Lab Computer Remote Access

It is important that you save your work somewhere besides the lab computer.

You will not always be able to log on to the same computer.

Also, regularly scheduled file deletions are in place in some labs.

All students have unlimited storage on their VCU Google My Drive.

VCU Filelocker

Google Drive is an adequate tool for doing this with smaller files. But, if the file size exceeds 2 GB, then the file gets split into multiple .zip archives during download.

A better tool for moving very large files on and off the lab computers is VCU Filelocker.

VCU Filelocker primarily exists to facilitate sending very large files to another user. But, it can also be used by a single individual to copy very large files between two computers. For instance, your own computer, and the lab computer that you are controlling remotely.

Upload File

log in to VCU Filelocker

click Upload

click Upload a file

[View Image]

Download File

log in to VCU Filelocker

click the blue triangle next to the file you want to Download This File

[View Image]Back to top

When you are finished, please remember to log out of the lab computer.

If you do not log out, then other students will not be able to access the computer remotely.

Logging out can be accomplished using the Apple Menu > Log out command, or the Windows Menu > Sign Out command, prior to severing the screen sharing session.Back to top

Performance of the screen sharing session depends on your network connection.

Slow responsiveness could be due to any number of network issues between your computer and the lab computer.

A high-speed internet connection is advisable.

How far away you are from your wireless router may also be relevant.Back to top

The following VCUarts computer labs are booted to macOS:

• Bowe Street 524
• Bowe Street 526
• Fine Arts Building 342
• Depot 2005
• Depot Annex 1013
• Franklin Terrace 105
• Franklin Terrace 109
• Franklin Terrace 205
• Franklin Terrace 405
• Pollak 215
• Pollak 219
• Pollak 419
• Performing Arts Center B66
• Music Center 1009
• 1315 Floyd 102

0. RamsVPN

You must log in to the RamsVPN first.

The Cisco VPN AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is used to log in to RamsVPN.

Download and installation instructions are located here

1. Launch Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client can be launched by typing Cisco into the spotlight search feature.

[View Image]

2. Log in to RamsVPN

if the address field is not populated, then type ramsvpn.vcu.edu/duo

click Connect

in the Username field, type your eID name

in the Password field, type your eID password

In the Second password field, type push

click OK

[View Image]

3. Approve Two-factor Authentication Request

On your phone, open the Duo app

click Approve

[View Image]

On your computer, click Accept

4. Locate Lab Computer

once you are logged into the RamsVPN

click here

click Login

When prompted, log in with your eID name and password

All available computers will be listed.

If a computer is already in use, then it will not be listed.

click the IP address listed in the Connection IP column on the far right

[View Image]

5. Connect To Computer

When you click the IP address, the Screen Sharing application will open with the IP address autofilled

click Connect

[View Image]

in the User Name field, type remote

in the Password field, type remote

click Sign In

[View Image]

6. Success

You will be presented with a window, showing you the lab computer screen.

At this point, it is the same as if you were actually sitting in front of the lab computer.

Proceed with accepting the policy banner, and logging in with your eID name and eID password.

When you are finished, please remember to log out of the lab computer using the Apple Menu > Log out command, prior to severing the screen sharing session.

[View Image]

If you do not log out, then other students will not be able to log in to the computer.Back to top

Windows does not have a built in VNC client, so you will need to install one.

We have been testing with TightVNC, which is available for download here.

When installing TightVNC, you should select Custom, and set the TightVNC Server to not install.

[View Image]

This can be accomplished by clicking on the menu icon next to TightVNC Server,

and selecting Entire feature will be unavailable

[View Image]

The TightVNC Setup window should look like this before proceeding.

Note the red X next to TightVNC Server

[View Image]Back to top

0. RamsVPN

You must log in to the RamsVPN first.

The Cisco VPN AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client is used to log in to RamsVPN.

Download and installation instructions are located here.

1. Launch Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client

The Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client can be launched by typing Cisco into the Windows search feature.

[View Image]

2. Log in to RamsVPN

if the address field is not populated, then type ramsvpn.vcu.edu/duo

click Connect

in the Username field, type your eID name

in the Password field, type your eID password

In the Second password field, type push

click OK

[View Image]

3. Approve Two-factor Authentication Request

On your phone, open the Duo app

click Approve

[View Image]

On your computer, click Accept

4. Locate Lab Computer

once you are logged into the RamsVPN

click here

click Login

When prompted, log in with your eID name and password

All available computers will be listed.

If a computer is already in use, then it will not be listed.

Copy the IP address listed in the Connection IP column on the far right

[View Image]

5. Connect To Computer

launch TightVNC Viewer

in the Remote Host field, enter/paste the IP address from the web page

click Connect

[View Image]

in the password field, type remote

click OK

[View Image]

6. Success

You will be presented with a window, showing you the lab computer screen.

on the TightVNC toolbar, click the Scale: Auto button

[View Image]

At this point, it is the same as if you were actually sitting in front of the lab computer.

Proceed with accepting the policy banner, and logging in with your eID name and eID password.

When you are finished, please remember to log out of the lab computer using the Apple Menu > Log out command, prior to severing the screen sharing session.

[View Image]

If you do not log out, then other students will not be able to log in to the computer.Back to top

• Fine Arts Building 101

go here

log in with eID name and password

[View Image]

click Accept (VCU System Usage Agreement)

[View Image]

click Desktops

[View Image]

click SOA – FAB 101 Lab

[View Image]

in your browser window, you will be presented with the contents of the lab computer screen.

[View Image]

At this point, it is the same as if you were actually sitting in front of the lab computer.

Proceed with accepting the policy banner, and logging in with your eID name and eID password.

When you are finished, please remember to log out of the lab computer using the Sign Out icon on the desktop,

[View Image]

or the Sign Out command in the Windows menu.

[View Image]

If you do not log out, then other students will not be able to log in to the computer.Back to top

Desktop Resolution

Clicking the citrix preferences button in top center of the screen reveals options for the session, like full screen and resolution settings.

[View Image]

[View Image]

Saving Files

You will need to save files locally to your own computer, or to the cloud storage of their choice. Do NOT save your files to the classroom computer. You will not be logged into the same computer for each session.

Windows Explorer and file save dialogs will offer an option to save files back to the users computer.

[View Image]Back to top