Access a Windows Server from a GCTS Mac
Some specific tasks are only able to be completed on a Windows machine. For these tasks GCTS has created a virtual desktop environment which Mac users can remote into using the GCTS credentials in a safe and secure manner.
Install Windows App
Open Self Service on your Mac
- Click the Install button under "Windows App." This app will install and will need to be configured to reach the server/virtual computer that you are trying to access
Create Connection in Windows App
- Open Windows App
- Click on the plus arrow in the top right corner.
- Click Add PC in the drop down that appears.
- Fill in the information below in the box that opens:
-
PC Name: The name which is given to the server in question. The name will always end in .gordonconwell.edu. This will be sent to you by IT before setup. (ex. for the Sonis admissions tool, the name of the server is Windows-VDI.gordonconwell.edu)
-
Credentials: Keep on Ask when required. Thus everytime you login you will be met with a request for your GCTS username and password
-
Friendly name: Input a name here if desired to remind you what the computer is for
- Keep everything else in the General tab as default
- Keep everything in Display tab as default
- Keep everything in Devices & Audio tab as default.
- Keep everything in Folders tab as default
- Once finished click Add
- The new computer is now saved to your Saved PCs and can be accessed by double clicking it, and entering in your GCTS email addresss and password when prompted. If you are not on campus you will also need to turn on the VPN first before attempting access. You may now use the system like a regular Windows computer to complete your tasks.
-
This system can only be used by one user at a time. If you attempt to remote in when another user is logged in, the system will ask if you would like to disconnect the other user who is connected. Please choose no, and before attempting to reconnect check with the other users of the server in question to see who is logged in and make sure that they are able to save their work before logging out.
- Logging out of the system is important because of the issue above. To log out of a Windows computer, please click on the Windows icon in the bottom left corner, then click on your face/silhouette and click log out. This will also close the fullscreen window that was opened for the server.