CSUMB students can access Windows lab computers via a remote desktop connection. Follow the six-step procedure below to utilize a lab computer from your personal computer.
Step 1: Establish a VPN connection
In order to establish a remote connection to a computer located in one of the labs on campus, you will need to be on the CSUMB Virtual Private Network (VPN). Due to the shelter in place mandate, all active students will be able to access the VPN.
To establish a VPN connection follow the guide for your operating system below:
If for some reason you are unable to access the VPN, you can submit a request for service here: https://csumb.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1846/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=43860
Step 2: Accessing the Remote Computing Access system
Once connected to the CSUMB VPN, click this button to see a list of available lab equipment:
This link will open a log in box, enter your CSUMB otterid/password. Once you have logged in, you will reach a homepage that will look like this:
Step 3: Selecting an available lab computer
On the left side of the landing page, is a list of available labs. Any device listed as "Support coming soon" has not been enabled for remote connection at this time, so you will need to select a different lab from the list to see active devices.
Note: For more information on software availabilities in the labs please visit: Remote Lab Access: Which Lab Should I Choose?
A lab with computers that support remote connections will have an option to connect (highlighted below with an arrow). Select "Connect" to establish a connection to this computer.
Step 4: Installing Remote Desktop & Connecting To Lab Machine
The instructions for installing Microsoft Remote Desktop (requred for remote lab access) are dependent on the operating system of your personal computer.
To install and use Microsoft Remote Desktop follow the guide for your operating system below:
Step 5: Using the software
At this point, the software will open and you will see the log in page of the lab computer. Log in with your CSUMB username/password. Enter "csumb\" before your username as shown below.
Note: If your login box does not have a space for you to type in a username please see: Remote Lab Access: Alternative Windows 10 Login
Once logged in, you should see the remote computer's desktop and can start utilizing the remote lab computer:
The remote desktop software is a window. You can still access your personal computer outside of the application by using the minimize tool at the top of the software.
Step 6: Closing the software and disconnecting
Before closing the software, make sure to log out of the lab computer as you would in person. This will allow others to use the device immediately after you, rather than having to wait for the computer to automatically log out of your account.
To close the software, log out of the lab computer as you normally would in person then press the "x" at the top of the remote desktop software.
You can then disconnect from the CSUMB GlobalProtect VPN.
Lab maintenance
Computer maintenance ensures lab computers run smoothly and are updated/patched to protect against malware and other threats.
- All lab computers will be restarted at midnight every day of the week.
- When needed, lab computers will be taken offline to perform maintenance. We typically schedule maintenance between 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM but this is subject to change depending on the severity/importance of the maintenance.