Remote Desktop access

There are over 2,000 computers across campus. Some are managed by IT Services and are mostly accessible by all students. School-managed computer labs have restricted access and are only available to those that belong to the specific school/department.

How to connect to a campus computer using your Windows or MacOS device.

To use the Remote Desktop Connection to access a computer on campus remotely, you will need to make sure you have completed steps 1 -3;

Step 1

Connect to the VPN

Log into the VPN (Cisco Secure Client).

Instructions for different devices can be found via the link at the bottom of the page. To connect to the VPN, you will be required to use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).

For details on how to enrol your mobile device with Duo Mobile app, please use the link below.

VPN Instructions Multi-Factor Authentication - DUO

Step 2

Confirm OS

  • Find an available computer ready to connect to (Computer & Software Availability system) 
  • Make a note of the operating system of both your computer and the University computer you would like to connect to (the remote computer) i.e., macOS, Windows, or Linux.

Note: You can find the operating system of the remote computer by looking at the icon for the computer on Keyserver.

Computer & Software Availability system

Step 3

Select software required

MacOS personal device - You will need to download the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the App store if you are using a MacOS device. 

Windows personal device - If you are using a Windows device, this is automatically built into your device.

  • Make sure to download and install the software before proceeding (MacOS users only).
  • You can connect to a campus Microsoft computer remotely from either a Windows or MacOS device. We are unable to support any other remote connections currently.
  • Once you have found which software you need to use, follow the relevant instructions to install it and move on to the next step on how to make a connection.

Note: When connecting to a computer lab machine, please do not use an old file you had previously downloaded. The machine may be in use.

 

Connecting to a MacOS computer with Microsoft Remote Desktop

Important: Please ensure the machine you wish to use is available before attempting remote access.

  1. Go to the Computer & Software Availability system
  2. From the Availability Dashboard, click on your room choice. MacsOS are only available in Haslegrave - N006 and James France - CC128.
  3. Check which machines are available. The colour coding will help with this. Green is 'Available' and Red is 'In use'
  4. Click on the icon of a free computer and then click to reserve it
  5. Click the ‘Download’ button to download the file
  6. Open the file from your downloads (This will download the .rdp file to Downloads. You will need to open this file for it to open in Microsoft Remote Desktop)
  7. You may receive a prompt saying the identity of the PC can't be verified. This is normal, and you can select Connect anyway
  8. When prompted, enter your username and password
  9. Then, click ‘Continue’
  10. Finally when prompted by the message, click ‘Continue’
  11. Once you have finished the session you must logout to release the machine

Connecting to a Windows computer with Microsoft Remote Desktop

Important: Please ensure the machine you wish to use is available before attempting remote access.

  1. Go to the Computer & Software Availability system.
  2. From the Availability Dashboard, click on your room choice.
  3. Check which machines are available. The colour coding will help with this. Green is 'Available' and Red is 'In use'.
  4. Click on the icon of a free computer and then click to reserve it.
  5. Click the ‘Download’ button to download the file.
  6. This will automatically open Remote Desktop Connection.
  7. When prompted, enter your username and password with ‘LUNET\’ before your username.
  8. Then, click ‘Continue’
  9. Finally when prompted by the message, click ‘Continue’.
  10. Once you have finished the session you must log out to release the machine.

Computer and Software Availability system

The availability dashboard displays information on real-time computer lab bookings:

  • Current live bookings (red)
  • Self-service 24/7 computers (Orange)
  • Teaching labs – Taught (Blue)
  • Remote access computers (Purple)

Software availability - The Software section presents an A-Z listing of software installs.

Maps - Search for computer labs close to your current location. Please check the digital signage outside the room to see details of upcoming bookings.‌

Computer and Software Availability system