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.
Recommended RDP Clients:
RDS utilizes .rdpw files, which are used with Microsoft Remote Desktop app instead of the built-in RDP client on Windows machines
- Windows 10: Microsoft Remote Desktop
- macOS: Microsoft Remote Desktop Mac App
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 signed out after 60 minutes.
Available Software on RDS
Pre-Installed programs and applications on Syracuse University Windows 10 images:
| Syracuse University Academic |
|---|
| Edge |
| Microsoft Office Pro Plus |
| 7-Zip |
| ArcGIS Pro |
| Audacity |
| Gmetrix SMSe |
| Google Chrome |
| Maple |
| Mathematica |
| Matlab |
| PowerBI Desktop |
| Minitab |
| Mozilla Firefox |
| Pallisade Decision Tools |
| R Statistics |
| Read Write |
| RStudio |
| Rtools |
| Stata IC |
| SU Sherman Fonts |
| Texthelp EquatIO |
| WinSCP |
| Microsoft Project Pro |
| Microsoft Visio Pro |
| Adobe Creative Cloud Suite |
| Microsoft SQL Management Studio |
| Microsoft Visual Studio Code |
| Putty |
| Python |
| SAS |
| SPSS AMOS |
| SPSS Statistics |
| Tableau |
| Syracuse University Personnel |
|---|
| Edge |
| Microsoft Office Pro Plus |
| 7-Zip |
| Google Chrome |
| Mozilla Firefox |
| SU Sherman Fonts |
| Microsoft Project Pro |
| Microsoft Visio Pro |
| Adobe Creative Cloud Suite |
| Microsoft Visual Studio Code |
| Putty |
| OnBase |
| Oracle for OnBase |
| Oracle SmartView |
| Tableau Desktop |
| Tableau Prep Builder |
Requesting Software
Students
If you need specific software for academic purposes, please contact your professor or instructor to learn how to access it.
Faculty or Staff
If you require specific software for academic or administrative tasks, please reach out to your academic or administrative support personnel to find out how to obtain it.
Troubleshooting
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 notice issues such as missing icons, connection errors, or certificate/SSL 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 and site data" to open a new pop-up window:
- Click on the trash icons for websites in the "From the site you're viewing" section to remove cookies associated to RDS:
- Click the lock icon (
Issue:
Server Authentication Certificate Error
Encountering an unexpected server authentication certificate 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 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, email at help@syr.edu, or drop by at 1-227 CST.
Faculty and Staff: For the most efficient support, it's recommended to start with your respective academic or administrative support teams. They're equipped with tools and knowledge tailored to your needs.