How to Connect to a Windows Remote Desktop

Previously, I covered the steps for setting up your computer to receive Remote Desktop connections, enabling you to control your computer from any other computer on the internet.   In this guide, I will cover the procedure for connecting to your Remote Desktop enabled computer  from another computer via the internet.

Connecting from Windows XP/Vista/7

1. Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Remote Desktop Connection.
2. In the window, enter the IP address of the computer you are connecting to the IP address text field, as shown below.





3. Once the IP address has been entered, click Connect.
4. When prompted, enter your username and password to connect to the remote computer.
5. To disconnect from the session and leave it running, click Start > Disconnect.
6. To logoff the session, click Start > Log Off.

Connecting from OS X

1. Mac OS X version 10.4.9 (Tiger) or a later version of Mac OS is required to install the software.
   
2. Download the Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac from Microsoft.
3. Double-click the file that you downloaded to place the Remote Desktop Connection volume on your desktop.
4. In the Remote Desktop Connection volume window, double-click the Remote Desktop Connection.mpkg application to start the installation process, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
5. To disconnect from the session and leave it running, click Start > Disconnect.
6. To logoff the session, click Start > Log Off.