Remote Desktop Instructions for Windows Machines
The Remote Desktop client for Windows XP and Vista systems is built in with the operating system. Microsoft does provide updates and their site should be checked for updates to your version.
To connect from a Windows Machine launch the Remote Desktop connection software. For Windows XP users this can be found under Start > Programs > Accessories > Communcations > Remote Desktop Client For Windows Vista users this can be found under Start > Programs > ..... For Windows 2000 and earlier operating systems you will need to download and install the client from Microsoft.
Connecting to the VCL
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 options 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 options you can click on the "Local Resources" tab and provide access for the Remote Desktop client to local drives and printer.
Lastly, to help in providing an adequate experience for your session you can specify attributes which may help improve performance. If you click on the "Experience" tab you will be provided a number of options which will assist Windows in providing throughput for the session. These include your connection speed (anything from a 28.8 Kbps modem connection to LAN speed) to whether your client displays background bitmaps.
Once you have edited the options, 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.