St Leonards School & SFC

Getting Started with Remote Desktop Connections

Summary

The server which hosts the software is named Mr_Burns and has a DNS name of connect.stleonards-fife.org. It is a Microsoft 2000 server running software that allows dozens of simultaneous users to run software and monitors the use of the software to comply with our license agreements. Connections can be made from Windows, Macintosh or Linux computers using a client which you install on your computer if it is not already there by default.

Immediate access via the Web for Windows XP and Vista users

Users of Windows XP and Vista can connect via this web link or from the navigation link on the right hand side. Windows XP users may be prompted to install an ActiveX component (tip: look at the top of the page in the yellow bar). This file is safe and provided by us to assist with your access. Log in instruction are on the left of the web page displayed.

Obtaining and installing the Remote Desktop Client

Windows XP, XP home, and 2000 professional all include the Remote Desktop Client. Older Windows versions need the client installed.

• Download the Windows Client
• Download the Macintosh client (requires Mac OS X version 10.2.8 or later)
• Download the Linux/Unix client (source code, compile and install)

Recommended settings for the connection

In cases where the Web connection fails you can download a pre configured connection file for your Windows or Mac computer which has the recommended settings already configured.

Download the Windows Connection File (right-click and "save link as". I recommend extracting this zipped file and saving it in My Documents and creating a shortcut to it that you can put where you usually look for your software files)

Instructions for MAC to follow.

Linux connections:

1. The command you will use to start the rdesktop connection to the server with the recommended settings is rdesktop -f -a 16 -T Mr_Burns connect.stleonards-fife.org
2. You can create a launcher with the above command on the command line and it will function much like the Windows or Macintosh connection file.
3. Use the command man rdesktop to get the full description of rdesktop.

Connecting to the server using the connection file

1. Double-click the connection file icon, launcher icon, or enter the command.

2. A login screen will appear on your monitor. Use your school username and password
3. If you logon successfully you will have a remote session started on the server. You will find the installed software listed under the Start Menu. Run the software as you usually would.
4. Work carried out during your session will be saved on your 'H' drive, AKA 'My documents' just as if you were working on any of the internal school computers

Disconnecting from the server

1. You can either end a session by logging off or you can disconnect from a session and pick it up again later where you left off.
2. Disconnected sessions will be kept open for you for 1 hour. If you reconnect within that time you can resume your work where you left off. If you do not reconnect within 1 hour, the server will log you off. (This is under review and may be extended depanding on feedback from users).