Mac OS X: Remote Desktop to Windows Computers

Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac allows you to connect to a Windows-based computer and work with programs and files on that computer from your Macintosh computer. To Download and install Remote Desktop for Mac OS X:

1. Download the software from Mactopia. Currently, the software is at this site.
2. Use StuffIt to expand the .bin file into a .dmg file. The .dmg should now appear on your Desktop as "Remote Desktop Connection"
3. Inside the new window, click on the "Remote Desktop Connection" folder
4. In the next window, click on "Remote Desktop Connection" and the program should launch.
5. Click on the arrow to the left of Options.
   
   • Set "Display" to a comfortable resolution, and "Colors" to Thousands or Millions.
   • Click on "Performance" and click or unclick the settings to your personal preferences
   • Fill in the fields in the "General" tab if you wish for the RDC to log into the remote connection for you
6. Click Connect in the lower right hand corner

If you are running Windows XP Service Pack 2 on the destination machine, make sure Remote Desktop isn't being blocked by the Windows Firewall:

1. Go to the Start button, to "Control Panel".
2. Open the "Windows Firewall" control panel. If you don't see Windows Firewall listed, make sure that you're looking at the control panels in "Classic View".
3. On the "Exceptions" tab, make sure "Remote Desktop" is checked.
4. On the "Advanced" tab, select "Local Area Connection" and press the Settings button.
5. In the new window that opens ("Advanced Settings"), make sure that Remote Desktop is checked.