Set up and Use Remote Desktop Connection

Owned by Violet Cozzarin
Last updated: Dec 05, 2024 by Violet Cozzarin
4 min read

To remotely connect to your work computer from your personal computer, you must:

  1. Submit a ticket to have the Tech Team add you as a remote user on the computer to which you wish to connect.

  2. Install and run the Virtual Private Network (VPN) program called Cisco Secure Client (instructions found below).

  3. Install and run Remote Desktop (instructions found below).

 

If you have not already done so, please ensure you have installed Cisco Secure Client before continuing these instructions.
Install and Use Cisco Secure Client VPN

Connect to the VPN using Cisco Secure Client

  1. Open Cisco Secure Client by clicking the Start button and searching for it.

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  2. When the VPN client is running, you will see an icon in the taskbar notification area (lower-right corner). This can be used to control the VPN connection as well by clicking it.

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  3. Specify the VPN server: cn-vpn.uwaterloo.ca

  4. Click Connect.

  5. In the Group drop-down, select UW-General-Campus.

  6. Enter your WatIAM user ID credentials (e.g., lgchase and its password) and type out push in the Second Password field. This will send a push notification to the DUO app on your cell phone which you need to approve in order to continue.

  7. Click OK.

Connect to your computer using Remote Desktop Connection

  1. Click the Start button and type Remote.

  2. Click Remote Desktop Connection to open that app.

  3. In the Remote Desktop Connection window, type the name of the computer to which you want to connect (e.g., CSRV210.nexus.uwaterloo.ca).

  4. Click Show Options.


  5. Enter your WatIAM username as Nexus\username. 

  6. Check Allow me to save credentials.

  7. Click Connect.

  8. In the window that opens, type your WatIAM password and it should connect you to the computer.

You are now using the remote computer as if you are sitting at it. Please note that the connection can be very slow so please be patient with it. Some programs will take longer than normal to open, load, or save.
When done, be sure to sign out of the computer (don’t just lock it) by clicking the Start Menu, then click the user icon (at the top of the options), you should be able to click Sign Out.

Connect to the VPN using Cisco AnyConnect 

  1. Run Cisco Secure Client

  2. Specify the VPN server - cn-vpn.uwaterloo.ca

  3. Click Connect.

  4. In the Group drop-down, select UW-General-Campus.

  5. Enter your WatIAM user ID credentials (e.g., lgchase and its password) and enter push in the Second Password field. This will send a push notification to the DUO app on your cell phone which you need to approve in order to continue.

  6. When the client is active, the VPN connection can be controlled from the Menu Bar icon:

Download and Run Microsoft Remote Desktop 

  1. Launch the App store and search for Microsoft Remote Desktop or click this link - https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/microsoft-remote-desktop-10/id1295203466?mt=12

  2. Click View in Mac App Store.

  3. Click Install (you may need to sign into your Apple account).

  4. Once it is installed, you can find it in your LaunchPad or in your Applications folder as Microsoft Remote Desktop.

  5. Click Add Desktop to begin creating a desktop connection.

     

  6. A small window will appear within the application. Beside PC Name, enter the name of the computer you've been assigned to use remotely (e.g., CWHS09091.nexus.uwaterloo.ca).

  7. For User account, click the drop-down menu and then click Add User Account….


  8. Enter your WatIAM as nexus\userID and your password. Enter a Friendly name for the connection, if preferred.


  9. You are now ready to connect to the computer. Double-click the name of the computer to which you wish to connect.