Using Remote Desktop to Connect to your Office Computer
- John Cassibry
In order to connect to a Windows-based UT computer from off campus, you will first need to establish a UT VPN (Virtual Private Network) connection. If you already have the Cisco VPN software and Duo mobile app set up, skip ahead to "Connecting."
Getting Started
You will need to have Two-Factor Authentication set up with the Duo Mobile app. Follow the steps here to get started and link the app with your UT EID:
http://links.utexas.edu/crgzviq
Next, you will need to install the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
On the remote computer (for example, the computer you are using at home), start here and log in using your UT EID:
In most cases, you will need to download the software and install it manually from that website. If you need help, check here for more information and detailed instructions:
http://links.utexas.edu/cwbzudz
After you have the Cisco and Duo software installed and configured, you're ready to proceed.
Connecting
Open the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client on the remote computer. In the text box, enter the server address:
vpn.utexas.edu
Click the "Connect" button.
A new window will open. In this window, enter 3 things:
Username: Your UT EID
Password: Your UT EID password
Duo Passcode: push
This will send a push notification to the Duo Mobile app on your mobile device. Open that app and tap the green button to allow the connection.
The connection attempt will time out pretty quickly, so if you don't get it in time, have your mobile device unlocked and ready, and try again.
(Note that there are other options for the Duo Passcode field - you can retrieve a time-limited code directly from the Duo Mobile app, and enter it here. You can also enter "sms" (without quotes) instead of "push" in order to receive a text message for approval.)
Once you are connected to the UT VPN service, open "Remote Desktop Connection" on the remote computer. Enter the full computer name of the system you wish to access in this format:
PGE-COMPUTER.austin.utexas.edu
(If you are not sure of the computer name, check with your IT department.)
Click Connect. If the connection is successful, you should see a prompt for your user credentials. You may need to click on "Use another account" if your remote computer is using a local account.
Enter your Username and Password in this format, with "Austin\" preceding your UT EID:
Username: Austin\YourUTEID
Password: (Your usual UT EID password)
You should now be connected to your UT computer. When you are ready to disconnect, you can click on the "X" at the top right of the Remote Desktop title bar, or select "Disconnect" from the Windows start button area.
This will keep your session running for the next time you log in. If you will not need to keep the session running, you can select "Log Off" or "Sign Out" instead.
AUTHENTICATION PROBLEMS:
You will need to have the appropriate permissions for remote access on the office computer. If you see an error message saying the logon method is not allowed, please contact PGE IT support at: pge-support@austin.utexas.edu
MAC USERS:
We do not currently have a standard method for connecting TO a Mac computer, but you can use a remote Mac computer to connect to a UT Windows-based computer.
For this, you will need to download the free Microsoft Remote Desktop software via the App Store that is built in to recent versions of Mac OS. Once you have that software, the layout is a bit different, but you will need to enter the same information that is listed above.