Remote Desktop for Macs
Macs do not have a built in Remote Desktop client, however there is a remote desktop application that can be downloaded if you are remoting from a home Mac to a Windows computer on the SMU campus.
To connect from a Mac at home to a Mac on campus, you can connect using Virtual Network Computing (VNC) protocol while using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection. The Remote Desktop for Mac application can connect a home Mac to a campus Mac, but that software application would need to be purchased individually.
To connect from a Mac at home to a Windows computer on campus:
- Install the SMU VPN Client
- Establish the VPN connection
- Download and install the Remote Desktop for Mac application.
- Launch the Remote Desktop for Mac application and connect to your Computer IP address or Host Name
- Enter your SMU ID# for your Username, your password and the domain of SMU.
To connect from a Mac at home to a Mac computer on Campus
On the campus Mac:
- Apple Menu > System Preferences > Sharing
- In the Sharing Preference Panel, Choose “Remote Management,” then the “Computer Settings” box.
- In the Computer Settings box, check the “VNC viewers may control screen with password"
- Set a local password for the remote sessions.
Please Note: This password is unique to the machine and not managed by IT. Please be sure it is a highly secure password!
- Click OK.
On the Home Mac
- Install the SMU VPN Client
- Establish the VPN connection
- While in Finder, Click on the GO menu, and Choose Connect to Server
- In the server address enter
VNC://<IP address or hostname of the campus mac>
For example:VNC://129.119.000.000 - Click on Connect