Service Windows Terminal Server
Virtual desktop environment
The URZ provides two Windows terminal servers for use from almost any computer via a remote desktop connection. Authentication is encrypted unless otherwise specified and as long as the user's own computer supports encryption.
The remote desktop connection also enables you to connect to the local printers and drives. This allows you to access, for example, local data or print results on your own local printer. It also makes it possible to save data across sessions on a single storage medium.
The URZ operates the following Windows terminal servers:
- ts.ad.uni-heidelberg.de
- ts-mita.ad.uni-heidelberg.de
On a computer, students and employees can log in to ts.ad.uni-heidelberg.de;
ts-mita.ad.uni-heidelberg.de, on the other hand, is reserved for employees due to licensing reasons.
Both host computers are Microsoft Windows Server 2019. This means that the user interface is similar to Windows 10. In addition to LibreOffice, you will find numerous other freeware and SPSS software. ts-mita.ad.uni-heidelberg.de also has Microsoft Office installed, while ts.ad.uni-heidelberg.de has SAS.
Target group
- University employees
- Students (only ts.ad.uni-heidelberg.de)
Use
Terminal servers offer the possibility to use specialized programs that are not installed on your own computer. These servers are located within the University network.
When you remotely log in to the terminal server, you will find yourself in an environment similar to that of other Windows computers, such as the URZ PC pool computers, with the associated drives, etc. (excluding the programs installed there). You can also use the terminal server to access the University's pull print printers or to access your personal files.
Access and requirements
Students (only ts.ad.uni-heidelberg.de) and employees can use the terminal server with their Uni ID or project number.
The terminal servers are directly accessible from within the university network. An active VPN connection is required from outside the university network.
On a Windows computer, you can reach the terminal server via Start > Windows Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection; on a Mac, you must use the most up-to-date version of the program “Microsoft Remote Desktop”, which is available free of charge from the Apple Store. After entering the host name of the computer, you can authenticate your identity with your Uni ID and password.
Please note to keep your data safe: Please make sure to save your data on another storage system, e.g., your heiBOX, before ending your session. To preserve the terminal server’s storage capacity, all existing profiles and data on the terminal server will be deleted every night, so that you can no longer access them. The terminal server is not designed for permanent data storage.
Technical information
The terminal servers run on the Microsoft Windows Server 2019 operating system, so the user interface is very similar to Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Table
How do I log in to the terminal server from my Windows PC? | You are able to log in to the terminal server with an URZ user ID. Only one session per user ID is allowed at a time.
Further explanations with screenshots can be found in the How-to. |
What happens if I forget to log out? | There are two ways to disconnect the remote desktop connection: One is the regular logout via the Start menu. This method saves your profile and terminates the session properly. The other method is a somewhat crude way of closing the Remote Desktop window. This approach (which is not recommended) keeps the session running for 15 minutes before it is terminated by the server. |
How do I log in to the terminal server from a Mac? | Use the program “Microsoft Remote Desktop” from the Mac App Store. After you are finished working on the terminal server, please remember to log out. |
How to I access the terminal server from a tablet or smartphone? | Install the Remote Desktop app by downloading it from an app store. Log in to one of terminal server according to the appropriate instructions. |
What drives are on the terminal server? | In addition to the aforementioned software, the server has your Home folder (M:), Apps (O:) and the Temp drive (T:). Access to the local drives on the computer is only possible if you also select Local Devices / Drives in the options in Local Resources when starting the remote desktop connection. Access to the terminal server’s local C: disk is not allowed. |