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Launch Secure Global Desktop

 

About Secure Global Desktop

In the near future, LLE will no longer supports the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). All LLE staff currently using VPN should prepare to switch to SUN Secure Global Desktop as soon as possible. This page will guide you through the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is it?

A: SUN Secure Global Desktop (SGD) provides encrypted remote access to your computer(s) at LLE.

Q: What's the difference?

A: VPN opens up the entire network to the remote computer you use but is only compatible with Windows and Macintosh computers. SGD allows you to access your work system remotely from any web browser with Java 1.5 or later.

Q: What's are the benefits?

A: SGD provides secure access for more platforms than VPN. It provides better file protection since your home computer never has direct access to the files on your LLE computer. It is faster than VPN. It allows remote access to X/Windows applications through any computer that SGD supports. Since you can access a PC or UNIX desktop, you can have secure access to the Laser Facility operations web pages.

Q: But I need network access for a license server. How will I get to it without VPN?

A: CSG is researching alternatives to provide access to our license servers. Rest assured that VPN access will continue to be available until a solution is worked out.

What do I need to do?

1. To access Secure Global Desktop you will first need a SecurID fob
   

   SecurID Key Fob
2. To request access, use the form below and provide the following information:
   1. Your Return Address and your name. NOTE: This must be an LLE e-mail address!
   2. Do you need a SecurID key fob?
   3. List which PC(s) you wish to access.
   
   
   Request Secure Global Desktop.

3. For the computer your are going to use that is not located at LLE (at home or on travel) you will need a supported version of Java. If you are using an LLE supplied computer, Java will already be installed and you can skip to step 4. For any other computer, you will need to have SUN Java version 1.5 or later installed. You can download Sun Java JRE for Microsoft Windows (Version 6 Update 12) directly from our website. Our Java installation tutorial follows the installation of this version. You can also download the latest version from the SUN Developer Network for all platforms supported by SUN. Installation instructions are available on the same page for Macintosh and Linux computers.

   If you are viewing this page from the computer your are going to use that is not located at LLE, the window below will tell you whether or not you have Java installed and what version it is. If you see an X in the window, either Java is not installed or it's not a compatible version. If it says, Browser has Java disabled, you will need to look at your browser settings and enable Java. On a Mac, this is found under the Content tab in Preferences. On a Windows PC, you find the Content tab by going to the Tools menu and selecting Options.

Do I have Java?

If Java is working, you will see a pink rectangle above with one line of text that says something like: Java Version 1.6.0_11 from Sun Microsystems Inc.   or Java Version: 1.5.0_16 from Apple Computer, Inc.   or Java Version: 1.1.4 from Microsoft Corp. Make sure NoScript is set to allow rochester.edu.



4. Once your hear from CSG that your account is ready, open a Firefox browser window and connect to http://desktop.lle.rochester.edu. Watch the on-line tutorials below for a detailed walkthrough of how to set up Java, connect to Secure Global Desktop, and access your PC(s) or SUN workstation located at LLE.