Remote Lab Access Using LabStats

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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:

Login with your Dolphin Name and Password to download VPN software

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 and download the VPN software for the operating system of your computer

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.”

If the Microsoft Store window appears, select Continue installing from outside the Store

When you view the "Welcome to Global Protect Setup Wizard" page, click "Next"

Press next in the GlobalProtect Setup Wizard

Click "Next" to select the default installation folder.

Click "Next" to select the default installation folder.

Click "Next" to confirm installation.

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.”

If you get a User Account Control box select Yes

Click "Close" to complete the installation.

Installation Complete select Close

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 globe in the lower right hand corner is where you start the Global Protect VPN client. If the globe is gray, you are not connected to the VPN.

The first time you use the VPN client you will be prompted to enter the portal address; enter: vpn.csuci.edu

Enter vpn.csuci.edu for the portal address

The Sign In Window will appear:

Enter you myCI Dolphin Name in the Username Field.  Then Authenticate with Duo.

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.

You are connected to the VPN when the globe turns blue.

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:

Click on this link to view the list of available computers for remote connection

 

Step 3: Selecting an available lab computer

On the left side of the landing page is a list of available labs.

On the left side of the Remote Computer Access page are the available labs for remote access.

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.

On the right side of the page, select a Connect button to connect remotely

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. 

Connect to a computer and select Download and open the connection file

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".

The publisher of this remote connection can't be identified. Do you want to connect anyway?  The 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

You may need to use a different account, then for the username type in 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."

You will begin making a connection to the remote computer.  A certificate error may pop up, select Yes.

Once logged in, you should see the remote computer's desktop and can start utilizing the remote lab computer:

You should see the remote computer and start using it

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.

Sign out of the computer from the Start Menu

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.

Details

Details

Article ID: 113158
Created
Wed 8/5/20 7:41 AM
Modified
Wed 9/2/20 4:33 PM