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
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 Name | Version | Application Name | Version | Application Name | Version |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adobe Creative Cloud Suite | Shared Device | Minitab | Shared Device | RStudio | 19 |
| ArcGIS | 10.8.1 for Desktop | Minitab Quality Companion | 10.8.1 for Desktop | Rtools | 5.3.0 |
| ArcGIS Pro | 2.8 | Mozilla Firefox | 2.8 | SAS | Current |
| Audacity | 2.3.2 | MS Sql Management Studio | 2.3.2 | SPSS AMOS | 18.9.2 |
| Edge Chromium | Current | MS Visual Studio Code | Current | SPSS Statistics | Current |
Gmetrix SMSe | 7.0.24 | NotepadPlusPlus | 7.0.24 | Stata | 7.7 x64 |
| Google Chrome | Current | Onbase | Current | SU Sherman Fonts | 18.0.1.60 |
| Maple | 2021 | Oracle SmartView | 2021 | Texthelp EquatIO | 11.1.2.5.900 |
| Mathematica | 10.4.1 | Pallisade Decision Tools | 10.4.1 | WinSCP | 19 |
| Matlab | 2021a x64 | PowerBI Desktop | 2021a x64 | ||
| Microsoft Office Pro Plus | 64-bit | Putty | 64-bit | ||
| Microsoft OneNote 2016 | 64-bit | Python | 64-bit | ||
| Microsoft Project Pro | 64-bit | R | 64-bit | ||
| Microsoft Silverlight | 5.1 64-bit | R Statistics | 5.1 64-bit | ||
| Microsoft Visio Pro | 64-bit | Read Write | 64-bit |
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 issues:
Issue:
If you're experiencing issues with RDS, such as problems with lab 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 rds.syr.edu.
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:
- Select rds.syr.edu from the list and then click Remove:
- Click the lock icon (
Issue:
If you're receiving an error when connecting to a remote desktop session because an unexpected server authentication certificate was received, you may need to clear the SSL cache for your Operating System/Browser.
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 at 315-443-2677, by emailing help@syr.edu, or by stopping into 1-227 CST.
Faculty and staff are highly encouraged to begin support by contacting their academic or administrative support personnel.
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