MyVPN for Remote Terminal Session

  • Updated

What this article covers

FGCU offers Faculty and Staff the option of remote access to their FGCU work device from home or other locations, providing that the work device is connected to the private network and powered on. This is accomplished by utilizing MyVPN and Ivanti Secure.

Notes:

  • An FGCU-managed device is needed to access Banner and Workday.
  • Mac users require Windows App (formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop) if they want to remote into a Windows device.

In this article, you will learn:

What Steps to Take BEFORE Going Remote

This section covers the various workstation scenarios for installing and connecting to MyVPN (Ivanti Secure Access). This is also how you can update Ivanti Secure Access for troubleshooting purposes.
Note: Before updating Ivanti Secure, you must first uninstall any Ivanti Secure software that may be on your machine.

Connect to your Office Windows PC from another Windows PC

  1. On your office computer, open the computer’s properties by right-clicking the Start button , which is located to the left corner of your screen
  2. Select System from the list provided:                                                                                                     
    mceclip0.png
  3. On the About screen, make note of the Device Name, as it is required later:    mceclip2.png 
  4. From your non-office computer (the one you are using for VPN access), go to https://myvpn.fgcu.edu/ using your preferred browser - Google Chrome is recommended 
  5. You will be prompted to sign in using your full FGCU Eagle Access ID (usually your e-mail address - i.e., user@fgcu.edu)and password.                      
      MS SSO Screen.png
  6. Once your username and password have been verified, you will be asked to authenticate yourself using Duo. ITS recommends you use the recommended DUO Mobile app and choose the option Duo Push for the easiest experience.
    DUO Push Screens.png
  7. A compliancy check is performed when logging into the VPN to determine whether a FGCU or personal device is being used and safeguards FGCU resources accordingly. Limited access to FGCU resources may result if accessing the VPN via a personal device. The Host Checker may take several minutes to verify:
    Host_Checker_Loading_Components_Message.png
    Note: If you have not yet installed the Host Checker, select the “Allow” and “Download” prompts from the pop-up boxes as directed. If you have previously installed the Host Checker, it will verify and then immediately respond according to the type of device being used.
    If using a personal device, the following message results:
    Host_Checker_Personal_Device_Message.png

  8. Locate the “Terminal Session”.  Click on your Terminal Session.
    (Note: you may access Campus folders, Cross Department folders, your Department folder, and your personal (Home) FGCU folder from here without the need for a Terminal Session)
    • If this is empty, you will need to add one for your office computer.
    • To add a Terminal Session, click the plus sign icon to the far right: 
      MyVPN update plus sign icon.png
  9. The Add Terminal Services Session screen will appear to the right:
    MyVPN update Add Terminal Services Session screen.png

  10. Fill in the following information:  

    • Session Type: Select Windows Terminal Services
    • Bookmark Name: Enter a meaningful name, such as Work Desktop
    • Host: Enter your office computer's Device Name - acquired from Step 3 (e.g., "AAAA005555") 
    • Screen Size: Full Screen
    • Color Depth: select 32-bit (True Color)  
    • Select Allow Clipboard Sharing (Enables you to copy/paste between your local computer and terminal session)
    • Select Connected sound devices – Bring sound to local computer  
    • Select Use Multiple Monitors if you have multiple monitors and you would like to use all of them with your terminal session
    • Click Add
      • After selecting Add, you will be brought back to the home page
  11. Click the link that was added to your Terminal Sessions to start a remote connection: 

    MyVPN update start remote connection screen.png

  12. If you have not yet installed the "Ivanti Secure Application Launcher/Client Application" (refer to the Ivanti Pulse Secure Access Client Application Install and Connections Knowledge Base article), you will continue to what is outlined in steps 11-14. If you have previously installed the Ivanti Secure Application Launcher, you should immediately be able to connect to your workstation
  13. You will be navigated to a new page that says "Searching for the Application Launcher." (Note: you may first run into an app pop-up box as shown below):
    MyVPN update searching for application launcher screen.png
    MyVPN update start button screen.png

Proceed by clicking back into the Ivanti Secure page, and then clicking the Download button to further install the application launcher for Terminal Session Access.

    12. Next, the following page will display:

MyVPN update save installer screen.png

Follow the instructions shown in the screenshot by first installing the Ivanti Secure Application Launcher that is downloaded from your browser.

     13. After the install is complete, you will see an "Ivanti Secure Application Launcher Has Been
     Installed Successfully" message:

mceclip5.png

     Proceed by clicking Ok from the pop-up box, and then the Click "HERE" button to continue the
     install

     14. After the install is complete, you'll be able to establish a remote connection to your office
     Windows PC!                                     

    Connect to your Office Mac from another Mac

  1. First, you'll need to look up your office computer information by clicking the Apple icon located at the top-left corner of the screen
  2. Select System Preferences
  3. Click Network
  4. Make note of the IP address displayed:
    Mac IP Screen.PNG                              
  5. From your non-office computer, go to https://myvpn.fgcu.edu/ using your preferred browser - Google Chrome is recommended (Note: Internet Explorer WILL NOT work.)
  6. Log in using your full FGCU Eagle Access ID (usually your e-mail address - i.e., user@fgcu.edu)and password.                           
    MS SSO Screen.png
  7. A compliancy check is performed when logging into the VPN to determine whether a FGCU or personal device is being used and safeguards FGCU resources accordingly. Limited access to FGCU resources may result if accessing the VPN via a personal device. The Host Checker may take several minutes to verify:
    Host_Checker_Loading_Components_Message.png
    Note: If you have not yet installed the Host Checker, select the “Allow” and “Download” prompts from the pop-up boxes as directed. If you have previously installed the Host Checker, it will verify and then immediately respond according to the type of device being used.
    If using a personal device, the following message results:
    Host_Checker_Personal_Device_Message.png
  8. Once signed in, go to the Client Application Sessions section and click the Start option:                  MyVPN update start button screen.png
  9. Select the Download button: 
    Mac - Searching for Application Launcher Screen.png
  10. Next, a file will appear in a new window. Select PulseSecureAppLauncher.mpkg to start the installation:     
    open installer.PNG                                    
  11. Follow the prompts necessary to install Ivanti Secure:                                                                            installed.PNG 
  12. After the installation is successful, select the HERE link displayed on the page:  
    main download with here link.PNG                     
  13. You will be directed to a new page with a prompt asking: Open PulseApplicationLauncher? Select the Open PulseApplicationLauncher option:
    Okay to open.PNG        
  14. A new window will appear, select Always.
    • If a new window prompts with a message about an untrusted server, select OK.
      always open.PNG
        
  15. Ivanti Secure Access Client will open and show that you have established a connection with myvpn.fgcu.edu: 
    Connection.PNG
                                                      
  16. After Ivanti Secure Access Client has been successfully installed, establish a remote session to your work Mac, by selecting Go > Connect to Server....                                     
    mceclip10.png                                                                       
  17. Input your office Mac's IP Address acquired on Step 4 in the following format: vnc://*IP Address*
  18. Select Connect and a remote connection is made to your office Mac:                                          mceclip0.png                                          

  Connect to your Office Windows PC from a Mac

  1. From your work computer, open the computer’s properties by right-clicking the Start button located to the left corner of your screen
  2. Select System from the list provided:                                                                                     
    mceclip1.png 
  3. From the About screen, make note of the Device Name, as it is required later:                             
    mceclip1.png
  4. From your non-office computer, go to https://myvpn.fgcu.edu/ using your preferred browser - Google Chrome is recommended.
  5. Log in using your full FGCU Eagle Access ID (usually your e-mail address - i.e., user@fgcu.edu) and password.                
    MS SSO Screen.png
  6. A compliancy check is performed when logging into the VPN to determine whether an FGCU or personal device is being used and safeguards FGCU resources accordingly. Limited access to FGCU resources may result if accessing the VPN via a personal device. The Host Checker may take several minutes to verify:
    Host_Checker_Loading_Components_Message.png
    Note: If you have not yet installed the Host Checker, select the “Allow” and “Download” prompts from the pop-up boxes as directed. If you have previously installed the Host Checker, it will verify and then immediately respond according to the type of device being used.
    If using a personal device, the following message results:
    Host_Checker_Personal_Device_Message.png
  7. Once signed in, access the Client Application Sessions section and click the Start button: 
    MyVPN update start button screen.png         
  8. You will be navigated to another page. Select Download:
    Mac - Searching for Application Launcher Screen.png
  9. Next, a file will appear in a new window. Select PulseSecureAppLauncher.mpkg to start the installation:     
    open installer.PNG
  10. Follow the prompts necessary to install Ivanti Secure:
    installed.PNG 
  11. After the installation is successful, select the HERE link displayed on the page:
    main download with here link.PNG                   
  12. You will be directed to a new page with a prompt asking: Open PulseApplicationLauncher? Select the Open PulseApplicationLauncher option:   
    Okay to open.PNG
  13. A new window will appear, select Always.
    • If a new window prompts with a message about an untrusted server, select OK.   
      always open.PNG
  14. Ivanti Secure will open and show that you have established a connection with myvpn.fgcu.edu: 
    Ivanti for Mac Connect Screen.jpg              
  15. After Ivanti Secure has successfully installed, access the App Store and download Windows App (previously Microsoft Remote Desktop) or download from the following link: 

    https://apps.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop-10/id1295203466?mt=12
    MS remote desktop 10.png

  16. Open Windows App, select the drop-down for the Plus Sign in the top-right corner of the screen, and click Add PC...                                                          
     Add PC.png
  17. In the Add PC window, complete ONLY the PC name field with your office computer's Device Name acquired from Step 3. Then, select Add:   
    Add PC name screen.png                             
  18. An icon displaying your office computer's name will display. Select the icon to start a remote session:  
    Computers name.png                   
  19. If you're prompted to verify the identity of your remote computer, select Continue. 
  20. You will be prompted to enter your FGCU credentials. Select Continue to establish a remote connection to your office Windows PC:
    image (2).png

Connect to your Office Mac from a Windows PC

  1. First, you'll need to look up your office computer information by clicking the Apple icon located at the top-left corner of the screen
  2. Select System Preferences
  3. Click Network
  4. Make note of the IP address displayed:
    Mac IP Screen.PNG                              
  5. From your non-office computer, go to https://myvpn.fgcu.edu/ using your preferred browser - Google Chrome is recommended (Note: Internet Explorer WILL NOT work.)
  6. You will be prompted to sign in using your full FGCU Eagle Access ID (usually your e-mail address - i.e., user@fgcu.edu)and password.                      
      MS SSO Screen.png
  7. Once your username and password have been verified, you will be asked to authenticate yourself using Duo. ITS recommends you use the recommended DUO Mobile app and choose the option Duo Push for the easiest experience.
    DUO Push Screens.png
  8. A compliancy check is performed when logging into the VPN to determine whether a FGCU or personal device is being used and safeguards FGCU resources accordingly. Limited access to FGCU resources may result if accessing the VPN via a personal device. The Host Checker may take several minutes to verify:
    Host_Checker_Loading_Components_Message.png
    Note: If you have not yet installed the Host Checker, select the “Allow” and “Download” prompts from the pop-up boxes as directed. If you have previously installed the Host Checker, it will verify and then immediately respond according to the type of device being used.
    If using a personal device, the following message results:
    Host_Checker_Personal_Device_Message.png
  9. Locate the “Terminal Session”.  Click on your Terminal Session.
    (Note: you may access Campus folders, Cross Department folders, your Department folder, and your personal (Home) FGCU folder from here without the need for a Terminal Session)
    • If this is empty, you will need to add one for your office computer.
    • To add a Terminal Session, click the plus sign icon to the far right: 
  10. The Add Terminal Services Session screen will appear to the right:
    MyVPN update Add Terminal Services Session screen.png
  11. Fill in the following information:  
    • Session Type: Select Windows Terminal Services
    • Bookmark Name: Enter a meaningful name, such as Work Desktop
    • Host: Enter your office computer's Device Name - acquired from Step 3 (e.g., "AAAA005555") 
    • Screen Size: Full Screen
    • Color Depth: select 32-bit (True Color)  
    • Select Allow Clipboard Sharing (Enables you to copy/paste between your local computer and terminal session)
    • Select Connected sound devices – Bring sound to local computer  
    • Select Use Multiple Monitors if you have multiple monitors and you would like to use all of them with your terminal session
    • Click Add
      • After selecting Add, you will be brought back to the home page
  12. Click the link that was added to your Terminal Sessions to start a remote connection:

    MyVPN update start remote connection screen.png
  13. If you have not yet installed the "Ivanti Secure Application Launcher/Client Application" (refer to the Ivanti Pulse Secure Access Client Application Install and Connections Knowledge Base article), you will continue to what is outlined in steps 11-14. If you have previously installed the Ivanti Secure Application Launcher, you should immediately be able to connect to your workstation
  14. You will be navigated to a new page that says "Searching for the Application Launcher." (Note: you may first run into an app pop-up box as shown below):
    MyVPN update searching for application launcher screen.png
    MyVPN update start button screen.png

    Proceed by clicking back into the Ivanti Secure page, and then clicking the Download button to further install the application launcher for Terminal Session Access.

  15. Next, the following page will display:

    MyVPN update save installer screen.png

    Follow the instructions shown in the screenshot by first installing the Ivanti Secure Application Launcher that is downloaded from your browser.

  16. After the install is complete, you will see an "Ivanti Secure Application Launcher Has Been
         Installed Successfully"     message:

    mceclip5.png

         Proceed by clicking Ok from the pop-up box, and then the Click "HERE" button to continue the
         install.

  17. After the install is complete, you'll be able to establish a remote connection to your office Mac!

How to Disconnect from MyVPN

  1. Select the "Show hidden icons" arrow from the Windows taskbar.

    Or from the Mac taskbar to the top-right of the screen:
    access vpn.PNG
  2. Select the Ivanti Secure Access icon.
  3. Select Open Ivanti Secure Access from the displayed menu.
  4. Click the Disconnect button.

How to Save Your Personal Settings

Annotating Web Bookmark Options Before a System Update

Anytime an update is occurring to the MyVPN system, it's a good practice to take notes for any of the personal settings you've established with Web bookmarks, just in case the update wipes out those personal settings. Before the update occurs, please complete the following steps to ensure you can re-establish any personal settings with saved Web bookmarks.

  1. Login to myvpn.fgcu.edu
  2. Under the Web Bookmarks tab, select the hamburger icon:
    MyVPN saving web bookmark options.png
  3. Annotate your settings information. We highly recommend notating the URL and Display Options.
    MyVPN edit web bookmark.png

Annotating Terminal Sessions Options Before a System Update

Anytime an update is occurring to the MyVPN system, it's a good practice to take notes for any of the personal settings you've established with Terminal Sessions, just in case the update wipes out those personal settings. Before the update occurs, please complete the following steps to ensure you can re-establish any personal settings with saved Terminal Sessions.

  1. Login to myvpn.fgcu.edu
  2. Under the Terminal Sessions tab, select the hamburger icon:
    MyVPN saving terminal sessions settings.png
  3. Annotate your settings information. We highly recommend notating Host, Screen Size, Color Depth, and Connected Devices options.

Go Deeper

What Web-Based Virtual Private Network (MyVPN) Is

https://myvpn.fgcu.edu is a web-based VPN connection that will provide access to university resources from any location with an Internet connection and an Internet browser (Chrome, Internet Explorer or Safari).

For specific information on setting up your MyVPN, as well as accessing Banner, Network Shares or to Remotely Control your desktop computer, please visit our Knowledge Base:

ITS KB > MyVPN for Remote Terminal Session.

When using MyVPN, please take proper security measures on your home computer before connecting to FGCU resources. Install all updates for your operating system, have an updated antivirus application installed, and a firewall enabled. If you don't, your computer is at risk for being infected with a virus, worm, or other malware, which might prevent you from finishing your tasks, and put your information at risk.

Note: Limited access to FGCU resources may result if accessing the VPN via a personal device. A compliancy check is performed when logging into the VPN that determines whether a FGCU or personal device is being used and safeguards FGCU resources accordingly. Access ITS KB > MyVPN for Remote Terminal Session to learn more.

When to Use MyVPN

  • To access your office desktop:
    • Use MyVPN (Terminal Session) to connect to your office computer
  • To access Banner:
    • Use MyVPN and connect to your office computer to access Banner

  • To access the University network shares:
    • Use MyVPN and access your network shares from there

  • To access licensed software:

When Not to Use MyVPN

  • Chat and Video Conferencing

Quick and easy chat and collaboration.  For more information, please visit our Teams Info page.

For information on how to conduct a video meeting, please take a look at these instructions.

You do not need to be connected to the VPN to use Microsoft Teams.

  • On Campus Connected to the FGCU Network

You also do not need to use the VPN when on campus, connected to our FGCU network.

 

 

University Help Desk: ITS Knowledge Base | Blue-Email-Icon.jpg helpdesk@fgcu.edu | Blue-Phone-Icon.png 239-590-1188
Monday-Friday from 7am to 10pm and Saturdays from 8am to 5pm