HelpDesk - Remote Desktop Connection

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Overview:

With release of Windows XP Microsoft has introduced probably the best feature Windows Operating systems ever had. This feature is called Remote Desktop. It allows users to connect remotely to their computers over network and "grab" the display picture, keyboard strokes and mouse moves. Cary Academy has adopted this technology for faculty and staff to use from home over the internet using a secure VPN connection. With remote desktop you will be able to use your full featured Outlook, Microsoft Office, School Administrative Software, work on grades and do a lot of other fun stuff.  Before you can use Remote Desktop connection you must have VPN software installed and working.

We also would like to stress that only users with fast internet connection (Cable Modems, xDSL) will be attracted to this technology.  People who use dial-up internet will notice that Remote Desktop is somewhat slow.

Remote Desktop is supported on any Windows platform and also on Macintosh computers. Although Cary Academy doesn't officially support the Macintosh platform if you are Mac guru you can set up a VPN connection and download the Remote Desktop client for Macintosh from Microsoft Web Site.  Windows XP Professional comes preinstalled with Remote Desktop Client so you don't have to download anything if you are using Windows XP Professional at home.  Other  users can download the Remote Desktop client from Microsoft Web site or request a CD from the IS department.

Remote Desktop is disabled by default on all computers at Cary Academy.  You must send a request to Helpdesk to enable this service on one of the computers, preferably the one that you normally use at school.

Tutorial:

Once you have installed remote Desktop it will appear under the following path: Start->All Programs->Accessories->Communications->Remote Desktop Connection. You can always place a shortcut on the desktop later.

Once you run the application you will see screen like that shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1

In the computer field you must type the name of the computer you use in school, for example U235PCi01, and then click on Connect button.  After a short pause you should receive the familiar Windows XP logon screen. All you need to do is to type your user name and password and if you have typed it correctly you will be logged in to your computer.

The entire procedure is quite simple and we hope you will enjoy using your computer remotely.

 

last updated: Friday, 08 December 2006