Frequently asked questions
Do I need a powerful laptop to use this?+
No — that's the point. Any laptop, Chromebook, or tablet with a modern browser can run the console. For the smoothest experience we recommend using Microsoft Remote Desktop (free) once your VM is running, but the in-browser console works everywhere.
What software licenses do I need to bring?+
We pre-install common free/edu-tier software (QGIS, Office, Python tooling). For licensed software like AutoCAD or ArcGIS Pro, you typically activate it with your school-provided student license the same way you would on a personal PC.
How fast is VM creation?+
Most CPU plans finish provisioning in under 2 minutes; GPU plans with larger images typically take 3-5 minutes. You'll see live status in your dashboard the whole time.
Can I keep my VM running 24/7?+
Yes on any plan, though idle VMs auto-stop after 2 hours by default to control cost (you can disable this in VM settings). Stopped VMs keep your disk and files — starting it back up takes under a minute.
What happens if I stop paying?+
You'll get an email when a payment fails, and a grace period before VMs are automatically stopped. Your data isn't deleted immediately — you have time to update your payment method and pick up where you left off.
Is my data private from other students?+
Yes — every VM runs on its own isolated network segment. No other student, and no automated process besides our own monitoring, can access your VM or its files.
Can I get a discount as a student?+
Yes — verify a .edu email address in account settings for 10% off any plan automatically.
What if my VM breaks or won't boot?+
Contact support@staticcampus.example or use the in-dashboard support button. Our team can inspect VM status and, with your permission, help troubleshoot directly.