Nectar virtual desktop

Researchers can request a short-term virtual desktop instance running a Windows or Linux operating system.

Preconfigured virtual desktop environments provide software and tools for specific activities, data types or disciplines, including:

• TranscribeDesktop provides access to Vibe and Buzz to transcribe and translate audio files using AI models. Data uploaded is hosted at the University of Auckland by default. Go to the instructions for step-by-step guidance.
• GeoDesktop is a customised environment for geospatial analyses.
• Neurodesktop provides a data analysis environment to facilitate reproducible analysis of neuroimaging data.

Additional on-demand software is available and further software can be installed via the operating system’s package manager. Researchers can transfer files onto the virtual machine via ‘drag and drop’.

Researchers can use the Nectar self-service virtual machines virtual desktop service when they need access to more powerful computing hardware for their research, or to free up their regular machine while running long compute jobs.

Free access for all doctoral candidates and University staff working on research projects.

Sign in via Tuakiri with University of Auckland credentials

• For current information about virtual hardware allocations and time frames, see the overview page.
• To learn how to manage and use the service, see the virtual desktop service tutorial.

Research Data Support Services
Email: researchdata@auckland.ac.nz