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UB Information Technology

Linux Computers

Using My Virtual Computing Lab from a Linux operating system requires a special remote desktop app that you download from Sourceforge. You can access the software in My Virtual Computing Lab using this app, as well as save work to your UBfs Myfiles (S: drive) or your local hard drive (C: drive) and print to any connected printer.

Requirements

To run Remote Desktop, you need:

  • rdesktop (runs on most UNIX-based platforms with the X Window System)
  • On-campus: A secure connection using wired ResNet, an OpenPort or UB Secure Wi-Fi
  • Off-campus: Connect using AnyConnect 

Downloading and Installing rdesktop

Is rdesktop already installed?

Some Linux installations may already have rdesktop installed. Check in your Applications/Installed directory.

  1. Browse to Sourceforge's rdesktop page.
  2. Click the Download link.
  3. Select Open with and click OK.
  4. Follow the installation instructions in the README file in the rdesktop package. The application is now installed.

Using Your Printers, Drives and Other Devices

You may choose to make some of the resources on your local computer available to you during your remote session, including your printer, USB drives, mapped drives, your clipboard and more. You may also customize display and performance options. Remote session options must be set before you connect to the remote computer.

These instructions assume you already downloaded and installed rdesktop.

  1. Select Accessories > Applications > Terminal.
  2. At the command prompt, enter rdesktop ubvcl.buffalo.edu. The following switches may be added to the end of the command:

    -r is the switch to use printers, drives and more from the local computer.
    -g for size of the window, in the format HorizontalxVertical. For example: 1024x768 or 800x600.
    -a for desktop color depth. By default rdesktop uses 256 colors; to use 15 bit color use 15 and for 16 bit color use 16.
    -u to pass a username to fill in for you.
    -p to pass the password for the username above.
    -x to set the speed to the remote host: m for modem, b for broadband and l for LAN.

    View all the available switches and their use by typing man rdesktop in the Terminal.

Connecting

Connect to My Virtual Computing Lab.

  1. Select Accessories > Applications > Terminal.
  2. At the command prompt, type rdesktop ubvcl.buffalo.edu and press Enter (optional switches are discussed above).
  3. Select Other User.
  4. In the next window, enter the following information:
    • User name: ad\UBITName
    • Password: your password
  5. Click the blue arrow or press Enter.

You are now connected.

Managing My Virtual Lab

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