How-to: Logging Into the Remote Desktop Server from a Chrome Device
FCS provides a Windows Server for use by teachers and students that allows Chrome users to access educational programs that can only run on the Windows operating system. This document highlights how to log into the server from your Chrome computer.
Instructions:
Sign into your Chrome device with your Friends’ Central Google account using your email address.
From the left side of the Shelf at the bottom, tap on the circle icon to bring up the full list of installed applications. Tap on the red icon for RD Client (Remote Desktop Client).
The Remote Desktop Client opens to a blank screen upon first use. We will need to add a computer to connect to and save the configuration.
At the top, furthest to the right, tap on the “+” icon, and then tap on Add PC.
The Add PC window will appear. Here we can add the information needed to connect to the Remote Desktop Server.
Fill in the PC NAME field with the server’s name: RDWEB.FRIENDSCENTRAL.ORG (not case sensitive)
For USER ACCOUNT, select the drop-down arrow and choose, Add user account.
For USERNAME, enter your Windows username, which is the same as the first part of your FCS Email address. In our example, we are using an account called “Fake Upper.” This account’s email address is: fakeupper@friendscentral.org. For this account, we would enter: fakeupper.
Enter your password in the PASSWORD field and tap SAVE.
Once back at the Add PC screen, enter a FRIENDLY NAME if you wish, and tap SAVE at the top.
Once this is done, you’ll have a new entry at the top of the screen. This entry will remain intact for as long as needed, until it is removed. Double-tap on the name to start the connection.
You will be presented with a warning screen stating that the “Certificate can’t be verified.” This can be safely ignored. Check the box labeled, Never ask again for connecting to this PC, and tap CONNECT.
The RD Client will connect to the server, and log in automatically using your account information. Once finished, you’ll be presented with a Windows background screen and desktop which works like any other Windows PC.
When you are finished using the Remote Desktop server, tap on the Windows logo at bottom right, and then tap on the Person icon three (3) places above the logo. When highlighted, your username will appear above it.
Tap Sign out and close the RD Client window on your Chromebook.
Congratulations! You have successfully configured and connected to a Windows Remote Desktop server, allowing you to utilize Windows-based applications and programs.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Can I access the server from home?
A: While it is possible to access the server from outside the FCS network via a VPN, we restrict this access to a handful of faculty and staff who require it. Please submit a Help Desk ticket to request access.
Q: Can I install programs and apps on the server?
A: No. Only FCIT can install programs and apps on the server.
Q: Will I still be able to access files in my Google Drive?
A: Yes. There are two ways of doing so. The first and most familiar, is by using the Chrome browser (already installed and set as default) as you normally would. The second is by using the Google Drive for Desktop app, which is useful for integration with Windows apps, and creates a G drive so you can quickly access files using Windows Explorer. If you’d like to know more about Google Drive for Desktop, please see this helpful Getting Started article.
Do you have additional questions or need help? Please submit a Help Desk ticket and we’ll be happy to answer them or provide additional instructions.
Additional Information:
Using Google Drive for Desktop: https://support.google.com/drive/answer/10838124
What Can You Do with Drive? https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9310246?hl=en&ref_topic=9296420&sjid=5914662513535874046-NA
How to Add Files and Folders to Google Drive: https://support.google.com/a/users/answer/9310458?hl=en&ref_topic=9296420&sjid=5914662513535874046-NA