What Is Remote Desktop?
Is Remote Desktop the Right Tool for Me?
Working remotely can be challenging, especially when it comes to choosing the right tools to stay connected and productive. To better assist, we've created a guide to help you make the most informed decision. Start by listing the tasks you need to accomplish while working remotely. Consider factors such as data sensitivity, application requirements, and the need for collaboration. Then, use the table below to evaluate the options.
| Remote Desktop | Virtual Private Network (VPN) | Basic Internet Connectivity |
|---|---|---|
|
Ideal for accessing your on-campus, work computer from a different location. Use this option if you need to run applications that are only available on your office computer or if you require a secure environment for sensitive data. Also consider this option if you are working remotely from a personal device. |
Best for accessing the Texas A&M internal network securely. VPN allows you to be "on campus" from anywhere by providing the same level of access to resources as being directly connected to the campus network. Choose this option if you need to access shared drives, internal websites and applications (ex. Cisco Jabber and Finesse), or other network resources that are not available over the internet. Please visit our VPN page for additional information on how to connect. |
Suitable for tasks that do not require access to the Texas A&M network. This option is perfect for using cloud-based applications, email, and other internet-based services (Example: Microsoft 365 Suite, Zoom, etc.). |
Getting Started
Before you can use Remote Desktop for the first time, Health IT needs to configure your office computer for remote access. To request assistance, please reach out to the Health Technology Care Team.
After your office computer has been configured for remote access, you may view help documentation to learn how to connect from a macOS or Windows device using Remote Desktop.
Help and Support
Remote Desktop FAQs
Remote Desktop offers campus members convenience and flexibility by allowing them to access their work computer from another location. Campus members can continue their work seamlessly even if they are away from their primary workstation.
If you take your state-issued computer off campus, you generally won't need to use Remote Desktop since you'll have direct access to your files and applications. An exception to this may include the need to remotely access software installed on a lab computer.
Yes, you can use Remote Desktop while on campus. It allows you to access another computer remotely, even if both devices are on the same network. This can be useful for accessing specific applications or files on a different computer without physically being at that workstation.
Please contact the Health Technology Care Team to get started.
Generally, Remote Desktop is not permitted for shared workstations, such as classroom or clinic computers. An exception to this may include the need to remotely access a shared lab computer.
To request remote access to a shared device, please contact the Health Technology Care Team.
You may receive this error message for a few reasons. Below are some troubleshooting steps to take:
- Ensure you have the correct computer name or IP address
- Check your internet connection
- Ensure that you've been added as a remote user for the computer
If you have checked these items and it is still not working, please contact the Health Technology Care Team for assistance.