This first time setup guide will take you through the necessary steps to configure your secure network access and the remote desktop connection to your cloud data server. Before you begin, you must have the VPN client configuration file, VPN connection credentials, Remote Desktop configuration file, and cloud server password.  

PC

Install & Configure OpenVPN

1. Download and install the VPN client from here.
2. Once installed, the VPN Connect application will open. Close out of the introduction prompt, accept terms, and close the "update release notes" windows.
3. Open the VPN client configuration file. Click "OK" to import VPN profile.
   
4. Check the "Save password" field on the next import window as shown below, and enter your VPN credentials as provided. Click the "Connect" button to continue
5. Once connected, you will see a window similar to the one shown below. To access the remote desktop, connection to the VPN must be live (as shown by the arrow below). The slider should be moved to the off position when not accessing the remote desktop.
   
   

Configure Microsoft Remote Desktop

1. Copy the Remote Desktop configuration file to your desktop, as this will act as your shortcut to the remote desktop.
2. Double click on the Remote Desktop configuration file from your desktop, then click connect.
    
3. You may be prompted with the window below. Click "Connect" to proceed.
4. You will prompted to enter a password. Enter the remote desktop password provided by us and click on "OK".
5. You may be prompted with the window below. Click "Yes" to proceed.
6. You will now be connected to the remote desktop.

Disconnecting from the Remote Desktop

Properly ending the remote desktop connection when done will minimize security risks. Please follow the steps below as soon as you are ready to disconnect.

1. Move your mouse to the top center of the screen and click on the "X" to end the Microsoft Remote Desktop connection.
2. Disconnecting from the VPN ensures your computer is no longer connected the remote network, which is a very important step when done using the remote desktop. Disconnect from the VPN connection by sliding the button to the off position via the OpenVPN Connect app.

Reconnecting to the Remote Desktop

1. Start the "OpenVPN Connect" app and move the slider to the right. Confirm the status shows "Connected".
2. Double click on the Remote Desktop configuration file from your desktop, and click connect.
3. You may be prompted with the window below, click "Connect" button to proceed.
4. You will prompted to enter a password. Enter the remote desktop password provided by us, and click on "OK".
5. You may be prompted with the window below, click "Yes" button to proceed.
6. You will now be connected to the cloud server.

MAC

Install & Configure OpenVPN

1. Download and install the VPN client from here.
2. Open the VPN client configuration file. Click through the initial prompts until you see the import windows as shown below. Click "OK" to import the VPN profile.
3. Check "Save password" on the next import window and enter your VPN credentials as provided. Next, click the "Connect" button.
4. Once connected, you will see a window similar to the one shown below. Connection to the VPN must be live when accessing the remote desktop. The slider should be moved the off position (left) when the remote desktop is not in use. 

Install & Configure Microsoft Remote Desktop

1. Download and install the Microsoft Remote Desktop app from here.
2. Start the Microsoft Remote Desktop App, click on the three dots as shown below (1) and choose "Import from RDP file..." (2).
3. Browse and select the Remote Desktop configuration file, and click "Import".
4. Once the profile is imported, you will see the local server address followed by username displayed as shown below (1). Double click anywhere inside the gray window marked as (2) below to establish remote connection for the first time.
5. You will be prompted to enter a password. Enter the remote desktop password provided by us, and click on "Continue".
6. You will now be connected to the remote desktop.

Disconnecting from the Remote Desktop

Properly ending the remote desktop connection when finished will minimize security risks. Please follow the steps below as soon as you are ready to disconnect.

1. Move your mouse to the top left corner and click on the red dot to close out the Microsoft Remote Desktop connection.
2. Disconnecting from the VPN ensures your computer is no longer connected the remote network which is a very important step when done accessing the remote desktop. Disconnect from the VPN connection by sliding the button to the off position in the OpenVPN Connect app.

Reconnecting to the Remote Desktop

1. Start the OpenVPN Connect app, and move the slider right. Confirm status shows "Connected".
2. Start the Microsoft Remote Desktop app and double click inside the window. Enter your password when prompted and click "Continue" to establish connection.