Remote Desktop is a feature that allows a user to remotely connect to a specific computer and display information and run programs almost exactly as if they were physically using that computer.
This option is available to any UWB faculty or staff member who has a computer on campus. Remote Desktop allows any faculty or staff to use his/her home computer to access his/her work computer. If you are interested in configuring your office computer for remote desktop, please contact the Helpdesk at IT@uwb.edu or (425) 352-3456.
The following information covers the use of the remote desktop client software.
Configuring your UWB computer
The first step involves contacting the Helpdesk. We will make a couple of changes on the computer and give you the computer name:
IT@uwb.edu
(425) 352-3456
LB2-218
The second step involves waking up the computer using the powersave console. Instructions on how to do this can be found here.
Connecting from Windows XP
Your home computer must have the Remote Desktop software, you will need to download the remote desktop client and install it. Once you are sure your computer has the software:
- Click on the Start button.
- Click on Programs, then Accessories then Communications
Open Remote Desktop Connection
- In the window that opens, enter the computer name (the Helpdesk will provide this - usually the format will be room_number-PC01.uwb.edu [e.g. UW1-100-PC01, etc.]).
- Click on Connect.
- You will now see a full screen view of your UWB computer. Log in as usual with your regular UWB account.
Working in Remote Desktop
Once you are connected, remote desktop will work almost exactly as if you are physically using the remote computer. All the files and programs will work in the same manner. A couple of exceptions are:
- Minimizing, Closing - There should be a menu bar at the top of the screen which displays the computer name. You can use the buttons on the right to minimize, maximize, or disconnect.
- CTRL+ALT+DEL - To activate the Windows Security window, you will need to click on Start -> Settings -> Windows Security.
- Logging Off, Disconnecting - Logging off from the Start Menu will log your account out (on the remote computer), Disconnecting will disconnect your remote desktop session (and lock the screen on the remote computer). Disconnecting from the Start Menu or the menu bar on top has the same effect.
Connecting from Windows 7
Once you are sure your computer has the remote desktop client software:
- Click on the Start button. If you start typing "remote desktop" it should appear as the top selection.
- Click on Remote Desktop Connection to open the program.
- In the window that opens, enter the computer name (the Helpdesk will provide this - usually the format will be room_number-PC01.uwb.edu [e.g. UW1-100-PC01, etc.]).
- Click on Connect.
- Windows Security will ask for you to Enter your Credentials.
- Type in your UWB Id if not done automatically.
- Enter in your Password and click on OK
Working in Remote Desktop
Once you are connected, remote desktop will work almost exactly as if you are physically using the remote computer. All the files and programs will work in the same manner. A couple of exceptions are:
CTRL+ALT+DEL to lock your computer through Windows Security usually this is your combination. If you try using this it will lock the computer you are currently using instead. To lock the computer you're remoting to simply do CTRL+ALT+END.
Connecting from a MAC
Tips for most effective use
Closing vs. logging off-
Logging off from the Start Menu will log your account out (on the remote computer), Disconnecting will disconnect your remote desktop session (and lock the screen on the remote computer). Disconnecting from the Start Menu or the menu bar on top has the same effect.
Multiple monitor computers
Getting Help
If you need help configuring your computer or if you have questions, please contact the Information Technologies Help Desk, either by phone at (425) 352-3456, by email at IT@uwb.edu, or in person at LB2-218.