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
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Go to https://uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu/ and log in with your NetID and password
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For Mac users, click to download the Mac 32/64 bit option. For Windows users, click to download the Windows 64 bit option
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Once downloaded, install it.
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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.
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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:
- Open the App Store
- Search for Windows App
- Install it
Connect to the VPN
- 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.
- Enter the portal uwmadison.vpn.wisc.edu if necessary, then click Connect.
- Enter your NetID username and password, then follow instructions for dual factor authentication.
- 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
Mac instructions
When you're done working a remote session
- Sign out of the Waisman computer.
- Click the Windows icon in the bottom toolbar
- Click your profile picture
- Choose "sign out"
- Disconnect from the VPN
- Click the Global Protect icon (the globe)
- 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