Remote access instructions for the Meliora 178 computing classroom

Preface

I'm Chris Freemesser, the IT Manager for Brain & Cognitive Sciences.

To allow you to complete your coursework for this semester we've configured the Meliora 178 computing classroom so you can access the computers in the lab remotely. If you experience any problems with the system please email me directly at "cfreemes@ur.rochester.edu" for assistance.

When using this system please act responsibly and be respectful of your other class members. Abuse of the remote access system will result in increased security restrictions that may restrict/prevent your ability to access the classroom.

How this works

There are two steps to the process:

1) You need to connect to the UR network, either locally (if you're on campus) or via VPN (if you're off campus)

2) You will remotely control one of the computers in the lab using VNC (Virtual Network Connection)

Both steps require you to perform some basic configuration on your personal computer.

Step 1 - network connectivity

If you're on-campus and connected to the UR network (either through an Ethernet connection or a wifi connection to a NON-GUEST UR wifi network), then proceed to Step 2. If you are off-campus, you need to make a VPN connection to the UR network.

Virtual Private Network, or VPN, allows you to securely connect to a remote network (in this case the UR River Campus network). If you don't already have your computer configured for a RC VPN connection, please follow these instructions for enabling VPN & Duo authentication:

https://tech.rochester.edu/services/remote-access-vpn/

Step 2 - Installing VNC & remotely connecting

VNC Viewer is a free app that allows you to remotely control another computer. You will use this to remotely control one of the computers in Meliora 178.

1. Go to https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/download/viewer/ and download the correct version of VNC Viewer for your operating system

2. Install the program on your computer...the installer is straightforward with no options to choose.

3. Run the "VNC Viewer" application.

4. The VNC Viewer application has field for you to enter the address of the computer you want to connect to. Each computer in Mel178 has an address equal to:

128.151.170.x

Where "x" is a number between 66 and 85 inclusive.

66 through 80 are assigned to computers that can only be used remotely...these are the preferred addresses you should try using first.

81-85 are for computers that can be used both remotely and in-person and should ONLY be used if 66-80 are all currently in use.

85 does NOT have Prism installed.

Pick an address within the appropriate range (for example, 128.151.170.74), enter it into the field, and hit Return.

5. VNC Viewer is going to complain that the connection isn't secure. Checkmark the "Don't warn me about this again" box and then click the Continue button.

6. You will now see a login box...enter "bcsuser" for the username. The password should be provided to you by your instructor.

7. If everything went well, the desktop of the lab computer should now appear.

PLEASE NOTE: It is possible for multiple people to remotely connect to a computer simultaneously. If you log into a computer that somebody else is using, please be respectful and disconnect your VNC connection IMMEDIATELY.

8. When you are done using the lab computer, please close whatever program you were using and simply close your VNC window. Do *not* use the Sleep/Restart/Shutdown/Log Out" commands under the Apple menu on the lab computer!