To make a reservation, first login to VCL, then click on the "New Reservation" option on the left side of the window.
A dropdown menu displays all the different environments you have access to. If you would like to use your VM immediately, make sure the "Now" radio button is selected. If you want to reserve a machine to use later, click the "Later" radio button, and set the appropriate day and time with the popup menus. Finally, choose the desired duration for your reservation. Click the "Create Reservation" button to continue.
If there is a VM available at the time you request, your reservation will be accepted and will be listed under "Current Reservations". Your VM will be ready to use at the time you request. A "Connect" button will appear beside your reservation when its time arrives. However, if you reserve a VM to use right away or for a time only a few minutes in the future, you may see "Pending" listed beside your reservation instead of a connect button.
As soon as the VM is ready, the Connect button will appear. As well, you will be sent an email reminder notifying you that your VM is ready.
To use your VM, click the "Connect" button. (Note: you need to click the button within 15 minutes of the start of your reservation. If you don't, your reservation will be automatically cancelled and you will be sent an email informing you of this. If this happens, and if you still want to use a VM, you will need to make a new reservation.)
Your reservation will automatically end at the end of the duration you set. (Remember to have properly saved your work outside of the VM before this happens!) As well, you can end your reservation any time you want by clicking the "End" button beside the reservation. You will be prompted to confirm that you are finished with your reservation:
Click "Yes" to end your reservation.
A message will appear to confirm that your reservation has been ended. Once your reservation has ended, your VM will be deleted.