Not that long ago, photos, documents and other data were saved on floppy disks, zip drives, the C drive and
CD's. Software was installed on every computer individually with the various floppy disks & CD'S.
Now data is saved on the O drive or H drive at the university or you can save to the ICloud, Google Cloud or
other online storage services at home. Many applications are never installed on your computer, and run
directly from the Internet (like Facebook, Pinterest, Hotmail, Twitter and Prezi).
These are some examples of Cloud Computing - Applications and data stored and managed in a central
location away from your computer and delivered to you over a network.
Is the RowanCloud in the clouds? No, our servers are here on campus, maintained and updated by Rowan
Information Resources employees.
Why are we starting to use the RowanCloud? You already have been using the RowanCloud when you access
the O drive, H drive, Banner, Blackboard and Canvas.
So what's new? Rowan Cloud now offers over 75 applications you can use from any device... anywhere you
have Internet. Even more applications will be available later this fall.
Why do we need all those applications on the RowanCloud? It actually saves money by reducing the number
of software licenses needed. Licenses are used on an “as needed” basis, so the university doesn’t pay for
software just sitting unused on most computers. You can access the applications anywhere you can access the
Internet. Eventually, this will result in increased classroom space because less computer labs will be needed.
How will the RowanCloud benefit us? Students have access to applications required for their courses and can
use them in a classroom, dorm, library or home. Faculty and staff have access to the latest version of software
at their desk or at home. Software is not installed on individual computers, eliminating storage problems from
large applications. Even specialty applications like Adobe Photoshop, SPSS and Mathematica are available
24/7. Another added benefit is that maintenance of the software is automatic and centralized.
Tips You always need an Internet connection to run the applications. All the programs are Windows based,
even if you are on a Mac or iPad. All the programs can be used on the MAC iPad, iPhone or Android devices.
You should save to the H or O drive - the "desktop" is not your physical computer's desktop. You may need to
open the program first, and then open the file or document. During peak times and with slower WIFI
connections, applications may run slower. If there is a problem with the Rowan Network, you may not be able
to access the applications.
What do I need to do to get the Rowan Cloud?
You need the Citrix Receiver (XenApp) installed on your computer or device. For employees - if
you received a new Rowan PC since September 2012, it is already installed and launches
automatically when you log on to your Rowan computer. For students - it is already installed on
all of the computer lab computers.
For other computers (at home, in the dorm or if you have an older work computer, MAC, iPad or Android
device) you have to download and install the Citrix Receiver application.
Go to http://www.rowan.edu/cloud
Select "downloads" and follow the directions for your device. Employees - you may have to call support
(x4400) to download and install it remotely on your work computer.
Once Citrix is installed, follow the directions on how to launch it for your particular device. On Rowan PC’s
older that September 2012, MACs, iPads and Androids - you will have to launch the Citrix Receiver each time
you log on to your computer.
Each device displays the applications differently. Please consult http://www.rowan.edu/cloud for your
particular device
For PC’s, once you’ve logged in to Citrix, a RowanCloud folder will appear in your Start Menu.
Click on RowanCloud folder to expand the folder and view the applications that are available for use. You can
click any of the available applications to begin using them on your computer.
The interface is a little different for Macs, iPads and Androids. Once the Citrix app is installed, you add
applications to the Citrix screen. Please go to www.rowan.edu/cloud for instructions on how to launch the
RowanCloud from these devices.
RowanCloud Practice Activities—PC
1. Find the Rowan Cloud on your start menu
2. Find the folder called “Office Suites”
3. Double click on Microsoft Word 2010
to open it. You will first see Citrix
starting it through the Citrix
application
4. Type – “RowanCloud Practice” in the Word document
5. Save file as RowanCloud to your H drive
(remember where you saved it)
B
6. Close the document
A
A
7. With Word still open, open the document you just saved
B
8. Practice with other programs you may use in your office or at home