Table of Contents
Remote Lab
The RemoteLab service offers Libraries users access to computers in Bird library from any location on or off campus via an Internet connection. Remoting into the lab computer is like sitting in front of it, even though you are at a different location. You will have access to all of Bird library's computer software. Alternatively, basic public lab computing should be accessed via Syracuse University's Remote Desktop Services.
We have a limited number of concurrent connections for RemoteLab, so we strongly recommend that you only use the libraries RemoteLab for special software applications, and that all Microsoft Office applications be accessed either via Office 365 online or through the MS Office download on you own computer.
Differences
| Libraries Remote Lab | SU's Remote Desktop Services |
|---|---|
| Libraries software | Public lab software |
Intended for libraries users needing library specific software or cpu/gpu intensive computing | Intended for the general university community looking for basic computing |
Fast and stable internet connection required | Stable internet connection required |
Auto-logout after about 25 minutes of inactivity, 15 minute window to re-connect back to previous session after an accidental disconnect | Idle sessions will automatically be logged out after 2 hours. |
| Logins limited to one machine at a time | One session can be active per user. Logging into another session will disconnect from the previous and reconnect on the new session |
| Users are able to connect via a remote desktop client only | Users are able to access RDS via the remote desktop client (RDP) or via a web browser |
The remote machines don't have access to your USB memory sticks or portable hard drives; use the H drive, G drive, OneDrive, Google Drive, or Email.
Remote Lab from a PC
- Create a VPN connection using SURA (follow the Download SURA to your Computer and Launch SURA steps only, then proceed to step 2).
- Connect to a remote lab computer available here by clicking on the Connect link for the available station. Once you click on Connect, a message will pop up letting you know the computer has been temporarily reserved in your name, you will have 3 minutes to log in and claim the reservation. Click Download to download the .rdp file needed to connect.
- A .rdp file will be downloaded, click to open it.
- A warning window will open, click Connect.
- Enter your netid@syr.edu and password credentials to connect (click on More choices and Use a different account if your SU account is not listed automatically).
- A certificate message window will open, click Yes to connect.
- When you're finished with your session, click on the Windows Start menu→User name and select Sign out to end your session.
You may also need to click the X on the top blue bar to completely end your session on dual screen setups.
- To re-connect to a station again, make sure to establish the VPN connection first, then repeat steps 2-7.
Please remember to disconnect from the SU network. In the SURA utility, click File > Exit And Disconnect.
If you receive a message "Your computer can't connect to the remote computer because an error occurred on the remote computer..." when trying to connect, this means that all remote computers are in use. Please try again later.
If you receive a message "Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons..." check to make sure you started the VPN first.
Remote Lab from a Mac
- Create a VPN connection using these steps, then proceed to step 2.
- An RDP client is required in order to connect remotely. Visit the Mac app store and install the free Microsoft Remote Desktop app.
- Connect to a remote lab computer available here by clicking on the Connect link for the available station. Once you click on Connect, a message will pop up letting you know the computer has been temporarily reserved in your name, you will have 3 minutes to log in and claim the reservation. Click Download to download the .rdp file needed to connect.
- A .rdp file will be downloaded, click to open it.
- A login window will open, enter your netid@syr.edu and password and click Continue.
- A certificate message window will open, click Continue.
- When you're finished with your session, click on the Windows Start menu→User name and select Sign out to end your session.
- To re-connect to a station again, make sure to establish the VPN connection first, then repeat steps 3-7.
Please remember to disconnect your VPN connection as well (top-right corner of your Mac menu bar).
If you receive a message "Your computer can't connect to the remote computer because an error occurred on the remote computer..." when trying to connect, this means that all remote computers are in use. Please try again later.
If you receive a message "Remote Desktop can't connect to the remote computer for one of these reasons..." check to make sure you started the VPN first.
You can switch back to the macOS environment by moving the mouse pointer to the upper top edge of the screen, which will show the Mac menu bar. You can also swipe left and right on the touch pad (four fingers).
The Microsoft Remote Desktop app tends to crash every now and then, dumping you back to the macOS desktop.