Overview
Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a resource provided to Syracuse University students, faculty, staff, as well as those with an active SU guest or ESF student affiliation. RDS allows eligible users to access a university desktop from anywhere, using a personal computer with a reliable internet connection.
On This Page
Configuring and Connecting to RDS
To connect to RDS, you can use either a direct connection through a web browser (rds.syr.edu) or through the Remote Desktop app found in the Microsoft Store or in the Apple App Store:
RDS Connection Guidelines
Data Storage on OneDrive:
Save all work to Syracuse University's OneDrive or the network G: drive. Files in the Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders automatically sync with OneDrive. Files in the Downloads, Music, and Videos folders, as well as any files 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 occur. 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:
To maintain security and system performance, idle RDS sessions will be signed out automatically after 120 minutes (two hours).
Available Software on RDS
Pre-Installed programs and applications on Syracuse University Windows 10 images:
Syracuse University Academic |
|---|
3d Slicer |
7-Zip |
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite |
Alteryx Designer |
ArcGIS Pro |
Arena |
aspenONE |
Audacity |
Bentley Suite |
Blender |
Caseware IDEA |
ENPS |
Gmetrix SMSe |
ImageJ |
Mathcad |
MathCAD Prime |
Mathematica |
Matlab |
Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise |
Microsoft PowerBI Desktop |
Microsoft Project Pro |
Microsoft SQL Management Studio |
Microsoft Visio Pro |
Microsoft Visual Studio Code |
Minitab |
Palisade Decision Tools |
PowerWorld |
Primavera P6 |
Putty |
R Statistics |
Read Write |
RStudio |
Rtools |
SAPGUI |
SAS |
SPSS AMOS |
SPSS Statistics |
Stata MP4 |
Structural Analysis |
Structure Point Suite |
Tableau Desktop |
WinSCP |
WinTR |
Syracuse University Personnel |
|---|
7-Zip |
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite |
Edge |
Google Chrome |
Microsoft 365 Apps for enterprise |
Microsoft Project Pro |
Microsoft Visio Pro |
Mozilla Firefox |
OnBase |
Oracle for OnBase |
Oracle SmartView |
SU Sherman Fonts |
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. In this section, you’ll find solutions to commonly reported issues.
Issue:
Missing Icons, Connection Errors, or Certificate/SSL Warnings |
Solution:
Clearing the Site’s Cache and Cookies |
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.
To remove only the cookies/cache from rds.syr.edu on Chrome or Edge, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select the “View site information” icon from your browser’s address bar:
Step 2: Click on the "Cookies and site data" tab > “Manage on-device site data” to open a new pop-up window:
Step 3: Delete the websites listed under the section titled: “Data from the site you’re visiting”.
To do so, click on the trash icons for all items listed under this section (shown below). Once they have been removed, select “Done” at the bottom of the window to finish clearing the cookies/cache that are specific to the RDS site:
Issue:
Server Authentication Certificate Error |
Solution:
Clear the SSL Cache for your Operating System/Browsers |
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. To do so, please follow the device and browser-specific instructions below:
Windows Computers using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge:
MacOS Computers using Google Chrome:
Start Menu > Internet Options > Control panel > Clear SSL State > OK Start Menu > Internet Options > Control panel > Clear SSL State > OK
 |
Chrome > Kebab Menu > Delete Browsing Data > Time Range = All time > Delete Data Chrome > Kebab Menu > Delete Browsing Data > Time Range = All time > Delete 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 by visiting us at the ITS Service Center. Further information regarding hours and location can be found on the ITS Service Center page.
Faculty and Staff: For the most efficient support, it's recommended to start with your respective academic or administrative support teams. They are equipped with tools and knowledge tailored to your needs.
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Available Software on RDS - SULabs resourceThe following programs and applications are available when connected to the SULabs instance on RDS:
Requesting SoftwareStudentsIf you require particular software for academic purposes, please reach out to your professor or instructor to determine how to access that software. Faculty or StaffFaculty 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. |