Setting up and using Remote Desktop Connection

As of April 11, 2006, users who need to access files on on-campus, PennNet-connected Windows workstations must use Remote Desktop Connection. Remote Desktop Connection allows you to log in to your PennNet-connected workstation as if you were actually at that workstation. Follow the instructions below to configure and use Remote Desktop Connection from Windows and Macintosh computers.

Before you get started
Preparing your remote workstation
Using Remote Desktop Connection from a Windows computer
Using Remote Desktop Connection from a Mac OS computer

Before you get started

Important Note: Remote Desktop Connection does not allow you to transfer files between your remote and local workstations. Consult with your local support provider (LSP) for file transfer alternatives.

In these instuctions, remote workstation refers to your PennNet-connected computer, and local workstation refers to your off-campus computer not connected to PennNet. Any work that you do in your Remote Desktop Connection window is saved onto that remote workstation, not your local workstation.

Minimum Operating System Requirements: The PennNet-connected workstation to be accessed must be running Windows XP Professional. Your local workstation must be running Windows 2000 or Windows XP (Home or Professional), or Mac OS 10.2.8 or later.

Preparing your remote workstation

Start by configuring your remote (PennNet-connected) computer.

1. Ensure you have logged into Windows as an administrative user.
2. From the Start menu, right-click on My Computer, then select Properties. The System Properties dialogue box appears.
   
   
   
   
3. Click the Remote tab.
   
   
   
   
4. Under the Remote Desktop section, Click Allow users to connect remotely to this computer.
5. Click the Computer Name tab. Note the Full computer name. You will need this information to connect remotely from your local workstation. Click OK to close the dialogue box.
   
   
   
   
6. From the Start menu, click on Control Panel.
7. Double click Windows Firewall. The Windows Firewall dialog box appears.
8. Click the Exceptions tab and ensure that the Remote Desktop checkbox is selected, then click OK.
   
   
   
   
9. Your computer is now ready accept remote connections. Leave your computer connected to the Internet and locked (you may safely log out of Windows).

Using Remote Desktop Connection from a Windows computer

Use the following information for your Windows local workstation.

Remote Desktop Connection is pre-installed with Windows XP Home and Professional editions. If you are running Windows 2000, first download Remote Desktop Connection:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/tools/rdclientdl.mspx

1. On your local workstation, click Start, then select All Programs --> Accessories --> Communications --> Remote Desktop Connection. The Remote Desktop Connection dialogue box appears.
2. In the Computer field, type in the full computer name that you noted in Step 5 from the preparation section.
   
   
   
   
3. Click Connect.
4. In the Log On to Windows dialogue box, type the username, password, and domain (if applicable) of your remote workstation, then click OK.
   
   
   
   
5. A window then appears, showing the desktop of your remote workstation. You can now do work on your remote workstation as if you were there physically. Remember, any work that you do is saved onto the remote workstation's hard drive, not your local workstation's hard drive.
6. To end your Remote Desktop session, click Start, then select Log Off.
7. When ready, click the Log Off button to disconnect from the remote workstation.

Using Remote Desktop Connection from a Mac OS computer

Use the following information for your Mac OS local workstation.

First download Remote Desktop Connection for Mac OS:
http://www.microsoft.com/mac/otherproducts/otherproducts.aspx?pid=remotedesktopclient

1. Open the Applications folder and launch Launch Remote Desktop Connection. the Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) dialogue box appears.
2. In the Computer field, type in the full computer name that you noted in Step 5 from the preparation section.
   
   
3. Click Connect.
4. In the Log On to Windows dialogue box, type the username, password, and domain (if applicable) of your remote workstation, then click OK.
   
   
   
   
5. A window then appears, showing the desktop of your remote workstation. You can now do work on your remote workstation as if you were there physically. Remember, any work that you do is saved onto the remote workstation's hard drive, not your local workstation's hard drive.
6. To end your Remote Desktop session, click Start, then select Log Off.
7. When ready, click the Log Off button to disconnect from the remote workstation.