How to connect to your UT computer using Remote Desktop
(you computer must be turned on and connected to the network)
- Start VPN client(for detailed instructions, please see below).
- Open Remote Desktop
- Start >All Programs>Accessories >Remote Desktop Connection
- Quick Tip: You can pin a Remote DesktopConnection on your taskbar by right-clicking and choosing Pin to Taskbar
- Enter the name of your computer: computer-name.austin.utexas.edu
- Please be sure to get your current computer name from the ITG staff. It changes from time to time when your machine has been re-imaged or upgraded.
- Once the connection is made you will be asked to login
- a. Username: austin\YourEID
- b. Password: YourEID-Password
- Once the connection is complete, a new window will appear with your remote desktop session, and you can use your applications as normal.
How to disconnect from your Remote Desktop Session
Disconnect (recommended )
Clicking the X in the top right corner of the remote desktop session window.
This closes the session but leaves all applications running.
- Logoff – this logs you off your UT computer so that someone else could login
- From your remote desktop session choose, Start à Logoff
- All programs in the remote session will end and your session will close
- Note: Do not leave applications open with unsaved files overnight or for extended periods of time, because patching is periodically done overnight which sometimes requires a reboot of your computer and you could lose unsaved work.
Connecting to the University of Texas VPN
- VPN is required to access your computer from off campus. VPN now requires two-factor authentication using DUO.
- To download the VPN software, go to https://vpn.utexas.edu and enter your UT EID and Password.
- Authenticate with DUO
- Select the Download button to download and install the software.
- To connect to VPN:
- Once VPN is installed, go to Start>All Programs>Cisco>Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client>Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
- Enter the following:
- Connect to: vpn.utexas.edu
- Username: YourEID
- Password: YourEID-Password
- DUO Passcode: push << this will send a notification to your smartphone.
Remote Desktop Software
Remote desktop software is available for Mac OS and Linux
- Mac Microsoft Remote Desktop: Available through the AppStore.
- Linux RDP Software: http://www.rdesktop.org/