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Introduction
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a powerful technology that allows you to remotely access and control another computer. This is achieved by running a remote desktop client on your computer or smartphone, which connects to the remote computer, giving you the experience of using it as if it were your local machine.
Connection Instructions
Connect to a Remote Machine from a Mac Client
Connect to the MIT Network:
- If on-campus: Connect to the 'MIT Secure' wireless network, or use an ethernet cable to connect to an active ethernet wall jack.
- If off-campus: Connect to the GlobalProtect VPN.
Install Microsoft Remote Desktop:
Set Up the Connection:
- Launch the Remote Desktop client application and click "Add PC".
- For 'PC Name', enter the address of the remote machine (provided by CRE IT).
- Under 'User Account', input your Kerberos ID in the format:
WIN\kerberos. For instance, if your username is "abc123", enter WIN\abc123 as the username. Use the backslash \ (found under the backspace key), not a forward slash.
Connect:
- Initiate the connection to the remote machine. You should see a Windows desktop.
- If the Windows desktop does not appear, contact cre-it@mit.edu for assistance.
Additional Resources:
- For a visual guide, watch the video walk-through here.
Connect to a Remote Machine from a Windows Client
Start Remote Desktop Connection:
- Click on the Start menu.
- Type "Remote Desktop Connection" and open the program.
Enter Remote Machine Details:
- In the 'Computer' field, enter the network/IP address of the remote machine (provided by CRE IT).
Login Credentials:
- Click 'Connect'. When prompted, enter your Kerberos ID in the format:
WIN\kerberos. For instance, if your username is "abc123", enter WIN\abc123 as the username. Use the backslash \ (found under the backspace key), not a forward slash.
Establish Connection:
- You should now be presented with a Windows desktop.
- If you encounter issues, please reach out to cre-it@mit.edu for support.
- Additional Resources:
- For a visual guide, watch the video walk-through here: Ignore the first 1m30.
Connect to a Remote Machine from an Android Device
Connect to the MIT Network:
- If on-campus: Connect to the 'MIT Secure' wireless network.
- If off-campus: Connect to the GlobalProtect VPN.
Install Microsoft Remote Desktop App:
- Download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Google Play Store.
Set Up the Connection:
- Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
- Tap the
+ icon (usually found at the top right corner) to add a new connection. - Choose 'Desktop'.
Enter Remote Machine Details:
- In the 'PC Name' field, enter the address of the remote machine (provided by CRE IT).
- Tap on 'User Account' and select 'Add User Account'.
- Input your Kerberos ID in the format:
WIN\kerberos. For example, if your username is "abc123", enter WIN\abc123 in the username field. Note: Use the backslash \, which is different from a forward slash.
Connect:
- Once you've entered the details, tap 'Save'.
- Tap on the newly created connection in your list to start the remote desktop session.
- You should now see the Windows desktop of the remote machine.
- If the Windows desktop does not appear, contact cre-it@mit.edu for assistance.
Navigating the Remote Desktop:
- Use touch gestures to navigate the remote desktop. For example, you can drag to move the cursor, tap to click, and use pinch-to-zoom gestures to zoom in and out.
- The on-screen keyboard can be accessed through a button typically located at the top of the screen.
Disconnecting:
- To disconnect, tap the 'X' or 'Disconnect' option within the app.
Connect to a Remote Machine from an iOS Device
Connect to the MIT Network:
- If on-campus: Connect to the 'MIT Secure' wireless network.
- If off-campus: Connect to the GlobalProtect VPN.
Install the Microsoft Remote Desktop App:
- Download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Apple App Store.
Set Up the Connection:
- Open the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
- Tap the
+ icon (usually found at the top right corner) to add a new connection. - Select 'Add PC'.
Enter Remote Machine Details:
- In the 'PC Name' field, enter the address of the remote machine (provided by CRE IT).
- Tap on 'User Account' and choose 'Add User Account'.
- Input your Kerberos ID in the format:
WIN\kerberos. For instance, if your username is "abc123", enter WIN\abc123 in the username field. Remember to use the backslash \, which differs from a forward slash.
Connect:
- After entering the details, tap 'Save'.
- Tap on the connection you just created to start the remote desktop session.
- You should now be presented with the Windows desktop of the remote machine.
- If the Windows desktop does not appear, contact cre-it@mit.edu for assistance.
Navigating the Remote Desktop:
- Utilize touch gestures to interact with the remote desktop. Swipe to move the cursor, tap to click, and pinch to zoom in or out.
- The on-screen keyboard can be accessed via a button typically located at the bottom or top of the screen.
Disconnecting:
- To disconnect, tap the connection bar at the top of the screen and select 'Disconnect'.
Disconnection Instructions
When you're finished with your remote desktop session, you have two main options:
- Disconnecting to keep your applications running while disconnected. The steps to complete this usually involve closing the remote desktop client window, but the exact steps will depend on the client application.
- Signing out to close all applications and end your session completely. You should do if you are not using the machine in order to free up resources and user licenses, so others can use them.
To Disconnect and Keep Your Applications Running
Locate the 'Disconnect' Option: Look for the 'X' or 'Disconnect' button within the Microsoft Remote Desktop app. This option is typically found at the top of the screen or within an options menu.
Tap to Disconnect: Simply tap the 'X' or select 'Disconnect' to end your session without closing any of your running applications. Your session will remain active in the background, allowing you to pick up where you left off the next time you connect.
Note: Disconnecting is ideal if you plan to return to your session shortly and wish to resume work without reopening all your applications.
To Sign Out and End Your Session
Close All Running Applications: Before signing out, ensure you have saved your work and closed all applications to prevent any unsaved data from being lost.
Navigate to the Start Menu: Tap the Windows Start button at the bottom left of your remote desktop.
Access Your Profile: Tap your profile picture located at the top of the Start menu.
Select 'Sign Out': From the options that appear, select 'Sign Out' to completely end your session. This action will close all applications and log you off the remote machine.
Warning: Ensure all important work is saved before signing out, as this action will close all open applications and cannot be undone.
Additional Tips:
- Saving Work: Always remember to save your work frequently during your session to avoid any potential data loss.
- Troubleshooting: If you encounter any issues while trying to disconnect or sign out, consider restarting the Remote Desktop app. Should problems persist, please contact cre-it@mit.edu for assistance.
- Feedback: Your experience and feedback are valuable to us. If you have suggestions for improving these instructions or encounter any issues, please reach out to cre-it@mit.edu.
Problems/Need Assistance?
Contact cre-it@mit.edu or call 617-715-4111.