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Overview


Remote Desktop Services (RDS) provides Syracuse University students, faculty, staff, as well as those with an active SU guest or ESF student affiliation, the ability to access a university desktop from anywhere using a personal computer with a reliable internet connection.

On This Page


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Configuring and Connecting to RDS


We recommend that users access RDS through a web browser. However, users can use their respective remote desktop clients (RDP) if needed.



RDS Connection Guidelines


Data Storage on OneDrive:
All work should be saved to the Syracuse University-provided OneDrive or the network G: drive. Files saved on the local C: drive will be deleted upon sign-out.

Importance of Regular Saves:
Despite RDS's inherent stability, factors like network disruptions or device issues can arise. Ensure you save your work frequently to prevent potential data loss.

Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication:
Using RDS mandates the activation of Microsoft Two-Factor Authentication. It's advisable to have this set up before connecting to RDS for the first time.

Idle Session Protocol:
RDS sessions that remain inactive will be automatically terminated after a four-hour period.

Configuring and Connecting to RDS

We recommend that users access RDS through a web browser. However, both Windows and Mac users can also utilize their respective remote desktop clients (RDP) if needed.

Available Software on RDS - SULabs resource


The following programs and applications are available when connected to the SULabs instance on RDS:

Application NameVersionApplication NameVersionApplication NameVersion
Adobe Creative Cloud SuiteShared DeviceMinitabShared DeviceRStudio19
ArcGIS10.8.1 for DesktopMinitab Quality Companion10.8.1 for DesktopRtools5.3.0
ArcGIS Pro2.8Mozilla Firefox2.8SASCurrent
Audacity2.3.2MS Sql Management Studio2.3.2SPSS AMOS18.9.2
Edge ChromiumCurrentMS Visual Studio CodeCurrentSPSS StatisticsCurrent

Gmetrix SMSe

7.0.24NotepadPlusPlus7.0.24Stata7.7 x64
Google ChromeCurrentOnbaseCurrentSU Sherman Fonts18.0.1.60
Maple2021Oracle SmartView2021Texthelp EquatIO11.1.2.5.900
Mathematica10.4.1Pallisade Decision Tools10.4.1WinSCP19
Matlab2021a x64

PowerBI Desktop 

2021a x64

Microsoft Office Pro Plus64-bitPutty64-bit

Microsoft OneNote 201664-bitPython64-bit

Microsoft Project Pro64-bitR64-bit

Microsoft Silverlight5.1 64-bitR Statistics5.1 64-bit

Microsoft Visio Pro64-bitRead Write64-bit


Info
titleSchool or College Specific Software

Not all school or college applications are available in the RDS environment. If you need access to specialized academic applications, such as those used by the iSchool, Engineering, Architecture, VPA, and Whitman, alternative connection options are available. Please refer to the Remote Access Answers Page for connection details.


Requesting Software


Students

If you require particular software for academic purposes, please reach out to your professor or instructor to determine how to access that software.

Faculty or Staff

Faculty or staff members who require specific software for administrative or academic purposes should contact their academic or administrative support personnel to determine how to gain access.

Troubleshooting


RDS will sometimes have common issues when attempting to connect to resources. Below you will find common solutions to these From time to time, users may experience connection problems with RDS. Here are solutions for the most common issues:

Issue:

Cache and Cookies Problems

If you 're experiencing issues with RDS, notice issues such as problems with lab missing icons, connection errors, or certificate/SSL errors, clearing the cache of your browser can often resolve these issues. Instead of clearing all cache and cookies, you can clear only the specific information for warnings, a quick solution is to clear the browser cache specific to rds.syr.edu. This means you won't be erasing all your saved website data, just the data associated with the RDS site.

Solution: 

To remove only the cookies/cache from rds.syr.edu on Chrome or Edge, follow these steps:

    • Click the lock icon () in your address bar at the top of the screen.

    • Click on "Cookies" to open a new pop-up window:

      screenshot of alternative window that appears after clicking the lock button

    • Select rds.syr.edu from the list and then click Remove:

      cookies in use alt screen



Issue:
If you're receiving an error when connecting to a remote desktop session because

Server Authentication Certificate Error

Encountering an unexpected server authentication certificate was received, you may need to clear the SSL cache for your Operating System/Browser.oops we couldn't connect to sulabsImage Removedcertificate warning? This typically means there's a discrepancy between the server's certificate and the one your system expects. Clearing the SSL cache can help.

Solution: 

Clear the SSL cache for your Operating System/Browsers

Steps:

Windows computers using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge:

    • Open the Start menu.
    • Search for and open Internet Options.
    • In the dialogue box that appears, select the Content tab.
    • Click Clear SSL State.

macOS computers using Google Chrome:

    • Open Google Chrome
    • Click on the kebab menu  ) found at the upper right corner of the browser window.
    • Open the History menu, then click the History option from this menu.
    • Click Clear Browser Data.
    • Set the Time Range to All Time.
    • Click Clear Data.


Getting Help

For support of the information above, contact the ITS Help Desk by calling

with RDS Issues


We're here to ensure you have a smooth experience with RDS. If you need assistance:

  • Students: Feel free to reach out to the ITS Help Desk directly. Call us at 315-443-2677,

by emailing  stopping into
  • at 1-227 CST.

  • Faculty and

staff are highly encouraged to begin support by contacting their academic or administrative support personnel. 
  • Staff: For the most efficient support, it's recommended to start with your respective academic or administrative support teams. They're equipped with specialized tools and knowledge tailored to your needs. However, the ITS Help Desk is always available as a secondary resource.


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