Security Is Required

ECS requires that many connections to computing resources be secure connections, connections that put your account password and data that are transferred in a form that cannot be read by someone tapping into the line. Your connection to use Remote Desktop, transfer files, and connect to certain resources files all require a secure connection.

VPN Options

• Cisco AnyConnect VPN (available to both University and non-University devices)
• GlobalProtect VPN (available only to University of Iowa devices)

Connecting from the Outside

Home Directory, Share Files, Remote Desktop, File Transfer

If you are located outside of the Seamans Center, at home or on the road for example, and want to get to files in your home directory, access shared files, run Remote Desktop, or transfer files, use the on the the VPNs listed above to establish a secure connection. The connection is established using a browser, so the sort of machine you are working from -- Windows, Mac, or Linux -- is not relevant.

• FileZilla for File Transfer allows secure file transfer; there are Windows, Mac, and Linux versions.
• Remote Desktop, which allows you to connect your Windows computer to a remote Windows computer, requires using the a VPN if connecting to a Windows computer in the Seamans Center.
• SSH is a program that allows one computer to log into another over a network.
  You can download SecureCRT (for Windows) from the ITS download site, then read instructions for installing and using SecureCRT. Linux and Mac OS X have a ssh client as standard equipment.

Connect to Linux

If you are working remotely (outside the Seamans Center network) on a Windows computer and want to run a graphic Linux session, use FastX Client for Windows.

If you are working on a Linux workstation and want to connect to a Linux workstation on the Engineering Computer Network (ECN), use an SSH client and from a shell or command line. Once connected to a workstation, launch the application and you will get the graphical interface. If you want a Linux desktop, use the FastX Client.

Summary of Secure Remote Access Options

*Remote Desktop requires using Network Connect with one of the VPNs listed above; this service is not available to students. Students who need to connect to a lab computer should use the VDI.

VDI sessions do NOT require VPN connections before use, FastX and all SSH based methods DO require VPN connections before use from off-campus locations.

Wireless sessions using the UI EduRoam wireless service are classified as being "on campus".  Do not attempt to use the UI-Guest, as this network is severely limited.