Remote Desktop OSX to Windows

Despite having had a degree in Graphic Design, I usually steer away from troubleshooting Macs. However, several of my users have recently decided to purchase Macs. As such, many of them have asked how they can access work documents (hosted on Windows computers) from their Macs at home. While the process looks complicated by the sheer number of steps it will take to get everything up and running, it really only takes about 30 minutes and once it's set up, will allow for instant connectivity to your Windows machine for your Mac.

What You Need

• A Windows computer, powered on and connected to the Internet
• A recent Mac with an Internet connection
• If your Windows machine is at work, an office-based VPN and login information
• If your Windows machine is at home, a properly configured firewall
• Remote Desktop Tool for OSX (mirror)

Installing Remote Desktop on OSX

Follow these directions from your Mac on OSX

1. Download the Microsoft Remote Desktop Tool for Mac from the above links.
2. Double-click the file you downloaded to place the Remote Desktop Connection volume on your desktop, and then double-click the Remote Desktop Connection volume to open it.
3. In the Remote Desktop Connection Volume window, double-click the Remote Desktop Connection.mpkg package to start the installation process, and then follow the instructions on the screen.

Enable Remote Desktop on your Windows 7 PC

Follow these directions from your Windows 7 PC

1. Click Start, right-click on Computer, and go to Properties
   
2. In the upper left-hand corner, click 'Remote Settings'
3. Check the radio dial that reads 'Allow connections from computers running any version of Remote Desktop'
4. Click OK

Set up the VPN Connection in OSX | If Connecting to a Work PC

Follow these directions from your Mac

Directions pulled from http://www.publicvpn.com/support/MacOSX105.php

1. On the Apple menu, select System Preferences and then open Network Preferences
2. In the bottom left-hand corner, click the + icon to add a new connection
3. Set the interface to VPN, the VPN type to Automatic, and the service name to Work VPN
4. Click Create
5. Click the VPN's configuration drop down window
6. Click 'Add Configuration...'
7. Type 'Work VPN' in name
8. Click Create
9. Enter your server address (ex. vpn.workplace.com) - If you don't know this, obtain it from your system administrator
10. Enter your username for the VPN in the account name (usually this is the same as the first part of your work email address)
11. Click Apply
12. Click Connect and supply your username and password when prompted

Obtain a Computer Name | If Connecting to a Work PC

Follow these directions from your Windows 7 PC

1. Click Start, right-click on Computer, and go to Properties as we did earlier
2. Under 'Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings,' write down your computer name exactly as it is listed. Ignore the Full computer name field.

Obtain an IP Address and Configure Your Router | If Connecting to a Home PC

Follow these directions from your Windows 7 PC

1. Set your Windows 7 PC to have a static IP address using the tutorial at Portforward.com.
2. Determine what model router you have.
3. Set up port forwarding on your router. If you don't know how to do this, here are several links for popular home router models.
   Linksys | Netgear | D-Link | Asus
   If your router is not listed, check this list for specific port forwarding guidelines
4. Determine your Internet-facing IP address. This can be done by going to IPChicken.com. Write that address down, as it will be where remote desktop is connecting in the next step.

Running the Remote Desktop Client in OSX

Follow these directions from your Mac

1. Run the Remote Desktop Client from your Mac desktop. If connecting to an office computer, first make sure you are connected to the VPN we set up previously.
2. Input the computer name or address you wish to connect to when prompted.
   If connecting to a home machine, input the IP address you obtained from the steps earlier.
   If connecting to a work machine, input the computer name obtained from the steps earlier.
3. Connect to your machine and you're finished!