Note: CAEN recommends using the Virtual CAEN Lab service in place of the terminal servers. These servers offer a greater number of available software applications.

Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) is a component of Microsoft Windows that allows a user to access applications and data on a remote computer over the network. This page describes how to install and use the RDC software with the CAEN Terminal Server. By logging into the terminal server, eligible CAEN computing account holders can make use of several engineering applications and services from home. For a list of the applications available on the terminal server, please refer to our terminal server software listing.

Installing Remote Desktop Connection on Windows

All computers that run a version of Windows XP or later should already have the Remote Desktop Connection client installed. If you are using Windows XP or later, continue to the next section. If you are using an older version of Windows, please follow these steps:

1. While connected to the internet point your Internet browser to:
   • www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/tools/rdclientdl.mspx
2. Find the file named msrdpcli.exe. Click on this file in order to download it.
3. In the File Download dialog box click on Run this program from its current location and then click OK.
4. After the download has completed the Security Warning dialog box will appear - click Yes.
5. Next an InstallShield Wizard for Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) will appear - click Next.
6. In the License Agreement box click on the choice that states I accept the terms in the license agreement and then click Next.
7. In the Customer Information box enter your information and then click Next.
8. In the next dialog box click Install to install the RDC Client.
9. After the installation is complete the last installation wizard box will appear - click Finish.
10. You must restart your computer and reconnect to the internet in order to use the RDC Client and before you can connect to a terminal server.

Setting up the Windows Remote Desktop Connection

From the Start menu, select Programs > Accessories > Communications > Remote Desktop Connection. In the dialog box, enter caen-ntts.engin.umich.edu and then click Connect:

Enter your U-M uniqname as the User name, and your ITCS (UMICH) Password in the login box. Make sure the Log on to domain is UMICH.EDU (Kerberos Realm):

After entering your correct User name and Password, you will be granted a session to the terminal server and may use any of the installed applications.

Connecting to the Terminal Server in Mac OS

On CAEN Macs, the Remote Desktop Connection software is available at:

Applications folder > Communication Tools > Remote Desktop Connection

If you have a personal Mac computer, Microsoft offers a free download of the Remote Desktop Connection client. See the Other Products section of the following web page:

• http://www.microsoft.com/mac/

Connecting to the Terminal Server in Linux

At the prompt (%) on any CAEN Linux machine, type rdesktop caen-ntts.engin.umich.edu. A box containing a normal Windows login screen will appear. Log in with your U-M uniqname and ITCS (UMICH) password, as you would on a regular CAEN lab PC. For more information, type man rdesktop.

If you have a personal Linux computer, you can download a free client at:

• http://www.rdesktop.org/

Restrictions on the CAEN Terminal Server

In general, the terminal server looks and feels like a Windows machine that you would find in a CAEN computing lab. However, there are some differences that should be noted:

• Due to either compatibility issues on the system and/or licensing restrictions placed on terminal servers by software vendors, a great majority of applications that are available on CAEN lab PCs cannot be installed on the terminal server. For example, many software vendors restrict CAEN from adding their applications to a terminal server, as it is seen as a way to avoid licensing costs. Also, many software programs do not operate well in a multi-user environment like a terminal server. See our software listing for more information on applications that are available.
• The server is configured with software restriction policies; users may only launch administrator approved applications. These policies prevent installation or launch of unauthorized applications.
• There are limits to how long one may stay connected to the terminal server.
• Login access to the CAEN terminal server is restricted to CAEN account holders with access to CAEN computing labs.

Accessing Online File Storage

In addition to granting access to several CAEN software applcations, the terminal server will automatically connect to several file storage locations and mount them as network drives under My Computer, exactly like what is done on PCs in CAEN computing labs. These drives include: