Remote desktop

Remote Desktop is a general term for a system which allows a user to interact remotely with a computer, as if physically working at it. This article will briefly describe some options for each of the following types of Remote Desktop:

  • Windows (client) to Windows (host)
  • Macintosh (client) to Macintosh (host)
  • Windows (client) to Macintosh (host)
  • Macintosh (client) to Windows (host)

Employee Remote Access Server

For directions on using the staff/employee remote desktop solution, please see:

Windows (client) to Windows (host)

Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection is a proprietary application which can be used to control computers running certain versions of Windows remotely, using a proprietary connection called Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). This option is built into the Windows operating system - no additional software is required.

The host machine must be set to accept these types of connections and not sleep or hibernate in order for Remote Desktop Connections to work best. Gustavus Technology Services is currently limiting this functionality to employees who only have a desktop computer.

Allowing Remote Desktop on Windows (host)

If you are a faculty or staff member at Gustavus, please contact the Technology Helpline (507-933-6111 or helpline@gustavus.edu) regarding your desire to use your computer as a Remote Desktop host. We can make the appropriate changes to the network and your machine to allow off-campus remote access to your computer. Gustavus Technology Services is currently limiting this functionality to employees who only have a desktop computer.

Duo Two Factor Authentication is required for remote access. For more information, please see: Duo Two Factor Authentication.

Using Remote Desktop (client)

All current versions of Windows have a built-in Remote Desktop Connection client, which can be found by searching for: Remote Desktop Connection

To use Remote Desktop, please first configure the Remote Desktop Gateway:

RemoteGatewayConfig.jpg
  1. Launch the Remote Desktop Connection client.
  2. Click Show options at the lower left of the Remote Desktop Connection window
  3. Select the Advanced tab
  4. Under Connect from anywhere, click Settings
  5. Select the Use these RD Gateway server settings:
    1. Server name: remotegw.gac.edu
    2. Deselect the Bypass RD Gateway server for local addresses
    3. Select the option on the bottom for Use my RD Gateway credentials for the remote computer
  6. Click OK

To use Remote Desktop:

  1. Launch the Remote Desktop Connection client or select the General tab if the application is already running.
  2. Enter the Full Computer Name of the computer that you want to connect to. (i.e. username-XX.gustie.gac.edu).
    1. To get your full computer name, on your Gustavus-owned computer, Right-click This PC (on your desktop) and select Properties. NOTE: This must be done on the computer you are connecting to. Not the one your are connecting from.
    2. Scroll down to view your full computer name.
  3. Click Connect
  4. When prompted, enter your login credentials (on Gustavus machines - Gustavus e-mail username and password) on the computer you're connecting to, authenticate with Duo Two Factor, before using your Windows Desktop.

Macintosh (client) to Macintosh (host)

At the current time, Gustavus Technology Services does not support any Remote Desktop options to remote into a Macintosh host.

Windows (client) to Macintosh (host)

At the current time, Gustavus Technology Services does not support any Remote Desktop options to remote into a Macintosh host.

Macintosh (client) to Windows (host)

If you are using a personal Mac computer, please install: Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App Store If you are using a Gustavus-owned Mac, please install Microsoft Remote Desktop from Managed Software Center.

  1. Be sure to enable Remote Desktop on the Windows host.
  2. Launch Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection client on your Mac computer.
  3. In the Connection Center, click +. Enter the following information:
    1. Connection Name - name your connection.
    2. PC name - Enter the Full Computer Name of the computer that you want to connect to. (i.e. username-XX.gustie.gac.edu).
      1. To get your full computer name, right-click on This PC icon on the Windows desktop and select Properties. NOTE: This must be done on the computer you are connecting to. Not the one your are connecting from. Scroll down to view your full computer name.
    3. Under Gateway, select Add Gateway
    4. Click the + Symbol and add the following information:
      1. Gateway name: Remote Gateway
      2. Server: remotegw.gac.edu
      3. Username: gustie\yourgustavususername
      4. Password: yourgustavuspassword
    5. Close the Gateway Preferences window.
    6. Select the Remote Gateway in the Gateway pop-down in the Edit Remote Desktops Window.
    7. In the Credentials section
      1. Username: gustie\username
      2. Password: yourgustavuspassword
    8. Close the Edit Remote Desktops window
  4. Once you have configured all the settings, this will be your fist step in connecting. In the Connection Center, select your new connection and click Start.
  5. Authenticate with Duo Two Factor and begin using your windows environment.

Additional Remote Options

  • Virtual Lab - Virtual Lab may be a solution. Virtual Lab allows you to run a virtual windows lab environment in your browser, or on your computer. It is operating system neutral. For information on Virtual Lab, please see: Virtual_Lab.
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