Windows testing machine

We now have remote access to a Windows machine! We can use this machine from the comfort of our own desks for testing CGIs, bug fixes, new features, etc on the win7 operating system.

It has two internet browsers:

• IE 8
• FF 3.5.16

The machine is physically located in the post-doc lab, but in theory we never need to touch it (in fact, it has no peripherals). In case the power goes out, it is set up to turn itself back on automatically.

The machine name/location is: winqa.soe.ucsc.edu

The machine is administered by SoE admins so if there are problems, you should file a regular IT ticket.

One important thing to remember is that only one person can be logged in at a time. So, if you don't log out (even if you haven't used it for several days), nobody else will be able to log in.

If you have trouble logging in, then go to this page and "reset" your password (you don't have to change it but just give it a kickstart by retyping your old password in the new password text box): https://support.soe.ucsc.edu/change-password

Logging in from Mac OS X

Using Microsoft's Remote Desktop Connection Client

If you have a newer version of Microsoft Office installed, you should already have this application in your Applications folder. If you do not have it installed, you can download the client here.

To log in:

1. Open the "Remote Desktop Connection" application
2. Enter Computer: 'winqa.soe.ucsc.edu' and click Connect.
3. For username enter either "username" or "soe\username" (you'll have to see which one works for you)
4. Use your regular SoE password
5. Say "yes" to the warning: The server name on the certificate is incorrect
6. Be patient while it sets up your desktop for the first t

Hint: to save your log in info and use it as the default when you open the app, go RDC > Preferences > Login and use the above information.

To log out, just quit the RDC program; there may be a more graceful way to exit.

If you have trouble logging in try resetting your SOE password here: https://support.soe.ucsc.edu/change-password

Note: You can also use a VPN client (like Chicken VPN) to log in, but this Microsoft product will be faster for this specific application (i.e. connecting to a windows machine), as VPN basically just sends the whole screen image over which takes longer, while (I believe) RDC actually sends font and other specific info over (less data) and lets your computer do some of the rendering.

Logging in from Windows

For instructions on using Remote Desktop Connection from Windows, click on the version of Windows you are running (well, sorta):

• Windows 7
• Windows Vista - use the Windows 7 tutorial above, but access RDC by clicking Start > Applications > Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection

Logging in from Linux

Coming soon to a Wiki near you...