Introduction
The research Remote Desktop Services (RDS) server farm is available for research computing. The programs on the servers run on server hardware which has more capability than standard desktops.
Here are some good practices for using these servers effectively.
RDS session management
Use the Remote Desktop Connection program to connect to windows.math.uwaterloo.ca and create a session on one of the RDS Servers.
Sessions can be either terminated or disconnected.
Terminating (recommended)
Once computing is complete, the best action is to log off. Terminating the session (Start > Log off) has important benefits
- Subsequent sessions are created on a different server
- Subsequent sessions are created on the least loaded server
- Your roaming profile settings are saved to the file server
- Regular maintenance on the servers requires the Math Faculty Computing Facility (MFCF) to drain all sessions off individual servers. You may be asked to log off so your session is terminated. You can connect again to establish a session on a different server.
Disconnecting (only if terminating is not possible)
Disconnected sessions continue to run on the RDS server. You can disconnect by clicking on the X at the top right corner in Remote Desktop Connection (top left in Mac OS X). The next time you connect, you will be connected to the existing session.
- This is a good way to leave a session but keep all the programs running
- Disconnecting is a good practice only if you have to keep programs running. Reconnect later, save data, and terminate the session (log off).
- Disconnected sessions risk being terminated if the server has to be restarted on short notice
- When reconnecting to an existing session, you will go through the logon process twice. Once for the connection broker and again when you are directed to the existing session.
Session information
You may be asked which server is hosting your session. Follow these instructions to get the server name.
- Click on the notification icon (speech bubble) at the bottom right
- Select All settings
- Click on System
- Click on About at the bottom left
- Read the value for PC name at the top of the page
If you have questions, please contact MFCF Help