Reaching next-gen RDS resources (Mac)

Reaching next-gen RDS resources (Mac)

 

The MIS Academic and Research Technologies Group has developed a Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) infrastructure to broker access to new servers in the lab. This is a beta-quality service. These RDS components allow a user to work on Windows-based machines running on the lab's servers via a remote connection.

The quality of this service is not guaranteed and support is limited to best effort only when resources are available.

Launching RDS Resources from a Mac

These instructions are for Apple Mac users. Please instead see this page if you need instructions for connecting from a Windows-based PC.

To access RDS resources from a Mac, the version 10 or higher of the Microsoft Remote Desktop app needs to be installed.

1. Go to App Store.

2. Search for Microsoft Remote Desktop in App Store.

Image shows a search in the Apple App Store for the Microsoft Remote Desktop app. Click the Get icon to begin installation.

 

3. Get, install and open the Microsoft Remote Desktop on your Mac, granting permissions as needed. 

Screenshot of Apple App's store's search and selection of Microsoft Remote Desktop. Click on the Install button to proceed with installation.
A screenshot of additional privileges that may be required by the Microsoft Remote Desktop app. Grant permissions as needed.

4. In a web browser, go to the next-gen ARTG RDS web access site: https://rd.artg.arizona.edu/

5. For the domain\user name, put BLUECAT\your NetID. Make sure to put backslash here (not a forward slash); otherwise it will not work! For password, put your NetID password. Click Sign in.

Screenshot of ARTG RDS next-gen RDweb logon prompt. For the domain\user name, put BLUECAT\your NetID. Make sure to put backslash , not a forward slash, otherwise it will not work! For password, put your NetID password. Click Sign In.

6. You will need to confirm your login with NetID+/DUO two-factor authentication.

Confirm your login using NetID+ (DUO) two factor authentication.

7. Now you will be at the Work Resources RemoteApp and Desktops page. On this page, you will be presented a list of remote machines that you are permitted to access. To begin working with one of them; your resource might have a different name from the ones in our screenshot. Click on the resource to download the .RDP file to your machine. If you don't see any options here, there may have been a failure to associate your username with a current-term academic course resource; feel free to contact us with a description of the issue, including the courses you're enrolled in that you're expecting to see resources for.

On the next-gen RDS RemoteApp and Desktop page, select the appropriate resource for your coursework.

7. After the file is successfully downloaded, click on it to launch. The file will automatically open with the Microsoft Remote Desktop app.

RDS resource Download RDS file

You can also find the file in your Downloads:

The .RDP file will be in your computer's Downloads folder.

 

8. Input your BLUECAT\your NetID and password again, same as step 5, then click OK. This will attempt the login process.

RDS resource Enter Login info again

 

9. You may receive a notice asking you a path for mapping a local drive, for a convenient way to move files. We suggest you pick your home directory from your computer and using the clipboard. Most folks prefer not to map a printer. 

Select a directory to be mapped from your local computer.

 

10. You may receive a prompt inspect and accept our server's certificate. You can verify that the RDP host is MIS-RD22DCB1.BLUECAT.ARIZONA.EDU and, if mentioned, the Gateway server is rd.artg.arizona.edu. You would click Continue to proceed with your connection attempt.

Inspect the RDP host information, including the cerrtificate, and click Continue to proceed.

11. You are now connected and your RDS resource is available to use.

RDS resource available to use

 

More information about our RDS resources

Some other things you should know about machines in our RDS system:

  • Please remember this is a beta system; if you make a support request, you will receive it as it is available.
  • Be sure to move your files out of the system if they are important to you. You may be able to use e-mail, copy/paste or a cloud service to accomplish this.
  • When you're done using the machine, please Sign Out of the session. You can do this by hitting CTRL+ALT+END and Sign Out. Or by clicking on Start -> the hamburger menu in the upper left -> <Your Name> -> Sign out. 
  • We apply idle session limits to our machines. This is similar to a screen lock; when a user does not interact with the remote resource screen for a period of time (for example, 30 minutes), the connection will be terminated but the session itself will still be running on the remote computer. A user can log back in to the system to continue their work where they left off, so long as the session hasn't been disconnected for 12 or more hours.
  • We apply disconnected session limits of 12 hours, to allow for resource preservation and maintenance activity to take place. This means that if you become disconnected from your session and don't reconnect within 12 hours, you will be logged out, and any work still running won't be saved!

 

Technical Support

If you have questions or feedback on this guide, or are having trouble with the MIS department's software license systems, remote desktop services, or other systems, please contact the MIS Academic and Research Technologies Group by e-mailing artg-support@email.arizona.edu. Please include as many details as you can, and provide screenshots if necessary. We generally respond to support requests within 1-2 business days.

If you experience technical issues with your computer, you may want to contact The 24/7 IT Support Center. The 24/7 provides computing support to University of Arizona students, faculty and staff. You can find their contact information on the 24/7 IT Support Center webpage. 

If you do not know your NetID credentials, or are having trouble with the WebAuth system, please contact the 24/7 IT Support Center at 520-626-TECH.