Working Remotely
There are several ways to set yourself up to work away from your desktop computer.
This article is the first in a series which will discuss different means of working remotely.
We will start with Remote Desktop Connect on devices using Windows. This option allows you to access your workstation from a laptop, so long as you are on the same network. Because of this, Remote Desktop Connect is limited in range.
This article will give you a basic understanding of the process of remote access. There are several reasons remote access can be beneficial even at the fundamental level. For example, it will allow you to go downstairs while your main Workstation is up in the office.
Set Up
The first step to remote access is to prepare your main workstation to allow other devices to access its information.
- The first step is to go to the search bar and type all. The option Allow remote access to your computer will appear. Select it.
2. The System Properties Screen will display. Select both Allow Remote Connections to this Computer boxes as well as the Allow Connections only…with Network Level Authentication. Hit OK.
Connection
Now we are ready to connect the laptop to the workstation.
- On the laptop, type rdp into the Search Bar. The option Remote Desktop Connection will appear. Select it.
2. The Remote Desktop Connection screen will display. Select your correct IP address (see below). Hit Connect.
3. A screen will appear asking for your credentials (see below). Enter your Name and Password and select OK.
Congratulations, you have now taken over access to your main workstation. You will continue to control that screen until you disconnect.
Finding Your Info
During the remote access process, there were three things you need: IP Address, Workstation Name, and Password.
We will now demonstrate how to located the Workstation’s IP Address and Name. The Password is a bit more challenging and if you do not know it already you might have to contact an IT Provider to assist you in retrieving/updating that information.
Here is how you locate the IP Address and Workstation Name:
IP Address
- Type com into the Search bar and select Command Prompt.
2. The Command Prompt Screen will appear.
3. Type ipconfig after your User File Name (will be specific to your device) and press Enter.
4. Wireless LAN Screen will appear. Your IP Address is after IPv4 Address.
Workstation Name
This is how you can find the name of your Workstation.
- Type com in the Search Bar to bring up the Command Prompt Screen.
2. Type net user and press Enter.
3. Your Workstation Name will appear under Administrator. There is a good chance it is the same as the User File Name but this is not always the case.
Well there you have it, the most basic level of remote access.
We intend to publish more articles regarding higher levels of remote access in the coming weeks, so make sure you subscribe to our email list to receive those articles.
If you’d like to add remote access to your business (to make sure you can keep working if you get snowed in), give us a call at 1-800-480-9109 or email us at support@priorityitwork.com.