How to access files remotely from CSE

You can "mount" the CSE filesystems on your local PC or Mac if you so choose. By "mount" we mean that the CSE file system can show up as another disk on your local machine (we often call it the H: drive, as this is how the CSE filesystem is mounted in the labs). This is not required but there are times when you may find it convenient to do so. CSE files are backed up regularly and have a time stamp. If you screw up your Handin, this is a good backup plan to show you did the project on time!!!

Remember, you turn in your files using the Handin system, so you can hand in files from anywhere over the web.

Windows 7

Go to the Windows/Start menu (bottom left). In the right hand column, pick "Computer"
In the second bar at the top is "Map Network Drive", select that
In the dialog:
- Select from the pull down the drive you want to mount this under (H: is good)
- For the Folder name, type "\\samba.cse.msu.edu\your_login_name". For me, it would be "\\samba.cse.msu.edu\punch". Type the slashes exactly as shown.
- Click on Finish <\ul>
- New dialog pops up. Type in your login name and CSE password

That should create a new H: drive, which is your CSE filespace. You can save things there as you would anywhere else but it is stored and backed-up in CSE (not on your local machine).

Mac

Click in the Finder
Click the "Go" menu in the top bar, select "Connect to Server". Can also hold down the "Command" key and "K" simultaneously
In the dialog:
- In the server address, type "smb://samba.cse.msu.edu/your_login_name". For me it would be "smb://samba.cse.msu.edu/punch"
- Select "Connect"
In the dialog, type your login name and your CSE password
Select "Connect"

That should create a new drive named your_login_name, which is your CSE filespace. You can save things there as you would anywhere else but it is stored and backed-up in CSE (not on your local machine).

Using the remote windows machine

If you like, you can access a windows machine through a remote connection interface. It will look just like a laboratory, Windows 7 machine, but will be in fact running in the CSE machine space, with your CSE filename mounted. In this way you can work on a lab machine remotely.

Windows

Go to the Windows/Start menu (bottom, left).
In the right hand column, select "Remote Desktop Connection:"
In the Dialog:
- For computer, type "tsserv.cse.msu.edu"
- Select "Connect"
It depends here. If your local PC name is the same as your CSE login name, type your CSE password.
If your CSE login name is different, select "Use Another Account". Then type your CSE login name and CSE password .

The window you get is a Windows session running in CSE. You can change the size of that window by selection "Options" at the point where you type in the "tsserv.cse.msu.edu" information.

Mac

For the Mac, there is a free utility from Microsoft called "Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.1.1". Download it from this site and install (click on the downloaded "RDC_2.1.1_ALL.dmg", then click on the "RDC Installer". Follow the directions and it will create "Remote Desktop Connection" in your Applications).

Start the application "Remote Desktop Connections"
Type "tsserv.cse.msu.edu" in the Computer prompt
Click "Connect"
Type your login name and CSE password

The window you get is a Windows session running in CSE. You can change the size of that window by select "Preferences" under the "RDC" application in the top bar

Problems

Depending on where you are working from, the local service provider may block access to either the files or the remote desktop. All of the above should work from the dorm rooms.

Last modified: Wed Aug 31 12:14:54 EDT 2011