Remote Access

Windows and macOS

f5 VPN connects your University managed Windows or macOS laptop to the University network (H: drive, corporate applications such as the Finance System, and shared network drives) whenever you are off campus and have an internet connection.

Simply log on to your laptop as normal with your University credentials and you will be connected – f5 VPN is a secure, authenticated, always-on connection. Your experience off campus should be very similar to your experience on campus. However, if you encounter any problems using systems or software via f5 VPN, please contact the Service Desk - servicedesk@abdn.ac.uk.

Here are some FAQs about f5

VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure)

Use the VDI to access corporate applications, electronic resources (eg electronic journals and library catalogues) and software including MS Office when working off campus on your personal device (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android). You will also see your H: drive and shared network drives. 

You can access the VDI in two ways: via your web browser or by installing the VMWare Horizon client on your computer.

Note: The number of users who can log into the VDI at any one time is limited. The VDI will prompt you if there are no virtual desktops available; you can try connecting again later.

• Remote VDI user guidelines

Web VPN

Web VPN is our browser-based, remote access solution for personal devices (Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Windows Mobile, Android). It will enable you to access certain University systems and resources, such as MyHR.

All you need is an internet connection - open a web browser and login to the VPN with your usual University username and password. 

• Web VPN user guide
• Login at remote.abdn.ac.uk

For access to your H: drive and shared network drives on a personal device, use the VDI.

In some instances, it may be possible to grant remote access from a personal device to a desktop on campus. If needed, please contact the Service Desk, providing a brief business case and authorisation from your line manager.

While you are a member of staff at the University of Aberdeen, you can download Microsoft 365 apps on up to five personal devices - at no charge.

All the familiar Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and PowerPoint are included.

You should only install this software on personal devices. Please do NOT install on University managed computers.

• See our Toolkit Microsoft 365 resource for guidance on installing.
• Log in to Outlook on the web

OneDrive for Business

• See our dedicated OneDrive for Business page.

Other services for registered staff and students of the University and for authorised external (eg consultants, visitors, etc):

SFTP

• Secure, authenticated remote access solution for any device
• Access via SFTP client (eg WinSCP or FileZilla)
• Access to your H drive
• Service hours: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year
• Access should be requested via Service Desk - servicedesk@abdn.ac.uk
• User guide: Access your home filespace (H: drive) off-campus using WinSCP

Remote access may be granted where contractors are engaged to install, operate and support University IT Systems.

It is the IT Services Service Owner and/or the Business Owner’s responsibility to agree and authorise contractor access, including level of access and any associated procedures.

Business Owners should request access via the Service Desk in the first instance and should read and comply with Guidance Notes on Contractor Access to University of Aberdeen IT Systems: guidance.