Remote connection may prevent others from using the machine during a scheduled class. By following these instructions and accessing computers remotely, you must ensure that you are not interfering with a scheduled class. If you remotely access a computer during a class and refuse to log off when prompted, or forget to log off, your remote access privilege will be suspended.
If you are working remotely and are asked to disconnect due to another student using the computer for class, you are expected to save your work and log off.
You can remotely connect to the computers in the Music Hall and Environmental Health and Safety Building (East Campus Mall) from your personal Mac or Windows computer. Remote connection allows you to connect and control a computer as if you were sitting in front of it in the lab; you have access to all of the applications that are installed on that machine!
1. Remote access requires a VPN connection. Install the Palo Alto GlobalProtect VPN for Mac or Windows
The portal address is: uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu
2. Depending on your operating system, download and extract WinRemoteDesktops Music Hall (Windows PC) or MacRemoteDesktops Music Hall (Mac) or East Campus Mall Remote Access (works for both Mac and PC).
Windows specific instructions
The computer name files within the RDC Shortcuts folder should be set to open with an app named Remote Desktop Connection that is part of Windows.
1. The RDC Shortcuts folder contains a list of computers that are available for remote connection assuming they are available and turned on, double-click on one to connect. You will see the following message, click Connect:
2. The next message will prompt you to enter your NetID and password (credentials):
Be Considerate
If someone is already logged into the computer, please try another computer. If you proceed with your request, the other user will only have 30 seconds to deny your request (and potentially lose their work, etc.). They will see your NetID and will likely contact their instructor or department administration that they lost work because of a remote access takeover.
4. Sign out of the computer that you are accessing as you would if you were sitting in front of it; Start Menu -> User Icon ->Sign Out
Mac specific instructions
1. Download and install Microsoft Remote Desktop from the App store.
2. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop and select Connections from the menu bar and select Import from RDC file from the dropdown menu.
3. Navigate to the RDCShortcuts folder that you downloaded earlier, select the folder, and click Import.
4. Now your PCs list should look like this:
5. Connect to a computer by double-clicking. Remember there may be many others logging in. A connection bar will show up, then You will be prompted for your user account. Use your NetID and Password to log in
You may get a warning about certificates:
Click Continue
Be Considerate
If someone is already logged into the computer, please try another computer. If you proceed with your request, the other user will only have 30 seconds to deny your request (and potentially lose their work, etc.). They will see your NetID and will likely contact their instructor or department administration that they lost work because of a remote access takeover.
6. Sign out of the computer that you are accessing as you would if you were sitting in front of it; Start Menu -> User Icon ->Sign Out