CSUCI students can access lab computers via a remote desktop connection. Follow the six-step procedure below to utilize a lab computer from your personal computer.
Step 1: Establish a VPN connection
In order to establish a remote connection to a computer located in one of the labs on campus, you will need to be on the CSUCI Virtual Private Network (VPN). All active students will be able to access the VPN. The Palo Alto Networks Global Protect VPN software will need to be installed and then you can connect to the VPN.
To install the Palo Alto Networks Global Protect VPN client please follow these instructions:
From your web browser, navigate to https://vpn.csuci.edu. A login screen will appear:
Enter your credentials, Dolphin Name (firstname.lastname123) and Password and then click the “LOG IN” button. Authenticate with your Duo two-factor authentication when prompted. After successfully logging in you should see the following request screen to select and install the Palo Alto Global Protect client best suited for your computer's operating system:
Select the client type best suited for your computer operating system by double-clicking on the appropriate entry. When prompted, click “Run” to download and start the installation. You may get the message below from the Microsoft Store. Select “Continue installing from outside the Store.”
When you view the "Welcome to Global Protect Setup Wizard" page, click "Next"
Click "Next" to select the default installation folder.
Click "Next" to confirm installation.
If you receive the User Account Control box with “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device,” select “Yes.”
Click "Close" to complete the installation.
Authenticating with Duo and Global Protect VPN:
In the lower right hand corner, select the up arrow to view a gray globe. This is where you can connect to the VPN. When the globe is gray, you are not connected to the VPN. Click on the globe to launch the GlobalProtect VPN Client.
The first time you use the VPN client you will be prompted to enter the portal address; enter: vpn.csuci.edu
The Sign In Window will appear:
Enter your myCI Dolphin Name in the Username Field. Then Authenticate with Duo:
- If you are authenticating using a Duo passcode from your token or mobile app:
- Enter your Dolphin Password in the Password field, followed by a comma then your passcode (i.e. password,123456)
- Click Sign In
- If you are authenticating using Duo Push from the mobile app:
- Enter your Dolphin Password in the Password field
- Click Sign In
- You should receive your Duo Push authentication notification as you normally would.
- Approved the login request after verifying it is correct.
You are now connected to the VPN. Note the color of the globe is blue when connected.
If for some reason you are unable to access the VPN, you can submit a request for service here: https://ci.teamdynamix.com/TDClient/1891/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=42434
Step 2: Accessing the Remote Computer Access system
Once connected to the CSUCI VPN, view a list of Lab Computers with Remote Computer Access:
Step 3: Selecting an available lab computer
On the left side of the landing page is a list of available labs.
A lab with computers that support remote connections will have an option to connect (highlighted below with an arrow). Select "Connect" to establish a connection to this computer.
For more information on standard software please visit: List of standard software and site licenses.
Step 4: Using Remote Desktop & Connecting To Lab Machine
Once you have selected a device to connect to, a window will open asking you to download the connection file. Select the "Download" button.
Note: If you are prompted to open or save the software then select the "open" option. If you are not prompted, then download the rdp file and open it.
You may be prompted to verify the security of the program. This program is secure, so select "Connect".
Once this is complete you should continue to Step 5 below.
Step 5: Using the software
At this point, the software will open and you will see the log in page of the lab computer. You may need to use a different account. Log in with your CSUCI dolpin username/password. For the username, use the format: csuciad\firstname.lastname123
After you have entered in the correct credentials, you will be conneced to that computer. Then you may see a window about the name in the certificate from the remote computer. Select "Yes."
Once logged in, you should see the remote computer's desktop and can start utilizing the remote lab computer:
The remote desktop software is a window. You can still access your personal computer outside of the application by using the minimize tool at the top of the software.
Do not save any files on the lab computer. The same lab computer may not be available for you to use next time and the lab computers are periodically wiped.
Step 6: Closing the software and disconnecting
Before closing the software, make sure to log out of the lab computer as you would in person. This will allow others to use the device immediately after you.
To close the software, log out of the lab computer as you normally would in person then press the "x" at the top of the remote desktop software.
You can then disconnect from the CSUCI GlobalProtect VPN.
Lab maintenance
Access to these machines may be affected by technology maintenance. Please check the Weekly Technology Maintenance Plan and Schedule for specific days and times.
Note: Instructions were adapted from CSU Monterey Bay.