Quasi-Cloud Computing with Windows and RDC!

Cloud computing is the act of connecting to a remote server or computer that is not in front of you. Designated cloud computers usually have a limited amount of HDD space and software, usually running on a limited operating system. While your home computer is most likely not a cloud computer, you can still connect to it in a similar way using Window's Remote Desktop Connection. While most pre-packaged windows software gets bad reputation, the RDC is a very nice feature that has been provided with Windows operating systems since 2001 with the release of Windows XP.

To set up your home computer to accept incoming connections, you have to do a few things:

- Know your IP address given to you by UDel if you live in a dorm(most likely a 128.175.---.--- number), or know the IP assigned to you by your internet provider.
If plugged into the wall at a dorm this site will show you your 128.175.---.--- IP assigned to you by UDel. LINK

-If you connect to a router, set your router up to forward port 3389 UDP and TCP to your PC's local IP address (usually 192.168.---.---). This site will show your PC's local IP (NOT UDel's assigned IP if connected to a router). LINK

-If using Windows Vista or Windows 7, make sure to set up permissions and exceptions to allow RDC to connect to your computer. LINK

Once you have done these things, all you need to know is your UDel assigned 128.175.---.--- IP and your computer's password to log on from the Morris Library. The RDC program can be found by navigating on any Windows computer Start > Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection. Enter your UDel IP address in the box that pops up and you are ready to go.

RDC is great for:

• Using programs that are not on the library computers.
• Forgot that thumb drive? Left that Illustrator file at home? Use RDC to e-mail it to yourself and open up here at the center!
• Tired of writing Word documents at different places, having them spread out over a plethora of thumb drives? Do all your word processing on one computer to organize your files in one location! If you want to print it out at the library, just e-mail it to yourself and open the document outside of RDC on the library computer.

Remember RDC is for use with Windows XP, Vista and 7 only.