Remote Access to Cedarnet Software: VPN and Remote Desktop (Faculty and Staff Only)

There are hundreds of software titles available on CedarNet (e.g., Photoshop, AutoCad, Illustrator, etc.). Unfortunately, due to licensing restrictions, this software cannot be installed on home computers. However, there are ways for you to utilize CedarNet software from home. 

Option 1: If you have a University-provided laptop computer, you may connect to VPN to access CedarNet programs on your university-provided laptop from home.

Option 2: If you have a University-provided desktop computer, you may request access to use VPN & Remote Desktop from your home computer to remotely control your on-campus computer. 

Detailed information about both options is provided below.

Option 1: VPN

Cedarville University's VPN (Virtual Private Network) service allows you to access protected network resources from home, effectively placing a computer connected to VPN on the campus network, regardless of its physical location.  A computer connected to VPN will route all traffic through Cedarville University's campus network, thereby providing access to sites and programs that are otherwise inaccessible off-campus, and ensuring that any information transmitted is securely encrypted in transit. 

To install and connect to Cedarville University's VPN service, please see our instructions for GlobalProtect VPN.

Option 2: VPN + Remote Desktop

Setting up a remote desktop allows you to see and use your University desktop from your laptop or home computer exactly as you would see and use it at your work computer. 

To request remote access to your on-campus computer, submit an online VPN Access ticket request. Include the location, or if possible the Cedarville University barcode number of the computer you'd like to access remotely. Information Technology may confirm the request with your supervisor before granting access. 

Note: Remote access is currently only available for on-campus Windows computers. If you have a MacOS computer on campus, you will not be able to access it from off-campus. If you need to access your on-campus MacOS computer from off-campus, please contact IT using the information at the bottom of this page. Other solutions may be available.

Once you've been granted access, use the instructions below to establish a Remote Desktop connection from home: 

Instructions using Windows

Use these instructions if you are using a Windows 8 or Windows 10 computer at home to remotely access your on-campus computer

1. Set up and connect to GlobalProtect VPN. 
2. From the start menu, search for the application "Remote Desktop Connection" and open it. 
   
3. Type or copy in the computer address provided by Information Technology in the "Computer" field and Click [Connect]
   
4. When prompted for a username and password, use the following: 
   Username: cedarforest\[Your CU Username]
   Password: [Your CU Password]
   (For example, if your Cedarville username is "jsmith", use the username "cedarforest\jsmith")
   
5. Click [Yes] to continue connecting despite an invalid certificate.
6. A new window should appear and show the usual login process of your on-campus computer. 
7. To disconnect, close the Remote Desktop window, or sign out of your on-campus computer as you normally would while on-campus.

Instructions using MacOS

Use these instructions if you are using a MacOS computer at home to remotely access your on-campus computer

1. Set up and connect to GlobalProtect VPN. 
2. Install Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 from the MacOS App Store, or using the following link:
   https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop-10/id1295203466?mt=12
3. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop, and click the [+] button and [Add PC] to add a PC.
   
4. Type or copy in the address provided by Information Technology in the  "PC Name" field. 
   
5. Click "Add" at the bottom
6. When prompted for a username and password, use the following: 
   Username: cedarforest\[Your CU Username]
   Password: [Your CU Password]
   (For example, if your Cedarville username is "jsmith", use the username "cedarforest\jsmith")
   
7. Click [Continue] to begin connecting to the remote computer, and then click [Continue] again to continue connecting despite an invalid certificate.
8. A new window should appear and show the usual login process of your on-campus computer. 
9. If the remote desktop window does not show the whole screen of your PC, select the "Window" menu from the top of your screen, and click [Fit to Window]
10. To disconnect, close the Remote Desktop window, or sign out of your on-campus computer as you normally would while on-campus.