Remote Access

Finding Your Computer Name

To login to your office computer remotely you will need the computer name of your office machine. To find this name:

On Windows 7:

1. Click the start menu from the Windows desktop.
2. Right-click on Computer and select Properties.
3. Once the System window opens, look for Full computer name in the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section.
4. Make note of this name. It will be in the format "(computer name).medadmin.arizona.edu" or "(computer name).catnet.arizona.edu"

On Windows 10:

1. Click the start menu from the Windows desktop.
2. Search for This PC in the search box and hit enter.
3. A file explorer window will open.
4. On the left side of the window find This PC and right click on it and select Properties.
5. Once the System window opens, looke for Full Computer Name in the Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings section.
6. Make note of this name. You will be using it in the format "(computer name).medadmin.arizona.edu" or "(computer name).catnet.arizona.edu"

NOTE: If your computer does not have a medadmin.arizona.edu or catnet.arizona.edu on the full computer name, it cannot be remotely connected to.
NOTE: It is not possible to remotely connect to a Mac computer.

Using Remote Desktop

You will need to be connected to the College of Medicine VPN first.  Then follow the instructions below.

For Windows:

1. On your laptop or home computer, click the Start menu on the Windows desktop.
2. Type remote desktop connection into the search field, otherwise navigate to All programs > Windows Accessories.
3. Open Remote Desktop Connection.
4. Enter your full computer name in the format "(computer name).medadmin.arizona.edu" or "(computer name).catnet.arizona.edu" (without quotes) and click Connect.
5. When prompted for a username and password:

• Username is medadmin\USERNAME or catnet\USERNAME​, depending on your computer name.
• Password is the password that you use to log into your work computer.

For Mac OS:

If you have Microsoft Office, you may have Remote Desktop Connection installed already. 

1. Click the magnifying glass in the Mac OS menu bar at the top of your screen.
2. Type remote desktop connection into the search field.
3. Open Remote Desktop Connection.
4. Enter your full computer name in the format "(computer name).medadmin.arizona.edu" or "(computer name).catnet.arizona.edu" (without quotes) and click Connect.
5. When prompted for a username and password:

• Username is medadmin\USERNAME or catnet\USERNAME, depending on your computer name.
• Password is the password that you use to log into your work computer.

If you do not have Microsoft Office, you can download Microsoft Remote Desktop for free. To use Microsoft Remote Desktop:

1. Click the magnifying glass in the Mac OS menu bar at the top of your screen.
2. Type microsoft remote desktop into the search field.
3. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop.
4. If configuring a new connection, click New to add a new device to your Remote Desktops list.
5. Enter your full computer name in the format "(computer name).medadmin.arizona.edu" or "(computer name).catnet.arizona.edu" (without quotes) in the PC name field and close the Edit Remote Desktops dialogue by clicking the red button in the upper-left hand corner of the window.
6. Double-click on the computer to which you would like to connect in order to initiate the remote desktop session.
7. When prompted for a username and password:

• Username is medadmin\USERNAME or catnet\USERNAME​, depending on your computer name.
• Password is the password that you use to log into your work computer.

VPN access is available to all employees and students who request access and receive approval.  Please contact the Service Desk at 520-626-8721 to be added to the College of Medicine VPN.

Installing Cisco AnyConnect and connecting to the College of Medicine VPN

1. Open an internet browser and go to vpn.arizona.edu/COMVPN In the Login box, you will enter the information below:

• The next two boxes require your Net I.D. and Net I.D. Password.
• NetID + Method will be your preferred method for using 2 factor authentication otherwise known as NetID+.  You can use one of the following three options:
  • Phone: if you are accustomed to getting a phone call to validate your log in, type in the word "phone" (without quotes).
  • Push: if you are accustomed to getting a "push" notification to your phone, type in the word "push" (without quotes).
  • Code: if you are accustomed to using a six digit code from your Duo Mobile app, then simply type the number in to NetID + Method.

2. ​Next, click on Login
3. Click the link to download the application.

Note: If you do not know your NetID password or cannot log in, please contact the UITS 24/7 at 520-626-8324.

For Windows:

1. You will need to run or open the file that was downloaded.
2. A status window will be displayed briefly, and then you will follow the on screen dialog to install the application.
3. At this point the VPN installation is completed, and the program can be run from the Start menu.
4. If it is not present on the Start menu, it is reachable by typing Cisco in the search box and clicking Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. Alternatively, go to All Programs, then click on the Cisco folder. In this folder there should be an option for Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client. Click this, and then run the program with the same name.
5. Once the program starts, a window will be displayed. On this window, click Connect.  If the address is blank use vpn.arizona.edu/comvpn or select COMVPN if not already selected.
6. A window should be displayed asking for the Username, Password, and NetID+ method.  These will be the NetID and NetID password and the method you use for NetID+ method, as you used for logging into the VPN web-site.  Click OK.
7. Once valid credentials are entered and you have completed the log in, a message will appear. Click Accept.
8. After accepting this disclaimer, the connection will be made to the VPN server.

For Mac:

1. You will need to run or open the file that was downloaded.
2. A status window will be displayed briefly, and then you will follow the on screen dialog to install the application.
3. At this point the VPN installation is completed, and the program can be run from the Applications menu or by finding it with the search.
4. Click the magnifying glass icon in the top right.
5. Search for Cisco, then open an application called Cisco AnyConnect Secure Mobility Client.
6. Once the program starts, a window will be displayed. On this window, click Connect.  If the address is blank use vpn.arizona.edu/comvpn or select COMVPN if not already selected.
7. A window should be displayed asking for the Username, Password, and NetID+ method.  These will be the NetID and NetID password and the method you use for NetID+ method, as you used for logging into the VPN web-site.  Click OK.
8. Once valid credentials are entered and you have completed the log in, a message will appear. Click Accept.
9. After accepting this disclaimer, the connection will be made to the VPN server.

How to Download, Install and Connect to UA VPN on a Windows PC

How to Download, Install and Connect to UA VPN on a Mac

How to Download, Install and Connect to UA VPN on iPhones and iPads