Remote Access Lab Connection Guide

• In This Article:

• Overview
• Connecting to the Remote Access Lab via Remote Desktop
• Establish a VPN connection
• Accessing the Remote Access Lab
• Selecting an available computer
• Connecting to a selected device
•  Windows 10
• Chrome OS
•  MacOS
• Using the software
• Closing the software

• Overview:

• Students are able to access student lab computing equipment via a remote desktop connection. Follow the step-by-step process below for access.
• IMPORTANT: Please don't forget to complete Step 6 before you disconnect from VPN or exit the software.
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• Connecting to the Remote Access Lab via Remote Desktop:

• Step 1: Establish a VPN connection

• In order to establish a remote connection to a Remote Access Lab computer, you will need to be on the VPN. Below are guides for establishing a VPN connection:
• Windows: https://support.uidaho.edu/TDClient/40/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=40
• MacOS: https://support.uidaho.edu/TDClient/40/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=39
• For assistance with the AnyConnect client, you can submit a request for service here: https://support.uidaho.edu/TDClient/40/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=599

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• Step 2: Accessing the RAL (Remote Access Lab) system

• Once a VPN connection has been established, follow this link to see a list of available lab equipment: https://uidaho.edu/remoteaccesslab
• Following this link will open a window for you to enter your University of Idaho credentials. Once you have logged in, you will reach a homepage that will look like this:
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• Step 3: Selecting an available lab computer

• Select "Connect" to establish a remote connection to an available computer. 
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• Step 4 : Connecting to a selected device

• The instructions for Step 4 are dependent on your Operating System. Please identify which Operating System you have and follow the instructions listed below its name.
  •  Windows
  • ​​​​​​​Chrome OS
  •  MacOS

 Windows 10 

Once you have selected a device to connect to, a window will open asking you to download the connection file. Select the "Download" button listed below. 

It is highly likely that you will be prompted to verify the security of the program. This program is secure, so select "Connect".

 Chrome OS 

Select the device you wish to connect to. Once selected, press "Download".

A window will open, asking you to select the location for the download. The default destination, the "downloads" folder, will work should you not want to change the destination. Once you have decided a location, hit the "save" button. 

Some users may find that the window closes after saving. Simply locate the file destination you selected on the previous step to find the file. The name of the file, unless changed, will be the name of the computer you are attempting to connect to. In this case, the computer name/file name is "SCL-AD225-16.rdp".

Right-click on the file and select "open with" from the drop-down menu. 

Select the "RD Client" option from the list of available programs. 

The software will now open your remote session. Once it has finished connecting, you are free to use the student lab computer as you would on campus.  

 MacOS

Before attempting to connect to a lab computer, you will need to install the "Microsoft Remote Desktop" from the App Store. 

Once the Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 application is installed. Click "Connect" on an available lab computer (see step 2). A window will open and you will be prompted to download the connection file. Select "Download". 

The remote desktop connection file will show up in your downloads folder. Double click on this file. 

Your computer will attempt to connect to the lab computer using Microsoft Remote Desktop 10. A window will open where you will be prompted to enter a username and password. The user name is your complete student email address and your password is the standard password to this account. 

You may be prompted to verify security settings. Select "Continue" when this window arises. 

Your connection will now establish. It may take several seconds for the window to open. 

Step 5: Using the software

At this point, the software will open up and you will see the log in page of the lab computer. Log in with your University of Idaho credentials. Once logged in, you should see the following:

The remote desktop software is a window. You are still able to access your own desktop outside of the application by using the minimize tool at the top of the software. 

Step 6: Closing the software

Before closing the software, make sure to log out of the lab computer as you would in person.

This will allow others to use the device immediately after you, rather than having to wait for the computer to auto-log-out your account. 

To close the software, simply log out of the lab computer and then press the "x" at the top of the software. 

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