Remote access using Firefox on Windows

You can connect to the University network from home or another locations so that you can access files and use common applications, such as Excel, PowerPoint and Word, and access University systems like CamSIS, CHRIS and CUFS. These are the instructions for doing so using the Firefox browser on a Windows PC.

Visit the University's remote access website: https://acnremoteaccess.admin.cam.ac.uk

Type internal\ followed by your CRSid in the first box – for example, internal\abc12 – and enter the password you use to access your work desktop into the 'Password' box. Then click 'Sign in'.

Once you're logged in, click the 'ACN remote access' icon.

Your browser will start the process of downloading a remote desktop protocol (.rdp) file. Make sure 'Save File' is selected under 'What should Firefox do with this file?', then click 'OK'.

The file will appear in your browser downloads at the top right of the window. Click the file to open it.

A 'Remote Desktop Connection' window will appear. Click 'Connect'.

You may be asked to 'Enter your credentials'. Type internal\ followed by your CRSid in the 'Username' box – for example, internal\abc12 – and enter the password you use to access your work desktop into the 'Password' box. Then click 'OK'.

Wait for a moment for the connection to be made.

Your remote desktop will appear in a new browser 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 using the buttons in the remote connection bar at the top of the window.

When you want to close the connection, click on the Windows button, your profile icon and select 'Sign out' from the pop-up menu.