This page contains instructions for setting up a remote desktop connection to the Statistical Applications Terminal Server (also known as the Stat Apps server) and configuring it to allow access to your own hard drive while connected to that server. These instructions can also be used to create a similar remote desktop connection to any other Terminal Server that allows the use of local drives. The Stat Apps server does allow you to save files on the server, though it is strongly recommended that you use the steps here to connect to your own hard drive and save your files to your own computer or at least keep a copy of them on your own computer.
The Stat Apps server is available to all current faculty, staff and students at the University. This server is maintained for the University by the Department of Statistical Sciences within the College of Natural Sciences. It makes several statistical applications available, with the Palisade Decision Tools suite being a recent addition. The name of the Stat Apps server is "wincompute.cns.utexas.edu" and you can find out more information about connecting to it at https://wikis.utexas.edu/display/cnsoitpublic/Remote+Access+and+Remote+Login.
Attention Business School Students and Faculty
Although the College of Natural Sciences supports the Stat Apps server and will respond to questions you send to their help desk about connecting to their server, if you encounter issues using @Risk or any other application for a Business School course, then please stop by the Business School SWAT Desk at CBA 3.132, or call them at 512-232-6617 or submit a help ticket to them at http://www.mccombs.utexas.edu/tech.
Special Note About Decision Tools
Decision Tools, though available on the Stat Apps server, is best installed onto your own computer. Windows user can directly install Decision Tools. Mac users who don't already have a way to run Windows should first install a VM from McCombs Computer Services into which Decision Tools can be installed. Please visit Installing Vmware for Intel Macs or Installing VM for M1 Macs for more information.
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The Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection (RDC) client comes preinstalled on Microsoft Windows, and can it can be manualy installed on Macintosh computers, iOS devices (iPad and iPhone) and Android tablets and phones. The software is easily obtainable from the usual application stores for each of these systems.
The Remote Desktop Client (RDC) can be installed on Mac OS X 10.9.0 or later.
Check your MacOS version
To check what version of Mac OS you have you can follow instructions published at http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1633.
There are several RDP applications available. To be sure you use the correct one follow the instructions below.
- Visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id715768417?mt=12 in your web browser. Alternatively, launch the AppStore from your Mac Desktop and search for Microsoft Remote Desktop Client. The icon for the app will look like this:
- Click "View in Mac App Store".
- Click the download button.
- Save the dmg file.
- Once the dmg file has been downloaded then double click it to launch the RDC installer.
- Click the continue button to proceed with the install and accept the licensing agreement.
- Install the RDC application to the default Applications folder.
- Click close when the installation completes.
Congratulations, Microsoft Remote Desktop Client is now installed.
The Remote Desktop Client comes preinstalled in the Windows operating system so you don't need to do anything to obtain it.
- On Windows 7 you will find it in the Start Menu > Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection
- On Windows 8 and up you will find it on your Start Screen (in All Apps mode) > Windows Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection
On your iOS device, visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id714464092?mt=8 in your web browser. Alternatively, launch the App Store and search for Microsoft Remote Desktop Client. The icon for the app will look like the one below.
On your Android device, visit https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.rdc.android in your web browser. Alternatively, launch the Google Play Store and search for Microsoft Remote Desktop Client. The icon for the app will look like the one below.
Install it as you would any other app.
Although this application can be installed on an smart phones, due to their screen size you may find the RDC of limited value on your phone. It should run quite well on an iPad or Android tablet however.
1. Launch the Remote Desktop Connector and click the New button to create a new Session (or edit an existing one you previously created)
2. In the New session window give the connection any name you wish to call it. This will just be the name you see in the list of connections. The PC Name must be the exact name or IP address of the computer to which you want to connect. To connect to the University's Statistical terminal server use cns-srv-wincomp.austin.utexas.edu as the PC name. Every other field on the general tab can be left at their defaults or edited as you wish. If you choose not to save your AUSTIN\[EID] and password here you will be prompted to enter them when you connect in.
3. Click the Redirection tab, the click the "+" button in the lower left corner of this tab to add a new redirected folder. This will allow you to choose a specific folder on your Mac that will show up as a shared drive inside of your RDP session.
4. When the Add Local Folder window appears click the Path drop down menu. It will give you the option to browse your computer and choose to the folder your want to use.
5. The Browse window should default to your personal Documents folder, but you can browse your computer to select another folder. Once you have selected the folder you want, click the Choose button in the lower right corner of the screen.
6. When the Add Local Folder window re-appears click Ok to save your selection.
7. That's it! Your connection is now saved. Just select your connection and click the Start button any time you want to launch it. Enter your EID and password to log in.
8. The folder you selected will appear as a shared drive. The name of the shared drive will be the name of the folder followed by some network information. This network information will appear differently based on what network you connect from, but the first part will always be the name of your redirected folder.
1. Launch the Remote Desktop Connection. Click the Show Options button to view extra features.
2. In the expanded options window enter cns-srv-wincomp.austin.utexas.edu as the name of the computer you will connect to. You can optionally save your AUSTIN\[EID] as your username if you wish. If you choose not to do so you will be prompted to log on with your EID when you connect in.
3. Click the Local Resources Tab ad then the More button to set up access to your hard drive.
4. In the new window put a check mark next to the drive you want to access from within your Remote Desktop connection.
5. Click OK and return to the General tab. Before you click the Connect tab to open the connection, click Save button to save your connection information to use it again in the future without having to repeat these steps each time.
6. You can name your connection file anything you like it anywhere you like, but saving it to the desktop is what most people do. That way you can just open the Icon for you connection file and click Connect to open the connection any time you want to use it.
7. Once you log into the remote server, you will see the drive you selected in the step 4 appear as a shared network drive just like any shared network drive will appear.
Once you are logged into the Stat Apps server, you may find that the application you want already appears on the Desktop or in the Windows Start page. For various reasons this might not be the case for some software. If you don't see the application you are looking for, click the Search icon in the upper right corner of the Start Page and enter the name of the software.
