Using Remote Desktop to Login From Home
- Chris Watson
Installing the VPN Software
In a web browser, go to UW’s VPN website: https://cn-vpn.uwaterloo.ca
Sign in using your UW user name and password. The user name should not include “nexus\” or “@uwaterloo.ca”.
The “Second Password” field is for DUO 2FA authentication. In this field, enter one of the following:
‘push’ to receive a push notification on your phone
the passcode from your DUO FOB, the DUO Mobile app, or provided by an administrator
Click the “Download for Windows” button.
Save and run the downloaded installer.
Connecting the VPN Software
From the Start Menu, find and run the shortcut for “Cisco Secure Client”
It is located under the “Cisco” folder.
You will need to type in the name of the VPN server. The name is “cn-vpn.uwaterloo.ca”. Click “Connect”.
You will be asked for your user name and password. Sign in using your UW user name and password. The user name should not include “nexus\” or “@uwaterloo.ca”.
The “Second Password” field is for DUO 2FA authentication. In this field, enter one of the following:
‘push’ to receive a push notification on your phone
the passcode from your DUO FOB, the DUO Mobile app, or provided by an administrator
When connected, the software runs in the background with its icon in the system tray next to the clock in the lower right corner of the screen.
Disconnecting the VPN Software
Click on the “Cisco Secure Client”icon in the system tray, then click the “Disconnect” button.
Running Remote Desktop
From the Start Menu, find and run the shortcut for “Remote Desktop Connection”
It is located in the “Windows Accessories” folder.
You will need to type in the name of your office computer. The name should be on the front of your computer. It will be something like “PLTOP###” Remote Desktop needs the full name of your computer which is “pltop###.nexus.uwaterloo.ca”
You will be asked for a user name and password. Use your UW user name and password. The user name must include “nexus\”, so your full user name is “nexus\username”
Ending Your Remote Desktop Connection
There are 2 options for ending your connection:
Logoff: This will close all running programs and logoff the computer, similar to when you are physically at your desk.
Disconnect: This will leave all programs running and lock the computer. The next time you login, either while physically at your desk or using Remote Desktop, you will be able to resume working where you left off. This is similar to locking your computer when you are physically at your desk.