Remote Desktop Instructions for the Mac
Downloading and Installing the Remote Desktop client
In order to access the Windows VCL machines, you will need to download and install the Remote Desktop Client for Mac OS X from the Microsoft web site. To install the Remote Desktop client follow the instructions provided by Microsoft on the download page.
Once the Mac Remote Desktop client is installed, you can connect to the ODU Virtual Computer Lab to make a reservation. Follow the steps as they are outlined on the "How to Create a Reservation" page.
Configuring the Remote Desktop Client
When you are preparing to make a reservation connection to the VCL there are several options within the Remote Desktop Client that you will want to configure before you make the connection. These settings should minimally include your screen size, and local resources.
Setting the Size of the Remote Desktop
The Remote Desktop client can display the VCL compute node in full screen or a windowed mode. To set the screen size, edit the RDP connection settings and click on the "Display" tab. Choose your screen size and the number of colors that you wish displayed. If you are using a slower type connection using a smaller desktop size and fewer colors will improve performance.
Accessing Local Resources (Drives and Printers)
In addition to video setting, the Remote Desktop client allows you to decide whether to share your local resources with the VCL compute node. Sharing these resources allows you to use these local resources from the compute node.
While editing the RDP connection preferences you can click on the "Drives" tab and provide access for the Remote Desktop client to local drives. This can be the anything from all the drives down to just a specific directory or none.
Additionally, while editing the RDP connection preferences you can click on the "Printers" tab and provide access for the Remote Desktop client to your locally configured printers.
Follow the same procedure for the other resources you wish to share or not share.
Connect to a VCL Machine
Once you have edited the preferences, to connect to a VCL machine you will need to connect to the IP address that you received via email or that was presented to you from the VCL web interface. After typing in the IP address, click the Connect button.
The Windows XP login screen will not appear either in full screen or windowed depending on how you configured your Remote Desktop client. Type in your ID you used to log into the VCL and type the password that you received via email or via the VCL Web interface, then click OK to log in.
Disconnecting
The VCL system will begin sending you notifications ten minutes before your reservation time is up. Begin to save your work at that point. When you are finished, close the Remote Desktop client to disconnect or you can click Start > Logoff. If you are done a lot earlier than your reservation was for, go back to your "Current Reservations" in the VCL, click the Edit button beside the current reservation and click the "I'm Finished With This Reservation" button to release it.