ABS Exchange

Production Topic: Working at your desk from home or other locations using network technology

Windows XP Remote Desktop provides a built-in network technology alternative for doing work outside of the office. While the technology isn't new, the widespread availability of broadband at both ends of the connection has made this option a viable choice for doing graphically intensive work that previously has been problematic.

The first step is establishing connectivity using the Virtual Private Network (VPN), with assistance from your network administrator. The following information is useful once the VPN has successfully established connectivity "inside the firewall".

FROM YOUR WORK COMPUTER:

Note the IP address of your desktop machine at work:

• Open a command prompt (go to the 'Run...' option from the 'Start' menu and type 'CMD'), then type "IPconfig". The IP address in the example below is 192.168.25.189
  
  
• Record your IP address in an e-mail, and send it to yourself via an e-mail account accessible from your home computer

FROM YOUR HOME COMPUTER:

Run the Terminal Services Client

• Once connected to the VPN you will NOT have Internet connectivity, so...
• Obtain the e-mail containing your internal IP address prior to establishing VPN connectivity. Write the IP address down for handy reference.
• Open the 'Run' command from the Start Menu, and type 'MSTSC'.

1. If the Remote Desktop application starts, skip to the next step, otherwise
   
2. Install the Remote Desktop Connection Software application from Microsoft

• Now establish VPN connectivity using the procedure outlined by your network administrator.
  
• If your connection settings have not yet been defined, type the IP address of your desktop work computer in the "Computer" box:

• If your connection settings have not yet been defined, expand the "Options" tab and complete the following steps. Otherwise click 'Connect' to initiate the Remote Desktop session.
  

1. General Tab: Specify your network userid, password, and domain name. Click the 'Save my password' checkbox.
   
   
   
2. Display Tab: In general, use the resolution of your home computer and a 16-bit color setting for improved performance:
   
   


3. Local Resources Tab: For best performance, do not map your local disk drives, printers or serial ports to the network host:
   
   
   
4. Programs Tab: It is not generally necessary to do anything with the settings on this screen:
   
   
   
5. Experience Tab: For peak performance, use the following settings. Specifying a 28 .8K modem significantly reduces Windows-generated bandwidth clutter:
   
   

• Done: Connection settings should now be defined. From now on simply click the 'Connect' button upon starting the Remote Desktop application, after establishing VPN connectivity.

SPECIAL REMOTE DESKTOP KEY COMBINATIONS

Use the following hotkey combinations during a Remote Desktop session:

• Alt+Page Up = Switches between programs from left to right.


• Alt+Page Down = Switches between programs from right to left.


• Alt+Insert = Cycles through the programs in the order they were started.


• Alt+Home = Displays the Start menu.


• Ctrl+Alt+Break = Switches between a window and full screen (most useful!!)


• Ctrl+Alt+End = Brings up the Windows Security dialog box.


• Ctrl+Alt+Del = Displays the Windows menu


• Ctrl+Alt+Num - = Places a snapshot of the client's active window on the clipboard


• Ctrl+Alt+Num + = Places a snapshot of the client's entire desktop on the clipboard

To shut down or restart the remote computer, either bring up the Windows Security dialog , or use Task Manager.


TIPS FOR IMPROVING PERFORMANCE

If network latency seemed excessive (i.e. cursor movement seemed to drag, screen refreshing seems slow) try the following:

Test your bandwidth using the CNET Bandwidth Speed Test. Good remote desktop results have been obtained at wi-fi hotspots with bandwidths as low as 256kbps. Bandwidths of 100kbps have been observed to be problematic.

1. You may be able to increase the bandwidth available from your current provider for a modest increase in monthly subscription.
2. Localized DSL service at times has been observed to be problematic. You may be able to switch DSL service providers.
3. Tune your bandwidth settings with the TCP Optimizer free tool. Download and run this tool, then switch to the 'Advanced Settings' tab. Click the 'Optimal settings' radio button, then the 'Apply changes' button. You'll need to reboot test the improvement:

Set the AutoCAD crosshair size down to 5-10% of screen. This will reduce the amount of screen area that needs to be refreshed on cursor movement. Go to the 'Options' under the 'Format' menu, and select the 'Display' tab. Move the slider to the left until the desired setting is displayed.