If you wish to access certain University software and services from off campus, and you do not have a University managed computer, then we offer the ability to remote control a computer from your personal device.Before you can use this services, you will need to be enroled for MFA as per the instructions here: Multi-Factor Authentication. Please note students will need to ensure they are using the ‘Microsoft Authenticator app’ option rather than SMS based MFA in order to use this software.Staying Safe and Cyber Security Please be aware that laptops, tablets and mobiles are targetted by thieves, consequently you should firstly stay safe – no device is worth risking a confrontation.When working at home, it is important to ensure that the area you work in is secure, with suitable lighting and furniture, (please see the cyber security, and workstation guidelines). Be aware of your surroundings, fully power off, and lock away devices when they are not in use.Please note, it is important that you should not allow anyone else access to the device. If anything goes wrong, or you have any doubts that your device or home WiFI etc has been compromised, please contact SIZ immediately for help in containing any risks.
Installing the software on personal devices #
To remote control a University computer, you will need to install one of the clients listed here:
Setting up the software #
- When the install is finished run the app called ‘PCoIP Client’
- Once opened for the first time, you will need to add a new connection
- You should use ‘anyware.chi.ac.uk’ as the host address, give the connection a familiar name, and click on ‘Add Connection’
- Click the saved connection and you’ll be prompted for your university username and password
- At the ‘Desktop selection’ screen click one of the options available e.g. Windows – Standard
- A session will launch, and you may be prompted to allow access to the Firewall request
You should now be connected to a computer.The next time you run ‘PCoIP Client’ you’ll be able to launch your saved connection.
Installing the software on university provided Apple Macs #
- Open ‘Managed Software Centre’
- Run ‘HP Anyware Client’
FAQ
Which Desktop should I choose?
There are different desktop options to reflect the nature of the work you’re trying to do. If you’re not sure which item to choose, start with “Windows (Standard)”.
If there is any software you require that you feel should be available, please email help@chi.ac.uk and we will look into it.
| Software | Windows (Standard) | Windows (Media and CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Office | YES | YES |
| Google Chrome | YES | YES |
| Firefox | YES | YES |
| Microsoft Edge | YES | YES |
| Microsoft Teams | YES | YES |
| Microsoft Clipchamp | YES | YES |
| Adobe Digital Editions | YES | YES |
R Studio | YES | |
| JASP | YES | |
Tableau | YES | |
| IntelliJ | YES | |
| Adobe Creative Cloud | YES (STAFF ONLY) | |
| Avid Sibelius | YES | |
| Autodesk AutoCAD | YES | |
| MATLAB | YES | |
| SolidWorks | YES | |
Autodesk Maya | YES | |
| Blender | YES | |
| DaVinci Resolve | YES | |
| Houdini | YES | |
| Nuke | YES | |
| SourceTree | YES | |
Unity | YES | |
| Unreal Engine | YES |
How does this differ from previous remote access?
In contrast to previous systems, for the sake of cybersecurity, we have deliberately disabled the following features:
- Copy files from personal machines
- Copy text and/or images from personal machines via the clipboard
- Connect USB storage devices
Additionally, if you previously used the RemoteApp system, you will no longer be able to use individual apps on your personal machine, you will need to remote control a full desktop.
What if I get disconnected?
If you get disconnected for any reason, your session is held for 20 minutes before you are automatically logged off, and the machine is made available to other users
During this 20 minute period, you will be automatically reconnected to your session the next time you connect.
I am getting a "Resource Unavailable" error
This means all of the desktops are currently in use. At present we only have a small selection of desktops to remote control, however this is due to be expanded in early August.
Is there a Linux client?
Yes, please contact help@chi.ac.uk for details, as instructions are different depending on what type of Linux you’re using
What screen resolutions are supported?
The “Windows Standard” machines are limited to a maximum monitor resolution of 4K UHD
The “Windows Media + CAD” machines can go higher, and have been tested at 5K successfully.
How do I remove previous Remote Control software?
If you previous remote controlled HP Workstations, you can now uninstall the software that facilitated that on your personal device.
Windows:
- Search for “Add or Remove programs” – you can uninstall “HP ZCentral Remote Boost 2020 Reciever”, and “GlobalProtect”
MacOS:
- Drag “GlobalProtect” and “HP ZCentral Remote Boost” from your Applications folder to Trash