ACCESSING COMPUTERS REMOTELY USING REMOTE DESKTOP AND VNC

There are several applications that you can use to access your office computer remotely. The following instructions are according to your operating system.

Access Essentials

There are several requirements for Remote Desktop Connection:

• Know the computer name or IP address of the on-campus computer to which you want to remotely connect. Please get with your System Administrator within your department if you do not know your computer name or IP Address.
• The on-campus computer must be turned on and operating in a non-hibernating or high performance mode.
• The on-campus computer is set to allow remote desktop connection.
• You will need to use your CougarNet credentials.

Windows users (using Remote Desktop)

Remote Desktop provides access to a computer running Windows 10 OR 11 from a computer at another location. For example, connect to your office computer from home and use all your applications, files, and network resources just as if you were actually in your office, using your office computer.

Using Remote Desktop, you can run applications on a remote computer running Windows 10 OR 11 from any other client running a Windows operating system. The applications run on the Windows 10 based remote computer.

Windows 10 OR 11:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/how-to-use-remote-desktop

Non-Windows users

For Apple Macs and iPads

Mac computers: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn473012(v=ws.11).aspx

For iPad: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id714464092?mt=8 For Android Tablets: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.rdc.android&hl=en

For Linux Based Computers (using VNC)

VNC is remote control software which allows you to view and fully interact with one computer desktop (the "VNC server") using a simple program (the "VNC viewer") on another computer desktop anywhere on the Internet. The two computers don't even have to be the same type, so for example you can use VNC to view a Windows desktop at the office on a Linux computer at home. For ultimate simplicity, there is even a Java viewer, so that any desktop can be controlled remotely from within a browser without having to install software.

You can find instructions to install and use the software at https://ubuntu.com/tutorials/access-remote-desktop#1-overview

Basic Security Tips for Remote Desktop

• Update your software.
• Have a strong password.
• Do not save your password when you are prompted to remember credentials.
• We cannot guarantee connectivity from home. These instructions work in most, but not all, cases. If you are unable to connect, check to make sure you have established a connection to campus through VPN software.

Visit the U of H Get Help website for additional Remote Desktop connection and VPN documentation: http://www.uh.edu/infotech/services/computing/networks/vpn/

Note: If you need assistance please contact the UIT Help Desk center:

• Email: uitsupport@uh.edu
• Phone: 713-743-1411
• Online: www.uh.edu/infotech or Live Chat
• In person visit us at Tech Commons located at the back entrance of the MD Anderson Library, across from the Student Center. View map to Tech Commons.