Useful for: Students, Faculty, Staff
Overview
This guide explains how to access student lab computing equipment via a remote desktop connection.
IMPORTANT: Please don't forget to complete "Closing Software" before you disconnect from VPN or exit the software.
Connecting to the Remote Access Lab via Remote Desktop
Establish a VPN Connection
In order to establish a remote connection to a Remote Access Lab computer, you will need to be connected to the Cisco AnyConnect 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.
Accessing the Remote Access Lab (RAL) System
Once a VPN connection has been established, you can first browse the list of available lab equipment here.
You will be prompted to enter your University of Idaho credentials. Once you have logged in, you will reach the following page:
Selecting an Available Lab Computer
Select 'Connect' to establish a remote connection to an available computer.
Connecting to a Selected Device
The following steps are dependent on which operating system you are using:
Once you have selected a device to connect to, a window will open asking you to download the connection file. Select the 'Download' button.
You may be prompted to verify the security of the program. If so, select 'Connect'.
You will now be connected to the remote desktop computer.
Once you have selected a device to connect to, a window will open asking you to download the connection file. Select the 'Download' button.
You will be asked to choose a storage location for the download. The Downloads folder will work, or you can choose another location. Once you have chosen a storage location, click the 'Save' button.
Next, locate the saved file. The name of the file will be the name of the computer you are attempting to connect to.
- In this case, the 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.
You will now be connected to the remote desktop computer.
Before attempting to connect to a lab computer, you will need to install the Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 app from the App Store.
Once the application is installed, click 'Connect' on an available lab computer (see step 2). A window will open asking you to download the connection file. Select the 'Download' button.
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.You will be prompted to enter your university username and password.
You may be prompted to verify security settings. If so, Select 'Continue'.
You will now be connected to the remote desktop computer.
You will now be prompted to log in to the remote access computer with your university credentials.
You are now logged in to the remote access computer. You will still be able to access your personal desktop outside of the application by using the minimize tool at the top of the screen.
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, log out of the lab computer and then press the 'X' at the top of the software.
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