Remote-labs

The following computer labs are available for remote access.

  • ECT 123
  • ET 201
  • ET 204
  • MSTB 224

Rules for Remote Desktop


IMPORTANT:  Always visit UCI Engineering Remote Access to find an available computer.
      
DO NOT USE a previous .rdp file because you run the risk of interrupting someone's session without warning to them.
You risk losing remote access privilege if you disrupt someone else's session.

DO NOT USE more than one session at a time.
You risk losing remote access privilege if you connect to more than one computer at a time.

IMPORTANT: You will be logged off after 30 minutes of inactivity.


Instructions for Remote Access:


STEP 1 - Connect to UCI VPN, use the default connection settings.



                ALWAYS DO THIS - Do not use a previous .rdp file or else you may disrupt someone's session


STEP 3 - Find an available computer and click "Connect"
               NOTE: if a computer is in use, it will not show up on the list


STEP 4 - Download the connection file and then click on it. It should open with Remote Desktop Services.


STEP 5 - Login with your UCINetID in the following format:  ucinetid@UCI.EDU

                PLEASE save your work often in case VPN freezes.

STEP 6 - When you are done Disconnect from the Start Menu.


Questions (FAQ):

1) The computers are offline. The error message says the lab computers are not connected.
  • You will see this message if you did NOT connect to VPN or if VPN is having network issues on campus.
  • Please know, in addition to installing the software, you need to connect to VPN every time you use it.
  • If you continue to see this message, contact HSSOE IT staff, lpreble@uci.edu
  • You can check if VPN is down at the OIT website.

2) The error message says the computers are not available.
  • Trust me, the computers are available.
    • Again, check your VPN connection
    • Hover your mouse over the VPN icon in the lower right of your screen. You should see “VPN Connected”.

  • If you cannot get it to work then try reinstalling the Cisco VPN software.
    • Make sure you use the default connection, don’t change anything
  • Make sure you connect each and every time you use VPN
    • Installing is the first step, then you need to connect.
    • Create a shortcut so it's easy to find.
    • Click on the shortcut or Cisco AnyConnect and select "Connect"
  • Otherwise your anti-virus software might be blocking the connection.
  • When you click on the RDP link, you should see a logon to the computer.


2) What if I have a Mac?
  • Sorry, you need to use Windows Remote Desktop Client due to an authentication setting that does not work on the Mac version.
  • The workaround is to use a Windows VM. Install and then start UCI VPN inside the Windows VM, download the .rdp file, then click on it.
  
3) Can I keep my documents saved on the computer?
  • There's no guarantee the same computer will be available he next time you want to use it, so please save to cloud storage such as UCI Google Drive.

4) Are there any time limits?
  • There are currently no time limits as long as you are working. However, you will be disconnected after 30 minutes of idle.
  • We'll consider making changes depending on usage or problems during Spring quarter.

5) Will we still have this service when UCI opens?
  • Hopefully. I'm working with LabStats to have RDP scheduled so we can use it when certain labs close in the evenings. However, this service probably won't work in labs open 24 hours.

6) Can I use the computer labs to run Matlab simulations lasting several hours and on more than one computer?
  • Absolutely not, we will not make any exceptions. The purpose of the HSSOE computer labs is to facilitate instruction, not research.
  • The HPC has Matlab and it's purpose is to serve UCI's research needs. Please use the HPC, they have plenty of tutorials and instructional guides to get you started.
  • Again, if we see you using multiple PC's you may lose your remote access privilege.

7) The RDP connection is slow.

The computers in the lab are fine. The network connection in the lab is fine and the video cards are good.
If the refresh is slow. It’s likely due to your connection or laptop.
Or, VPN is slow and that’s definitely a possibility. Try the new VPN connection, vpn2.uci.edu
If you have the ability to use Ethernet at home, that would also be a good idea.

This webpage suggests lowering the color rate:
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/speed-up-remote-desktop-windows-7/


Updated 3/26/2020
Lisa Preble