Remote access to software

Owned by Miriam Rusu
Last updated: Nov 11, 2022 by Spencer Chen
2 min read

In partnership with IST (Information Systems & Technology), the Arts Computing Office offers remote access to applications used in some courses. Remote access allows a student to run a piece of software without installing it locally on their computer or working in a computer lab. Access is restricted to students registered in courses that are set up to use remote access to software.

Virtual applications currently available

  1. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) opening files (*.docx) 

  2. Free learning resources available to students for SAS

  3. Courses to access to SPSS VDI 

  4. Stata 15 IC 

Using a Web Browser

This option is not recommended because it requires extra sign-ins for each use, however, it can be used as a fallback.

  1. If you're off campus, connect to UWaterloo's Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Windows (you will need to be connected to the VPN or you will not be able to connect to the remote application server).

    1. If you're using Internet Explorer:

      1. Download the file of registration entries (e.g., SPSSVDI.reg) you have been provided with from LEARN and double-click it. 

    2. If you're using Firefox:

      1. Open Firefox and type about:config in the address bar.

      2. Click on Accept the Risk and Continue

      3. Type network.automatic-ntlm-auth.trusted-uris in search.

        about config address

      4. Double-click the Preference name of network.automatic-ntlm-auth.trusted-uris.

      5. Enter the URL https://appweb.uwaterloo.ca/RDWeb

  2. Using your browser, go to RD Web Access and log in with the domain/username as: nexus\userID (the userID is your WatIAM userID) and your WatIAM password.

  3. Once logged in, click on the virtual application.

  4. Make sure it says Open with Remote Desktop Connection (default) then click OK.

  5. Another window will appear asking if you want to trust the publisher of this RemoteApp program, click Connect.

  6. You will then be prompted to enter your credentials nexus\userID as the domain/username, and your WatIAM password. Click OK.

Connecting to your N:\ drive

Some students, faculty and staff are unable to open or locate files saved locally which would normally be accessed on a campus lab computer. If you are not on a campus lab computer, to access files locally you will need to map your N:\ drive (network drive).

Connecting to your OneDrive

OneDrive works in a similar manner as your N:\ drive, but with more space and a faster setup. Students, faculty and staff are able to access local files saved to OneDrive if they are not on campus. The campus VPN is also not necessary for connecting to your OneDrive. 

Microsoft OneDrive is available for all UW employees and students.

Complete the following steps to access your OneDrive:

  1. Go to portal.office.com.

  2. Enter your UWaterloo email and password. 

  3. Select OneDrive.