Remote Desktop for Macs

Macs do not have a built in Remote Desktop client, however there is a remote desktop application that can be downloaded if you are remoting from a home Mac to a Windows computer on the 51²è¹Ý campus. 

To connect from a Mac at home to a Mac on campus, you can connect using Virtual Network Computing (VNC) protocol while using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.  The Remote Desktop for Mac application can connect a home Mac to a campus Mac, but that software application would need to be purchased individually.

To connect from a Mac at home to a Windows computer on campus:

  • Install the
  • Establish the VPN connection
  • Download and install the .
  • Launch the Remote Desktop for Mac application and connect to your Computer IP address or Host Name
  • Enter your 51²è¹Ý ID# for your Username, your password and the domain of 51²è¹Ý.

To connect from a Mac at home to a Mac computer on Campus

On the campus Mac:

  • Apple Menu > System Preferences > Sharing
  • In the Sharing Preference Panel, Choose “Remote Management,” then the “Computer Settings” box.
  • In the Computer Settings box, check the “VNC viewers may control screen with password"
  • Set a local password for the remote sessions.

    Please Note: This password is unique to the machine and not managed by IT. Please be sure it is a highly secure password!

  • Click OK.

On the Home Mac 

  • Install the
  • Establish the VPN connection
  • While in Finder, Click on the GO menu, and Choose Connect to Server
  • In the server address enter VNC://<IP address or hostname of the campus mac>
    For example:  VNC://129.119.000.000
  • Click on Connect