Overview: Remote desktop service (CONNECT)

Overview

The remote desktop service provides access to a fully managed and secure Windows desktop environment that you can access from any device, anywhere, any time. You can access your usual network drives (G:, H:, O: &c), a core suite of software, and can print to your home printer or to a work printer.

Your department needs to be signed up to use the service and there is a per-user annual service charge.

Connecting

If you have already set up your computer to access the remote desktop service then connecting is extremely simple:

  1. Activate Oxford VPN - only if you are connecting from home / over wifi
  2. Login from Windows / OS X or from Android / iOS

Key Features

Security & backup

The remote desktop service offers an equivalent level of security as working on a managed staff desktop. All network communications are encrypted, and the University VPN is required for connections from non-University networks.

If you are connecting from a personal / home computer, it is your responsibility to ensure it is fully updated and has appropriate security measures in place, including anti-virus software. Please see the Information Security website for more information.

Anything saved in My Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Favorites, Desktop and Downloads or the G:, H:, I:, O:, P: and Q: drives is backed up daily. This is the same backup scheme used for managed staff desktops.

Applications

Available Applications
  • Access 2016
  • Acrobat Reader DC
  • Chrome
  • Citrix Receiver
  • Dataload Classic
  • Emu
  • Excel 2016
  • Firefox
  • GL Connect
  • Internet Explorer
  • KeePass
  • MuseumPlus
  • Office 2016
  • OneDrive via Web
  • OneNote 2016
  • Oracle Service Cloud (Right Now)
  • Outlook 2016
  • PowerBI Desktop
  • Power PDF (Kofax/Nuance)
  • PowerPoint 2016
  • Publisher 2016
  • Teams
  • Word 2016
Applications Coming Soon
  • OneDrive sync client
  • Gemalto smart card integration
Incompatible Applications
  • Adobe Creative Cloud Suite*
  • Aleph
  • Brahms

* Staff can install their user-licensed Adobe CC apps on their home computer

Files, folders and personal settings

Your shared drives and personal folders (My Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, Favorites, Desktop and Downloads) are available in the remote desktop service. Drives on your home PC, including USB drives, will also be accessible. Double-click This PC or press Start  + E to browse your files and folders.

A selection of personal settings will be synchronised with your managed staff desktop. These include your desktop background and icons.

Printers

Any printers that were configured and active on the device you connected from will be available in the remote desktop service. To set your default printer or change printer settings, select Start  , type print, select Printers & scanners, select the printer you want to modify and click Manage.