Working in the virtual computer suite

"Remote Desktop" is a Microsoft technology for accessing other computers via the network. Only the image and keystrokes are transferred, the applications run on the server (see graphic below). A stable network connection should be available, otherwise there will be stuttering and limitations in image quality. Working in the PC pool or in the BTU network should be possible without any problems, on the train between Lübbenau and KW this is probably no fun. You are welcome to share your criticism and experiences with us so that we can see if there is room for improvement. Just write to fakultaet6+pcpool@b-tu.de

For Windows, the program required for "Remote Desktop" is already integrated (search for mstsc.exe or "Remote Desktop"), for MacOS it can be downloaded from the "Store" https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id1295203466?mt=12 For Linux you can use either xfreerdp (command line) or Remmina. There is also a client for ChromeOS, probably also in some kind of  "Store".

The "Remote Desktop Service" can be used to access computers in the PC pool via the network. The service is available in the campus network or via the VPN. You need a Faculty 6 account for registration. There are two ways to start a session:

  1. You download the configuration file Bauwesen.rdp, this file can be executed directly under Windows. In "Windows Remote Desktop" for MacOS the RDP file can be imported (Connections -> import from RDP file).
  2. Alternatively, you can login to the Remote Desktop page and start a session in the browser (see Figures 1 and 2). After logging in, you will see the "Bauwesen" collection. Click on the icon to start a session.

The variant "Download RDP file and use local client" generally has a better display performance. If you connect from outside the BTU, too low a speed and/or too high a latency of the network connection can impair the graphical display and interaction.

- General information

  • The active connection has a time limit of 8 hours
  • The disconnected connection has a time limit of 2 hours
  • When establishing a connection, you can specify whether local resources such as folders or printers should be available in the session (see Figure 3).
  • User data can be stored on the BTU Owncloud (https://www.btu.de/itservices/basisdienste/cloud-services). The "ConnectBtuOwncloud" script on the desktop can be used to establish a connection. A connection to the BTU Owncloud is then established via the drive letter "O"
  • There is no backup other than the usual "recycle bin" mechanism.
  • After starting applications, the connection to the server can be "disconnected". The applications will nevertheless continue to run. There is currently a time limit of 2 hours. After this time, the session is forcibly terminated
  • Within the 2 hours, the progress of calculations can be tracked by reconnecting or the programs can continue to be used