Built into Windows is a program that allows you to operate a computer remotely, called Remote Desktop Connection. This program is available on all computers on campus, and you can use it to access a campus computer while on the network.
Note: You can only use this program to operate an RMC computer if you are using a computer on the campus' academic network, and you are trying to connect to a computer that is also on the campus' academic network. You will not be able to access a computer on campus from elsewhere using Remote Desktop Connection.
Before attempting to connect to a computer on campus, you will need to know its "name". You can find this out by clicking the start button in Windows Vista or Windows 7, right-clicking on "Computer", and clicking "Properties" on the drop down menu. The properties window will show you the computer's name.
In Windows XP, you can find the name of a computer by right-clicking "My computer" in the start menu and choosing "Properties" from the drop-down menu.
To start the program in Windows Vista and Windows 7:
- Click the start button in the lower-left corner of your desktop.
- In the "search" box provided, type in the word "remote."
- Click on "Remote Desktop Connection" from among the programs that are then displayed.
To start the program in Windows XP: - Click on the Start button.
- Navigate to the Programs menu, then accessories.
- Click on the Communications menu.
- From within the Communications menu, click "Remote Desktop Connection."
Once the program has launched, you will see the following window:
To direct the program to the computer you want to connect to, you will use the computer's name followed by .rmc.edu. In the picture above, simply replace the word "secure" in the field beside "Computer" with the computer's name, and the connection will proceed.
After you have connected, the remote computer will respond and ask for your username and password. You will be able to log on using your RMC credentials. If it is asking you to log in with someone else's name, click "use another account" to specifiy your own credentials.
Once you've logged in, you will see the remote computer load its desktop. The desktop wallpaper will likely be replaced with a solid blue and black color, and along the top of the screen you will see some additional controls and options.
When you are ready to disconnect from the remote computer, it is best to log off of it as you would any other computer on campus: Click the start button, click the small arrow beside the Hibernate and Lock buttons, and choose "Log Off" from the list of options.