What is Azure Lab Services?

Azure Lab Services is a cloud-based computer lab in which each eligible student receives a remote connection to a distinct virtual machine (VM) for their use in a particular course.  These VMs are prepared with the software necessary to complete coursework.

How is Access Granted?

Students enrolled in approved courses will be provided with a remote Windows 10 desktop virtual machine.

Your instructor must request access to Lab Services virtual machines.  Requests from individual students will not be considered.

How do I Get More Help?

If you need assistance with accessing your Lab Services virtual machine, you can contact:

Academic Technology

• 415-405-5555
• ilearn@sfsu.edu

About Quotas

Each student is allocated a defined amount of time (quota) during which they can complete coursework using their virtual machine.

While not all courses will have the same quota, generally it is assumed that for a typical 3-unit course, each student will be provided with 250 hours to use the virtual machine during the semester.

If you have exhausted your quota but still have work that requires access to the virtual machine, please contact your instructor and request and extension.

About Your Files

You are responsible for your data.  There are no backups of your virtual machine or of your data in your Lab Services virtual machine.

During maintenance, it is possible that your virtual machine could be reset and your data lost. 

In most cases, Box Drive has already been installed in your virtual machine.  If it is not pre-installed, you will have the ability to install Box Drive in your virtual machine.  Please use Box Drive to back up your files.

For additional assistance, contact Academic Technology: (415) 405-5555, at@sfsu.edu, LIB 80