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This service allows Towson University faculty and staff to connect remotely to their Windows-based
Towson computer from any other computer (home, hotel or different location on campus).
Once connected, you will have access to all software and data, just as if you were actually
sitting at that computer.
OTS Training provides a self-help document to assist you in getting started:
Remote Desktop Gateway (Accessing Your Towson Computer Remotely)
Quick Link: Remote Desktop Connection File
Note for Windows XP SP3 users: There have been issues reported when trying to connect to Windows 2008 servers using the Remote Desktop Gateway on Windows XP SP3 systems. If you receive connection errors trying to connect to Windows 2008-based systems, information on how to fix the issue is available at Knowledge Center Article 751.
Who should use this service?
Use the matrix below to decide whether the Remote Desktop Gateway is the correct connection
method for you:
|
Scenario |
Preferred Connection Method |
|
Remote Desktop Gateway (this service) |
Virtual Workspace (VW) |
Remote Desktop in VW |
VPN |
|
Faculty/staff who need to access their Windows-based office computer from an
off-campus Windows-based computer |
X |
|
|
|
|
Faculty/staff who need to access their Windows-based office computer from an
off-campus non-Windows computer (e.g., Mac) |
|
|
X |
|
|
Full-time faculty who need to access software or files on their Windows-based
office computer from a classroom computer |
X |
|
|
|
|
Faculty/staff who need to access specific published applications (such as
Outlook, Word, PASW, Crystal Reports, etc.) in Virtual Workspace, or who do not have an
office computer (e.g., adjunct faculty) and wish to access network file shares
(H, O drives) |
|
X |
|
|
|
Server administrators or vendors need to access a Windows Server from on or off
campus |
X |
|
|
|
|
Server administrators or vendors need to access a Unix/Linux Server from off
campus |
|
|
|
X |
The OTS Training Self-Help Documents site provides instructions for
accessing your office computer remotely by using this Remote Desktop Gateway service or by using
Remote Desktop within Virtual Workspace (VW).
Downloads
Documentation
Instructions on using the Remote Desktop Gateway service are provided here:
http://www.towson.edu/adminfinance/ots/Training/documentation/Remote%20Access/RemoteDesktopGatewayAccess.pdf
RDP Connection File
As described in the documentation, you can save an .RDP (Remote Desktop Connection) file on your home
desktop to allow you to connect to your office computer. The file below has the necessary configuration
settings enabled. It is recommended that you save this file to your desktop so it is always available:
Remote Desktop Connection File
Remote Desktop Connection Software
Your home Windows computer should be running the latest version of the Remote Desktop Connection software.
If you are running Windows 7, then you already have the latest version of the client.
Download the latest Remote Desktop Connection 7.0 client here. This client update
enables you to use the new Remote Desktop Services features. If you find that your system is
having issues connecting to the remote system or would like to update your existing client to
improve performance and reliability, please download from one of the links below based on your
home computer's operating system:
Enabling remote access on your Towson computer
OTS has created a computer policy that will automatically add your NetID to the Remote Desktop Users group on any computer you have physically logged into. If you are a faculty/staff member and wish to be able to access your desktop remotely, log in physically to it at least once.
Server Administrators and Advanced Configuration
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below are some frequently asked questions:
Q: Will my Mac computer work with the Remote Desktop Gateway service?
A: Unfortunately, individuals using Mac computers at home or campus will not be able to use the
Remote Desktop Gateway. However, home Mac users attempting to connect to a Windows-based Towson
computer can open Remote Desktop through Virtual Workspace by visiting the
Remote
Access page for OTS Training Self-Help Documents, and scrolling
down to the "Accessing Your Towson Windows Computer Remotely From a Mac" documents. Q: Will my remote desktop session disconnect after certain about of idle time?
A: Yes, if the session is left running without any activity, the session will disconnect
after 3 hours of idle time. You can reconnect back to the same session at any time. In addition,
your office computer will lock itself after 15 minutes of idle time, prompting you to log back in
when you return to the session. Q: How can I leave my session running so it is available the next time I log in?
A: Instead of logging off of your office computer at the end of your session, you can simply "disconnect"
the session so that it's available when you log back in (either at home or at the office).
To disconnect instead of logging off, click the close ("X") button
in the top connection bar in your Remote Desktop session; you will be prompting
with a confirmation that you are disconnecting rather than logging off. Q: Why does it not look like my computer when I log in?
A: By default, the settings in the connection file you downloaded will prevent you from seeing
your background (wallpaper) on your office computer. This can substantially improve performance.
If you wish to enable the feature, click the "Server Administrators and Advanced Configuration" section
above and visit the Knowledge Article article; then go to the "Advanced Options
for Remote Desktop Connection Software" section, specifically, the "Experience" tab options. Q: How do I get the computer name of my office computer?
A: Click the link at the top of this web page to visit the OTS Training Self-Help Document; the document
describes how to get the computer name in the "Preparing Your Office Computer" section. If you're sure that
your computer is already prepare for remote access, and that your account has been granted the necessary
permissions, you can find your computer name by doing one of the following:
For Windows Vista/7: Right-click on the Computer icon on the desktop, and click Properties.
A window will appear; scroll down to the bottom to the "Computer name" field. For Windows XP: Right-click on the My Computer icon on the desktop, and click System Properties.
A window will appear; click on the Computer Name tab, and find the name in the "Computer name" field.
Q: Why does it take two tries to access my office desktop?
A: Campus computers are set to go into "standby" when they are not in use.
The first time you attempt to connect, it may fail since you are in the process
of "waking up" the computer. If the first connection attempt fails, please try it again. Q: How do I print to a home printer while working on my office computer?
A: By default, this option is disabled. If you wish to enable the feature, click the
"Server Administrators and Advanced Configuration" section
above and visit the Knowledge Article article; then go to the "Printing from an Office Computer
to a Home Printer" section.
Click to expand all topics above.
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