OACS Desktop Support Expectations:

To ensure that we are providing in-person desktop support in a safe manner, please be advised that OACS staff will be adhering to specific support guidelines and cleaning guidelines, which can be accessed below:

  • To access support guidelines, click here 

Useful Links:

 

BSOS Cloud Based Computer Labs:

BSOS provides cloud based virtual lab access to all courses meeting in our physical labs. We are also providing virtual open lab access to all BSOS students.  The BSOS virtual labs (instructional / open) can be access at: https://bsoslab.umd.edu/rdweb.  If you are a BSOS student not currently enrolled in a course which has a physical lab component, you can request virtual lab access by completing the following form: https://oacs.umd.edu/form/virtual-computer-access-request

Note: Although Campus offers cloud based computing solutions, the BSOS solution will provide Faculty / Students with additional software not included in the Campus offering along with improved performance in many cases.  Additionally, please be advised that BSOS online cloud labs are compatible with both PC as well as MAC.

 

BSOS Cloud Desktop Access (BSOS Cloud - Recommended):

The BSOS cloud desktop offering provides a fully backed-up hosted remote desktop solution with all of the software included on our standard computer images.  If there is a Campus closure and you experience any issues with this environment, full support will be available to you during normal business hours.

Key Advantages:

  • Fully Supported in the Event of a Campus Closure
  • 100% Backed Up
  • Access to all mapped drives
  • Located in a Supported Data Center (No Need to Worry About a Desktop Computer that did Not Boot Back Up or Crashed)

If you are interested in our online cloud desktop offering, you can request a virtual PC by completing the following request form: https://oacs.umd.edu/form/virtual-computer-access-request. 

 

Remote Desktop Access (Office PC - Recommended in Limited Situations):

Did you know that in the event of a Campus closure, you can access your desktop computer remotely (this may require OACS assistance for certain user groups)?

Key Advantages:

  • If you have a high-end desktop and use it for high intensity number crunching applications, this access option will be preferred

Disadvantages:

  • Not Supported in the Event of Campus Closure
    • OACS may be unable to assist if your computer crashes or does not power back on and/or becomes inaccessible
  • Not Backed Up

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Instructions To Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10 using Control Panel:

  1. Open the Control Panel (Type and then select Control Panel in the Windows task bar search box to the right of the Windows start button)
  2. Click on System and Security.
  3. Under the “System” section, click the Allow remote access link.
  4. Under the “Remote Desktop” section, select the Allow remote connections to this computer option. 
  5. Click the Apply button.
  6. Click the OK button.

Make a note of your IP address so that you can easily connect while working remote.  This can be done via: https://whatismyipaddress.com/

To access your remote machine, you will need to first connect to the Campus VPN.  If you do not have the Cisco VPN client installed on your computer, you can download it here: https://terpware.umd.edu/Windows/Title/1840; the vpn address post install is vpn.umd.edu.  After connecting to the Campus VPN, you will open the remote desktop icon, which can be found in the "Accessories" folder from your Windows start menu.  Once the remote desktop window displays, enter the IP address found from the step above and click connect.

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Be advised that if you are connecting to your desktop computer remotely and your computer crashes or powers off and does not power back on (updates, sleep / hibernation mode, power surge / failure, etc.), OACS will not be able to assist you in recovering your data or powering your machine back on in the event of a Campus closure.

 

IF YOU HAVE SPECIFIC QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS REGARDING AN IT RELATED MATTER ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT WHICH MAY BE AFFECTED BY A CAMPUS CLOSURE, oacshelpdesk [at] umd [dot] edu (EMAIL US) TODAY AND WE WILL WORK WITH YOU TO FIND A SOLUTION!

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