Citrix XenApp is a commercial tool that allows users to remotely access "published" applications. It allows reasonable application performance over the internet. Citrix works well with most applications, but is not well-suited for graphics-intensive applications. Graphic intensive applications require a product like RGS.
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How CAEDM uses Citrix
Many applications available on the desktop computers in the labs are provided through Citrix. Upon selecting one of these applications, a connection is made to a Citrix terminal server, and the application is shown locally, but is running remotely. Seamless integration causes the application to look like it is running locally. Unlike RGS, Citrix servers are a shared resource. There can be several users logged onto the same Citrix server simultaneously. Each Citrix server has multiple processors and generous memory allocations.
The Citrix Receiver allows anyone with a CAEDM account to access many CAEDM applications from anywhere in the world, from a wide range of devices.
Installing Citrix Receiver
Windows
If accessing Citrix from a Windows desktop/laptop, you can use any internet browser (IE/Edge works best, but Firefox and Chrome work also) to go directly to the CAEDM Citrix web interface. After logging in with your CAEDM credentials, you will be prompted to accept the install of the Citrix client software. On Windows, this is a quick, painless, "download, next, next finish" process.
Linux
Instructions for 64 Bit RedHat 6.2
When accessing Citrix from a RedHat desktop/laptop, go directly to the CAEDM Citrix web interface. After logging in with your CAEDM credentials, you will be prompted to accept the install of the Citrix client software. as you would on a Windows machine. Find the tar.gz file that was just downloaded, and extract it (tar -xvf filename.tar.gz). Run setupwfc, in the configuration, set the default directory to be /usr/lib/, choose 'yes' to integrate with KDE and Gnome, do not install USB support. Open /etc/bashrc in vim, or your preferred text editor, and add: export LANG=C to the first line of the file. Run /usr/lib/ICAClient/wfica to test for dependiencies.
Now configure firefox:
Install nspluginwrapper (64 bit), then run /usr/lib64/nspluginwrapper/npconfig -i /usr/lib/ICAClient/npica.so. Now try to open a Citrix program, if it does not work, check about:plugins in the url bar of firefox, make sure that it appears as an active plugin.
Instructions for 64 Bit Ubuntu 16.04
Web Receiver
First you need to download the Citrix receiver from [1] (My testing was down with Receiver version 13.5). Choose Debian Packages and download the web package (the full package instructions are below). Next install the .deb file you just downloaded either with the software manager or by navigating to the file in the terminal and running something like this sudo dpkg -i icaclientWeb_13.5.0.10185126_amd64.deb
Finally you need to restart you browser and navigate to CAEDM Citrix web interface. Ignore the Install by clicking skip to log on because if you look above the install button will give you the receiver for red hat which won't work for Debian-based linux.
Full Package Receiver
Similar to the Web Receiver you need to download the Citrix receiver from [2] (My testing was down with Receiver version 13.5). Choose Debian Packages and download the full package receiver. Next install the .deb file you just downloaded either with the software manager or by navigating to the file in the terminal and running something like this sudo dpkg -i icaclient_13.5.0.10185126_amd64.deb
Next you need to add more SSL certificates. By default, Citrix Receiver only trusts a few root CA certificates, which causes connections to many Citrix servers to fail with an SSL error. The 'ca-certificates' package (already installed on most Ubuntu systems) provides additional CA certificates in /usr/share/ca-certificates/mozilla/ that can be conveniently added to Citrix Receiver to avoid these errors:
sudo ln -s /usr/share/ca-certificates/mozilla/* /opt/Citrix/ICAClient/keystore/cacerts/ sudo c_rehash /opt/Citrix/ICAClient/keystore/cacerts/
Finally launch the citrix receiver by searching for it in the application menu. After you agree to the EULA it will prompt to you to add a server enter https://citrix.et.byu.edu and you should prompted to log in. Use your caedm username and password and et.byu.edu as the domain.
Macintosh
- Citrix Workspace App is the recommended method for accessing Citrix on a Mac. Experience has shown that the browser-based client doesn't work as well on Mac as on other platforms.
- Instructions:
- Download Citrix Workspace App from Citrix.
- Run the install file and start the Citrix App.
- For the work email field put in citrix.et.byu.edu.
- For the login Domain\username use et.byu.edu\username. You can then add the desired apps.
- Alternatively, you can also download the Citrix Receiver for Mac and use the same parameters as above.
Phones and tablets
To access Citrix from a tablet or phone, download the Citrix Receiver from your device's app store. When prompted for the server address, enter https://citrix.et.byu.edu. For the domain, enter "et.byu.edu".
Citrix Java Client
Use the Java client for tech podiums, internet cafes, or any computer where it is not possible to install the Citrix client, but Java is installed. The Java client is slower to react to user input and may not produce the best user experience compared to the Citrix receiver as explained above. The Java client displays a desktop with a start menu in a browser instead of individual applications in their own windows.
This is currently incompatible with Google Chrome. We recommend using Firefox for best results.
To use the Java client, use the table below.
| Click the desired resolution and color depth | |
|---|---|
| Millions of Colors | 256 Colors |
| 1600 x 1200 | 1600 x 1200 |
| 1600 x 980
(HP Wide Screen) |
1600 x 980
(HP Wide Screen) |
| 1280 x 960 | 1280 x 960 |
| 1024 x 768 | 1024 x 768 |
| 800 x 600 | 800 x 600 |
| 640 x 480 | 640 x 480 |
|
Warning: Java client is slower than the Citrix Receiver | |
Using the Citrix Receiver
Once the Citrix Receiver is installed, access Citrix applications through the CAEDM Citrix website. The website will show a series of folders and icons available to launch. Clicking on program icons will cause that software to load in a separate window on your computer. To log out of Citrix, exit the software accessed through Citrix using File -> Exit, or the equivalent menu option.
Printing from Citrix
Citrix will automatically detect existing printer drivers on the local computer. Citrix also permits printing to the CAEDM printers. Citrix also provides standard office programs that are omitted on the RGS blades. In order to print from a Citrix session simply print the file as you would normally. To print to the CAEDM printers, select CAEDM in the printer options and select the appropriate printer in the correct lab.
Accessing files in Citrix applications
Citrix will connect to the J Drive, to USB on the local machine, and to the files on the local drive (Windows only). It will automatically capture USB devices when they are plugged in, and is configured to use the J Drive as its primary source. Because of the difference in infrastructure and file system types, the Citrix client will only be able to access Local Hard Disks in Windows. Linux and Mac will not connect. In Windows, a pop-up will appear querying whether to allow a program access to the local personal files. Check that it is the Citrix receiver making the request, then allow it. The local drive will appear in the places menu as Local Disk (C: on localhostname).
Citrix vs RGS
CAEDM uses both Citrix and RGS, which may seem to be very similar. They are similar, but do have some differences:
| Citrix | RGS |
|---|---|
| Displays text and simple graphics | Handles high-end graphics such as CAD and video |
| Many users share one machine | Each user session requires an entire server |
| Clients available for Windows, Machintosh, Linux, smartphones, tablets | Windows and Linux clients only |
| Uses little bandwidth, handles internet lag well | Requires a high speed, low latency connection for best results |
| Can display a Windows desktop, or individual applications | Displays a desktop |
| Server software available for Windows only | Server software available for Windows and Linux |
Troubleshooting
- If a Citrix application becomes unresponsive, press Ctrl+F1 to bring up task manager for the remote Citrix server. Using task manager it is then possible to end an unresponsive process.
- Problems with Citrix applications should be reported to an administrator, preferably with the error or other problematic program open.
- The "Just In Time Debug Error" is typically not a temporary problem. This error should be reported to an administrator.
- If you are having trouble launching Citrix in Firefox open up the extension manger by typing in the address bar "about:addons" (without quotation marks) then navigate to plugins on the sidebar. This will bring up a list of all the addons you have installed. Find the Citrix plugin and set the behavior to "Always Activate."
- You can use this citrix cleanup utility to remove the citrix receiver to start over https://support.citrix.com/article/CTX137494
- If you uninstall the Citrix workspace app, the browser will store cookies and think that it detects that you have the app. In order to redownload Citrix you need to clear your cookies. This will force it to redetect if you have it or not.
- If your computer name is longer than 15 characters you will fail to get a remote desktop license and your session will end after 60 minutes.
- "With [Citrix], all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26)
