Remotely access software apps for academic work
Overview
This document describes how students who have been identified by their department as needing certain software for their academic work may use VPN (virtual private networking) and Remote Desktop to run the application from a remote location.
How to connect
Apple users: While the instructions in this article are for Microsoft Windows, Cisco AnyConnect and Microsoft Remote Desktop work similarly on Apple Mac. Please install the free Microsoft Remote Desktop app from the Mac App Store, and install Cisco AnyConnect as described below.
Prerequisites
Before you follow the numbered steps below for using the VPN and Remote Desktop, please make sure you have completed the necessary preliminary steps to make your computer safe and install any necessary software on your personally-owned computer in your remote location.
You have taken steps to keep your remote computer safe. Your off-site computer is up-to-date with security updates, has a firewall enabled and is running antivirus software that performs regular scans and is updated automatically.
You have the Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client VPN software installed on your remote computer.
To install: Browse to vpn.cua.edu. Select Group Remote-Access and log on with your Cardinal Credentials. Click "Instructions" and follow the steps.
Please see "Additional Resources" below for a printable version of the install steps for Windows (Mac is similar).
You are able to run the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection app on your remote computer (search for it in your Start menu). It is built into Windows, but is also available as a Windows 10 app at the Microsoft Store (and as a Mac app on the Mac Store) if you need to install it on your remote computer.
You have an enrolled Duo device. This document assumes you are using the free Duo Mobile app on your smartphone to respond to requests; this is the recommended method.
1. On your remote computer, use Cisco AnyConnect to connect to the VPN
This extends the campus network to the computer in your off-site location, allowing you to access resources and services as if you were on campus. The VPN connection is required for you to be able to make a remote connection to your assigned Lab PC.
Open the Cisco AnyConnect application on your computer.
Enter vpn.cua.edu in the text box.
Click Connect.
The AnyConnect logon screen appears.
In the Group pull-down menu, select Catholic-STU.
In the Username box, enter your Cardinal Credentials username.
In the Password box, enter your Cardinal Credentials password.
If are using the Duo Mobile smartphone app (recommended), in the Second Password box, enter push.
Click OK
**NOTE**
Second Password: push
2. Run student software applications
You must be connected to the university VPN and have Microsoft Remote Desktop installed before you can access the applications.
Browse to apps.cua.edu
Enter your Cardinal Credentials username as cua\username.
Enter your Cardinal Credentials password.
Click Sign in.
Click on the application you want to run.
This downloads an .rdp file that is used to run the app.
Open the .rdp file by clicking on its name in the bottom status bar of your browser.
Or you can find it in your Downloads folder.
The Remote Desktop application connects to your assigned Lab PC and mirrors its screen so that you can use the software installed on it as if you were in the lab.
When you are finished with your Remote Desktop session, right-click the Start menu on the campus computer and navigate to Sign out.
Do NOT use Disconnect!
The Remote Desktop window closes, and you can exit the application on your remote computer.
To finish, Disconnect the Cisco AnyConnect VPN on your remote computer.