Library & Technology

Frequently Asked Questions - Remote File Access (Terminal Server)


Law school faculty and staff are now able to remotely access their files, email, and common applications via terminal services. Please refer to the following instructions to gain access to the terminal server:

Please download the remote desktop configuration file located at http://www2.law.ufl.edu/services/lawts.rdp. Next, double-click the newly downloaded file (named "lawts.rdp") to initiate the remote connection. Once the connection is established, you will be presented with a new screen containing a username and password prompt. Simply enter your Gatorlink username and password to access the terminal server.

It is strongly encouraged that your PC (or Mac) have the Cisco Gatorlink VPN client installed before connecting to the terminal server. Using the VPN client will provide a more secure connection, and may help alleviate connection issues experienced while traveling. Download links and installation instructions can be found at http://net-services.ufl.edu/provided_services/vpn/anyconnect/install.html.

*Please Note* Mac users will need to download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection client in order to access the terminal server. The client installation download and instructions can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/mac/products/remote-desktop/default.mspx.

The following is a list of commonly asked questions regarding the use of terminal services at the College of Law:


What software is currently installed on the terminal server?
Installed applications include Microsoft Office 2007, Novell Groupwise, and Internet Explorer.

What network drives are accessible on the terminal server?
Once logged in, you'll have full access to your X: and O: drives. Departments that utilize the T: drive mapping will also have access to this drive via the terminal server.

Can I move files between my computer and the network drives?
Yes, you can freely move files between your PC's hard drive(s) and your available network drives. This applies to Mac users as well.

How long can I stay connected to the terminal server?
Once connected, you will remain so as long as you're working. The server will, however, disconnect any session after two hours of inactivity. Once disconnected, your desktop session will remain accessible for an additional hour. This will allow you to log in again in order to save any unsaved work. After three hours of inactivity have passed, all unsaved work will be lost, so please save early and often.

How do I disconnect from the terminal server?
As mentioned previously, once a terminal server session is disconnected, it will remain accessible for one hour. This means any running programs or open documents will still be open if you reconnect within the hour. This is helpful if you wish to disconnect from one computer and reconnect with another.

To manually disconnect, you can click the close (red "x") button on the open remote desktop window, or you can click the Start button and choose "Shut Down." Click the drop menu (down arrow) button and choose "Disconnect" in the ensuing dialog box.

To completely end your session, simply click the Start button and choose "Log Off." Please be aware that this will close all programs and open files currently running in the session.

Can I access audio/video applications via the terminal server?
No, the terminal server is not designed to handle audio or video applications.

 

 

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