How do I configure remote access on my computer?

On this page:

Overview

When working remotely, you may find it necessary to connect to a Desktop Computer on MIT campus from a remote computer (i.e. home computer). There are many ways to do this. The following options are provided for informational purposes. Some of the software mentioned is not licensed by MIT and may require purchasing.

If you don’t normally do or are not comfortable doing administrative tasks, contact your local IT support provider or the IS&T Service Desk for assistance.

Prerequisites for all platforms

• The computer that will be accessed remotely must have a permanent reserved IP address. You can request one from IS&T.
• You need to know the hostname of the machine that will be accessed remotely.
• You need to connect your remote (home) machine to MITnet via the VPN. Without this connection, you will be unable to remotely access machines on MITnet.

Connect Remotely From a Windows Workstation

Microsoft Remote Desktop - Access a Windows Machine from a Windows Machine

Anyone who is not an Administrator will need to be added to the Remote Desktop Users group on the windows machine.

• Acquire: Usually included with the operating system. If needed, download: Microsoft Remote Desktop
  • Windows 10: How to Use Remote Desktop
  • Windows 7/8: Connect to another computer using Remote Desktop Connection

Connecting:

1. Connect to an MIT VPN (Cisco AnyConnect VPN Landing Page or Prisma Access VPN Beta Landing Page)
2. Search your computer for “Remote Desktop Connection.”
3. Enter the hostname of the computer on MITnet you wish to connect to.
   
   
   
   
4. Press Connect. If you receive additional prompts please select Allow or OK to continue.
5. When prompted you will login to your work computer using the same credentials you would if you were using this computer in person. Most of the time this means your Kerberos credentials, though though there may be certain local credentials to the machine as well.
6. When finished remoting, disconnect/log off your work computer and disconnect from the VPN.

Connect Remotely from MacOS

Microsoft Remote Desktop for MacOS - Access a Windows Machine from MacOS

• Acquire: Microsoft Remote Desktop In the App Store
• Getting Started with the MacOS Client
• Allow a Remote Computer to Access your Mac

Connecting:

1. Connect to the VPN
2. Launch Microsoft Remote Desktop.
3. Click the New Button Upper Left
4. Enter in the hostname of the machine on MITnet you want to connect to in the PC Name line.
   
   
   
   
5. Click on the red dot in the upper-left to close the window.
6. Double Click the newly created Hostname in the list to connect to your work computer. If you receive additional prompts please select Allow or OK to continue.
7. When prompted you will login to your work computer using the same credentials you would if you were using this computer in person. Most of the time this means your Kerberos credentials, though though there may be certain local credentials to the machine as well.
8. When finished remoting, disconnect/log off your work computer and disconnect from the VPN.

Apple Remote Desktop - Access a MacOS Machine from a MacOS Machine

1. Users without the need for Remote Management tools can use Screen Sharing
   • Connect to MIT's network through a VPN
   • How to use Screen Sharing
2. System Administrators may want to use Apple Remote Desktop
   • Acquire: Apple Remote Desktop in the App Store
   • Apple Remote Desktop Documentation
   • Allow Apple Remote Desktop to Access your Mac
   • Install and Setup Apple Remote Desktop Client

Linux:

1. Setup the Linux machine to allow remote access:
   • Ubuntu: How to enable SSH on Ubuntu
   • DebAthena: http://kb.mit.edu/confluence/x/eSVB and https://kb.mit.edu/confluence/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=4269212
2. Use a client application to access the machine:
   • Secure CRT Windows
   • SSH on MacOS
   • SSH Command - Usage, Options, Configuration on Linux and in the MacOS Terminal

Troubleshooting

• If you’re not sure how to find out your hostname or if your computer has a permanent reserved IP address, contact the IS&T Service Desk.
• Make sure your firewall settings aren’t preventing remote connections.
• Make sure you’ve started the VPN before trying to connect.

See Also

• How can I connect to the Athena dialup servers?
• Cisco AnyConnect VPN Landing Page

Have Questions or Still Need Help?

• Send email to helpdesk@mit.edu or call the IS&T Service Desk at 617.253.1101.