Note that this article applies to Mac computers only. For instructions on connecting to a Windows machine from another Windows machine, please see this article.
Connecting to a Windows machine from a Mac is a similar, but slightly different, process from connecting from a Windows machine. This article details the steps necessary to remotely connect from a Mac computer.
Preparing Your Remote Machine
Before you will be able to connect to the machine remotely, follow the first five steps in this article to ensure that your username has remote access privileges. Once you have done so and your name is listed in the Remote Desktop Users dialogue screen, continue below.
Important: Remote Desktop Gateway
Newer Windows and Linux machines are accessible only by using the remote desktop gateway! This applies even when connecting on campus!
Please consult the related article for that setup.
Getting the Right Program
The Microsoft Remote Desktop application is available for you to install from Self Service, which should already be installed on your Mac. Simply launch the "Ohio State Application Self Service" application, search for "Microsoft Remote Desktop", and click Install. Note that some older computers may have "Self Service" instead of "Ohio State Application Self Service", and it will look a little different. These instructions still apply to both. See image below for an example.
Launching the Program
Find the Microsoft Remote Desktop application and launch it. When you do, you will see a screen like this:
Typically this is where all of our saved remote destination connections are displayed, but we haven't added any yet!
Adding a Connection
To add a connection, first click the + button and select Desktop.
After doing so, you should be greeted with a dialogue prompting you for information about the connection. Enter the address for the computer you're connecting to for the PC name field.
The example used here is the Statistics department Windows server Melomoel, but PC name can be any Windows fully-qualified domain name. Check with your IT department if you're unsure about what your fully-qualified domain name, or IP address, is.
The options at the bottom of the menu are simply display options and are a matter of preference.
There is no need to "save" the information you've put into the dialogue box here. Simply click the X at the top left of the window and the information will save automatically.
Connecting!
If you followed the steps above, you should see something like the following image:
This will save, even if you close the program or log out of your computer, or whatever else. To edit or delete these saved connections, hover over the connection and click on the pencil icon.
If all of the information you entered is correct and the remote machine is configured to accept incoming connections from the user you gave, then you will be able to just double-click on the connection, enter your OSU name.# and password when prompted, and you should be good to go. If there are any issues, double-check that the information you entered is all correct. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact your department's IT support team.
Note that, depending on what server/computer you are connecting to, you will more than likely need to be connected to the VPN in order to authenticate with the computer. See the article in the right sidebar on Cisco AnyConnect if you need a reminder on how to connect.