You can connect to the University network from home or other locations to access files and use common applications, such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word. You can also access University systems like CamSIS, CHRIS and CUFS.
These instructions are for connecting using the Firefox browser on a macOS device.
Before you start
You need to connect to a University VPN, such as the ACN VPN, before using remote access if you are working away from the University. If you are connected to a University network or using a wireless service (eduroam), then the VPN is not needed.
Connect to Remote access
1. Ensure you have Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 installed. Older versions of Microsoft Remote Desktop are not compatible with this service.
You can check if you have Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 installed by visiting the App Store in a web browser or opening App Store on your Mac and searching for 'Microsoft Remote Desktop 10'.
If required, click 'Get' and then 'Open' once the software is installed. Otherwise, just click 'Open'.
2. Visit the University's remote access website: https://acnremoteaccess.admin.cam.ac.uk
3. Type internal\ followed by your CRSid in the first box, for example, internal\abc12. Then enter the password you use to access your work desktop into the 'Password' box.
4. Once you're logged in, click the 'ACN remote access' icon.
5. Your browser will start the process of downloading a remote desktop protocol (.rdp) file. Make sure 'Open with' is selected under 'What should Firefox do with this file?' and 'Microsoft Remote Desktop (default)' is selected in the dropdown menu, then click 'OK'.
6. The Microsoft Remote Desktop app will launch in a new window. An 'Enter Your User Account' pop-up will appear. Log in by typing internal\ followed by your CRSid in the first box, for example, internal\abc12. Then enter the password you use to access your work desktop into the 'Password' box. Then click 'Continue'.
7. Your remote desktop will appear in a new full-screen window. You can launch Microsoft Office applications and connect to University systems such as CamSIS and CHRIS via the Windows button in the bottom left corner, as normal.
You can minimise the window by moving your pointer to the top of the screen to reveal the Microsoft Remote Desktop menu bar and clicking the green button.
8. When you want to close the connection, click on the Windows button, your profile icon and select 'Sign out' from the pop-up menu.
