Remote Desktop Connection, a utility included in all versions of Windows 7, allows you to use a laptop or home computer to remotely control the Windows-based desktop computer in your on-campus office or lab. When using Remote Desktop Connection from a laptop on a wireless network (including Purdue’s AirLink network and free public WiFi networks in coffee shops, hotels, etc.) or a home computer on a broadband Internet connection, it’s as if you’re sitting at the desk in your office using your computer’s keyboard and mouse – even if you’re two buildings, two miles, or two continents away.
By remotely accessing an ECN-supported desktop computer and refraining from storing your Purdue files locally on your laptop or home computer, your data remains safely stored in your home directory on ECN’s network servers – which receive daily backups.
- If you’re using Windows XP Professional rather than Windows 7, please see Remote Desktop Connection in Windows XP instead.
- If you have a Macintosh desktop at home or a Mac laptop but have a Windows-based desktop computer in your office, Microsoft also provides a free Mac version of Remote Desktop Connection; please see Remote Desktop Connection in Mac OS X. (The instructions on the page you’re reading now focus on the Windows 7 version.)
You’ll want to follow these instructions on your laptop and/or home computer, not on the on-campus desktop computer!
When connecting from off-campus, please don’t miss step #6! Connecting first to Purdue’s Virtual Private Network is required.
Who can use Remote Desktop Connection?
A remote-controlled computer can be used by only one person at a time. As such, it is recommended for use only by those who do not share the same office computer with other people. A graduate student may use Remote Desktop Connection with the permission of their supervisor.
Creating a Remote Desktop shortcut
1. Getting started on your Windows 7-based laptop or home computer.
On your laptop or home computer, click on the Start menu, navigate to All Programs, then to Accessories, and then launch “Remote Desktop Connection.”
2. Computer address.
2A. In the “Computer” field, enter the IP number of the desktop computer in your office. It will look similar to the following:
128.46.xxx.yyy
where both xxx and yyy are a specific number between 1 and 255. No two computers have the same full number; please obtain this number from ECN.
You may either skip to step #6 (to connect to the remote computer immediately) or proceed with step #2B (to set program options and create a shortcut for future use).
2B. Then click on the “Options” button. The window will expand to show several tabs, each with various program settings.
3. The “Experience” tab.
This step is optional. These settings might help improve your remote connection’s performance.
3A. Click on the “Experience” tab.
3B. Click the menu beneath “Choose your connection speed to optimize performance” and select one of the following:
- For most public WiFi services or home DSL connections, try “Low-speed broadband (256 Kbps – 2 Mbps)”.
- For home cable modem connections, try “High-speed broadband (2 Mbps – 10 Mbps)”.
4. The “General” tab.
4A. In the “User name” field, type your Purdue Career Account username.
Leave the “Allow me to save credentials” box unchecked.
