer is required.
For most users, the Light Version is recommended because it introduces fewer local software and configuration variables that can cause user issues.
WARNING: It is best practice to save files to your CAE filespace, or setup UW storage through KUMO. DO NOT SAVE TO THE LOCAL COMPUTER unless you are certain that you are saving to YOUR computer and that you verify that the file is on YOUR computer. The Default place to save to "This PC" in XenApp is on the XenApp server. This will cause your files to be lost forever. See links at the bottom of the page for more info.
What is Citrix XenApp?
Citrix XenApp provides remote access to CAE applications that are licensed for remote use. Instead of installing each supported engineering application on a personal computer, users can connect to the CAE Citrix environment and run the application remotely.
Below are the primary requirements for using Citrix:
- Authorized access to the CAE remote-access service
- Valid UW-Madison credentials
- Duo authentication
- An internet connection
- A supported web browser
A current list of applications available through Citrix XenApp can be found on the CAE Software page:
https://www.cae.wisc.edu/software/
Applications that support remote access can be identified under the XenApp column with an X.
Advantages of Using Citrix XenApp
- Access supported CAE applications remotely from a personal computer.
- No VPN connection is required.
- Access software that cannot otherwise be distributed or tethered to personal computers because of licensing restrictions.
- Save work to your dedicated CAE filespace.
- Avoid installing each supported engineering application on your personal computer.
- Access XenApp from portable devices such as tablets or phones, although functionality may be limited.
Session Time Limits & File Saving
WARNING: VERIFY WHERE YOUR FILES ARE BEING SAVED!
CAE recommends saving files to your CAE filespace (I: Drive) or to supported UW-Madison storage configured through KUMO.
KUMO Guide: https://kb.wisc.edu/cae/55146
Do not assume that "This PC," "Local Disk (C:)," or another familiar Windows location displayed inside Citrix is your personal computer.
The default location identified as This PC within XenApp may refer to storage on the XenApp server environment rather than your personal computer. Files saved only to the XenApp server will be permanently lost after the remote environment is reset or removed.
Before closing a Citrix session, verify that important files have been saved to a known location.
Recommended storage locations include:
- CAE filespace (I: Drive)
- Supported UW-Madison storage configured through KUMO
- A verified drive on your personal computer when using Citrix Workspace with local-file access enabled
Do not save important files to the XenApp server's local C: drive. They will be wiped.
Session Time Limits
Citrix XenApp automatically logs users out after approximately 15 minutes of inactivity.
XenApp sessions may also have a maximum duration of approximately 12 hours after login.
Additionally, it is important to save your work regularly and do not rely on an active Citrix session to automatically save your work.
Accessing Light/Web Version
The browser-based Light/Web Version is the recommended method for most users. Citrix Workspace does not need to be installed when using the Light/Web Version.
Step 1: Open the CAE Remote Access Site
Open a supported web browser and navigate to:
Step 2: Sign In
Sign in using your NetID and Duo authentication credentials
Step 3: Accept the CAE Usage Message
After authentication, a CAE license agreement may appear. Read the message and select Accept to continue.
Please note: RESEARCH computing is not permitted on the XenApp platform.
Step 4: Select the Light/Web Version
Citrix may ask how you would like to access the remote applications. Select Use web browser.
The Light Version is recommended for most users because it runs within the web browser and does not require the locally installed Citrix Workspace client.
Step 5: Select an Application
After entering XenApp, the Apps page displays the applications currently available through the service.
Select the icon for the application you want to use. For example, select MATLAB to launch MATLAB.
Step 6: Use the Application
When using the Light Version, the application will normally open in a new browser tab. The application runs remotely, while its interface is displayed through the browser.
When finished, save all work to your I Drive storage location and close or log off the Citrix session.
Installing Citrix Workspace on Windows
Citrix Workspace is optional. If the Light/Web Version meets your needs, Workspace does not need to be installed.
Workspace is primarily useful when access to files stored directly on the local computer is required.
Step 1: Open the CAE Remote Access Site
Navigate to:
Sign in and complete Duo authentication.
Step 2: Detect Citrix Workspace
From the Citrix client-selection page, select Detect Citrix Workspace App.
Step 3: Download Citrix Workspace
If Citrix Workspace is not already detected:
- Accept the Citrix license agreement.
- Select Download.
Step 4: Install Citrix Workspace
Open the Downloads folder and locate the Citrix Workspace installer. The installer may appear with a name similar to CitrixWorkspaceApp.
Open the installer and select Install.
Allow the installation process to complete and agree to the licensing agreement.
Step 5: Finish the Installation
After clicking Install, you will be brought to this page:
To access the CoE environment, type remote.engr.wisc.edu into the given url and then sign in with your NetID. Please note, typing in your email address will not be recognized.
Step 6: Access Citrix After Installation
For future sessions there are two options to access workspace:
Option 1 Web-Based Login:
- Navigate to https://remote.engr.wisc.edu/.
- Sign in through the CAE remote-access portal using NetID.
- Complete Duo authentication.
- Select the desired application from the XenApp Apps page.
- Allow the website to open the application through Citrix Workspace.
Option 2 Standalone:
- Go to the Citrix Workspace application
- Log in with NetID and Duo (If prompted for store URL or email type in remote.engr.wisc.edu)
- Select the application you want to use
Installing Citrix Workspace on MacOS
Citrix Workspace is optional on macOS. If the browser-based Light Version provides all required functionality, Workspace does not need to be installed.
Step 1: Download Citrix Workspace
CAE recommends downloading the current Citrix Workspace installer for macOS directly from Citrix:
https://www.citrix.com/downloads/workspace-app/mac/workspace-app-for-mac-latest.html
Select Download Citrix Workspace app for Mac.
The installer may also be available through the CAE remote-access website; however, CAE documentation notes better success when downloading directly from Citrix.
Step 2: Open the Installer
Open the Downloads folder and locate:
CitrixWorkspaceApp.dmg
Open the file.
Step 3: Start the Installation
Select Install Citrix Workspace.
Proceed through the installation wizard:
- Select Continue.
- Select Continue again.
- Read the license agreement.
- Accept the license agreement.
Step 4: Select the Installation Destination
If desired, change the destination where Citrix Workspace will be installed.
When the destination is correct, select Install.
Step 5: Do Not Add an Account
During installation, Citrix may ask whether you want to add an account.
Leave the Add Account checkbox unchecked and continue.
When installation is complete, select Close.
Step 6: Open CAE Citrix
Navigate to:
Sign in through the CAE remote-access portal and complete Duo authentication.
Select the desired application from the XenApp Apps page.
MacOS Browser Note
Please note, Google Chrome and remote.engr.wisc.edu on Apple systems do run into more errors than other browsers.
If the website load properly, try another web browser such as Safari.
Switching Between Light/Web Version and Citrix Workspace
Users can switch between the browser-based Light/Web Version and the installed Citrix Workspace client.
Step 1: Open Account Settings
Log in to https://remote.engr.wisc.edu/.
Select the your profile in the upper-right corner and select Account Settings.
Step 2: Go to Advanced
Step 3: Choose either "Use Web Browser" or "Use Citrix Workspace app" depending on your default
Depending on your setup and whether or not, it will either give you an option to switch to the web browser or Citrix Workspace App. Click this to switch
