Remote Connection
Using Remote DesktopGetting the IP or computer name
Connecting via other methods
Setting your smtp server
Microsoft FAQ on Remote Desktop
Note: As of 12/15/2006, Remote Desktop has changed.
To connect to the UW from a remote location, you need a computer that has Internet access. Some methods are: dial-up by modem, connecting via an Internet Service Provider through a DSL or cable modem line, or from a public terminal of some sort. Some hotels even advertise internet connectivity from their rooms. This is not the same as being on a Nebula network, however, and you should not expect the same functionality and speed. You will find more information about how to establish a connection to the UW at the Connecting Your Computer page, as well as "How do I use somebody else's network?". Please remember that there is no Nebula support for non-Nebula computers, and Nebula laptops are supported during regular business hours only.
If there is a Nebula computer at work that is available for you to connect to, you can use the Remote Desktop method to provide full access to your files and programs. If there is not, you will have more limited access; see the Other Access section for more information.
Remote Desktop
Remote desktop will allow you to access your work computer using another computer with a connection to the Internet. Your icons, programs and printers are all available. You can even transfer files between your systems. Besides an Internet connection, you will need the IP address or computer name for the computer you wish to connect to, and the Remote Desktop software. Most commonly, you'll want to connect to your work computer from home.
Getting the IP address and/or computer name
You can connect to your work computer via either its IP address, or its computer name. The IP address may change, if you leave your computer off for more than a day or two. For that reason, we recommend using the computer name, as that won't change.
- To get the IP address: open the Nebula Support icon, and note the four sets of numbers separated by periods. This is the IP address.
- To get the computer name, click Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> System. Then click on the "Computer Name" tab, and note what is listed as the full computer name
It doesn't matter whether you stay logged into your work computer, or log out before you leave, but the computer must be left on so you can connect to it.
Getting the Remote Desktop software
Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 all have the Remote Desktop Connection Client installed by default, usually located in: Start > Programs > Accessories. If you have Mac OS X version 10.4.9 (Tiger) or a later, you can download the Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac from the Microsoft site, or the Unix client from the Rdesktop site.
Running a remote session
To begin your session from your remote/home location, establish a connection to the Internet. Now run the remote desktop client. (If you are running Windows XP, you should be able to run it through Start > Programs > Accessories (sometimes > Communications). In the "Computer:" field, type in either the IP address, or your computer name.
The "Log into" field must be set to Nebula2. Click Connect, and you should get a login screen. Put in your regular Nebula login name and password, and hit Enter or click OK. You will be logged into your work computer, and have access to all programs, directories and files.
If you would like to be able to transfer files between your work and remote computers, click the Options button before you click Connect. On the Local Resources tab, click the "disk drives" box under the Local Devices section. Now when you connect, you will be able to copy files using the Copy and Paste commands. (You cannot drag-and-drop, however.)
You will be able to print both to the printers installed on your remote system, and any printer that you have connected directly to your local machine. If you have trouble, click the Help button on the Remote Desktop Connection window, and scroll through the Index tab to "printing to your local printer from a remote session".
When you are finished, click Start in the Remote Desktop window. To log off the remote computer, click "Log off". To remain logged into the remote computer, click "Disconnect". Either action will disconnect you from the remote computer and close the Remote Desktop window. You can also use Alt-Ctrl-End to bring up the regular Windows Security screen for the remote computer, and log off from there.
Connecting via other methods
Once you establish a connection to the UW via an ISP, you will be able to use the email programs http://webpine.washington.edu, PC Pine, or Homer Pine (the latter two are available through the UWICK). PC Pine will always ask for a password when used in this way. If you have problems sending mail with PC Pine, there are two possibilities: your SMTP server (see below) is not set correctly, or your Internet server provider has imposed restrictions that don't allow you to send email outside the u.washington.edu domain. In that case, you'll want to use Webpine or Homer Pine.
You will not have your H: or I: network drives, but you can use the Secure File Transfer Protocol to transfer files between your remote computer and the servers you normally use. See the Nebula SSH Secure Shell page for more information on using this program.
