Remotely controlling a Windows desktop from a Macintosh or Windows station

I. Configure host Windows PC to be controlled 

1. Login to your PC with your domain username.

2. Right-click on “My Computer” and select “Properties.”

3. Near the top-right of the window, click on “Remote.”

4. Under the “Remote” Tab, check the box that says “Allow users to connect remotely to this computer.”

5. Open a web browser such as Firefox or Internet Explorer and lookup the computer’s IP (Internet Protocol) address by clicking here.  Your IP address should be displayed in the new browser window.

6. Take note of the IP address value.  This IP is specific to your machine and will be needed to connect from the controller computer.  

II. Configuring a Windows PC to connect to the host Windows PC

1. Using the “Start” menu, select “Windows Update” to visit the Microsoft Update site and get the latest MS security updates.  For specifics on how to properly use the Microsoft Update site, please see the How to: Use Microsoft Update document which can be accessed here.

2. Download and install Sophos Anti-Virus version 5 here .

3. Ensure that administrative users on the controller PC have appropriate passwords.

4. Using the “Start” menu, navigate to Programs – Accessories – Communications – Remote Desktop Connection.e.    Type in the IP address that you took note of in step I 6.  

5. Click the “Options” button and enter the following information:

a. Username: Enter your domain login

b. Password: Leave blank

c. Doman: Enter the name of your domain  

6. Click on the “Display” Tab, and make sure the “Remote Desktop size” slider is all the way to the right.  This will ensure a full-screen session.  

7. Click on the “Experience” Tab and change the connection speed to match your type of connection.

8. Click on the “General” tab and click on the “Save As” button.

9. Save the connection settings with a name of your choice and in a location that they will be easy for you to find.

10. Click “Connect” to connect to the remote computer.  

11. Login with your domain user password.

III. Configuring a Macintosh to connect to the host Windows PC

1. From the “Apple” at the top-left of the screen, select “Software Update.”

2. Download and install all system and program updates from Apple.

3. Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection utility here.

4. Install the program by dragging the program folder onto your Applications folder.  

5. Type in the IP address that you took note of in step I 6.  

6. Click the “Options” button and enter the following information:

a. Username: Enter your domain login

b. Password: Leave blank

c. Doman: Enter the name of your domain

7. Click on the “Performance” Tab and change the connection speed to match your type of connection.

8. Click on the “General” tab and click on the “Save As” button.

9. Save the connection settings with a name of your choice and in a location that they will be easy for you to find.

10. Click “Connect” to connect to the remote computer.  

11. Login with your domain user password.