How to get remote access to computers

This document explains how to gain remote access to computers in the lab.

General overview

Remotely accessing a Waisman computer involves first using a VPN to tunnel your internet traffic through UW-Madison, then connecting to the particular computer at Waisman.

Install the VPN, Palo Alto Global Protect

  1. Go to https://uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu/ and log in with your NetID and password
  2. For Mac users, click to download the Mac 32/64 bit option. For Windows users, click to download the Windows 64 bit option
  3. Once downloaded, install it.
  4. Once installed, it should be a little grey globe icon in your toolbar (Windows: bottom right corner; Mac: top right corner). Click on the globe.
  5. When asked for portal address, enter uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu

For more in-depth directions, see these pages: Mac or Windows.

Install Microsoft Remote Desktop

On Windows, this program is installed by default. Skip to the next section.

On Mac:

  1. Open the App Store
  2. Search for Windows App
  3. Install it

Connect to the VPN

  1. Open Palo Alto Global Protect. If the grey globe icon is in your toolbar, click that. Otherwise, find the app on your computer and launch it.
  2. Enter the portal uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu if necessary, then click Connect.
  3. Enter your NetID username and password, then follow instructions for dual factor authentication.
  4. When the globe turns blue and green, you are connected. Now, all your internet traffic is being routed through UW-Madison.

Connect to a Waisman Computer with Remote Desktop

Windows instructions

Press the Windows key and type to search for Remote Desktop Connection. Click it.Click Show Options in the bottom left    
          In the Computer field, enter the name of the computer you're connecting to (see list at the very bottom of this KB)In the User name field, enter your Waisman username, e.g., bbadger
  • If that doesn't work, try putting waisman\ before your username, like in the picture below.
  • If THAT doesn't work, try [username]@waisman.wisc.edu. For example, bbadger@waisman.wisc.edu
Click Connect at the bottom rightIn the Enter Your Credentials popup, enter your Waisman password (which may be different than your UW password). Click OK.

Mac instructions

  • Open "Windows App"
  • The first time you open it, you will need to add a PC to log in to
  • In the top right, click the + icon --> Add PC
  • In the pop-up window, for PC name, type in the name of the computer (see list at the very bottom of this KB doc)
  • In the Friendly Name field, put the first part of the computer name
  • Leave everything else as is
  • Click Add at the bottom of the pop-up window
  • Back on the main screen, double-click on the computer you just added
  •  Log in with your Waisman username and Waisman password
    • If that doesn't work, try [username]@waisman.wisc.edu. For example, bbadger@waisman.wisc.edu
    • If THAT doesn't work, try putting waisman\ before your username, like in the picture below.

 

 

When you're done working a remote session

  1. Sign out of the Waisman computer.
    1. Click the Windows icon in the bottom toolbar
    2. Click your profile picture
    3. Choose "sign out"
  2. Disconnect from the VPN
    1. Click the Global Protect icon (the globe)
    2. Click Disconnect

Computer names

Computer names follow the format [name].waisman.wisc.edu. For example:
  • quiberon.waisman.wisc.edu
  • nicron.waisman.wisc.edu
  • rebo.waisman.wisc.edu
  • sheridan.waisman.wisc.edu
  • bester.waisman.wisc.edu
  • ives.waisman.wisc.edu
  • telos.waisman.wisc.edu


Keywords:
how to, remote, access, computer, vpn, 
Doc ID:
91754
Owned by:
Alexa in SMNG Lab Manual
Created:
2019-05-15
Updated:
2025-02-20
Sites:
Speech Motor Neuroscience Group