CCO Net Via Remote Desktop
The Canadian Cadet Organizations Network (CCO Net) can be accessed in one of four ways:
- Using a CCO Net computer and a cabled CCO Net connection
- Using a CCO Net computer and a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection
- Using a personal device and Remote Desktop via the Web browser
- Using a personal device and Remote Desktop via the Application (Windows or other)
Instructions for all four methods can be found in the CCO Connection Guide.
This page will focus on the third and fourth methods (Remote Desktop) and describe some of the features and limitations of Remote Desktop.
Remote Desktop – Context and Purpose
Remote Desktop Services (RDS, or simply Remote Desktop) is a system that allows a user to remotely take over control of a computer. It is a way for CCO staff to access CCO Net, which is a secured Protected A network, without needing a CCO Net computer.
Remote Desktop allows users to access CCO Net resources such as email (@Cadets.gc.ca), FORTRESS, SharePoint, and any other application available on CCO Net.
Remote Desktop should not be used to access tools that are already available from the open Internet, such as the Defence Learning Network (DLN) Learning Management System or any virtual teleconference tools such as Microsoft Teams, Cisco Webex, etc. Using such applications through the Remote Desktop will negatively affect system performance.
Remote Desktop – New Features (2016 version)
In 2020, the CCO upgraded to Remote Desktop Services (RDS) version 2016. This has enabled several new features, including:
- The addition of User Profile Disks that contain session data like Outlook signatures and personalization settings. User Profile Disks are transferable to all session host servers and aid in faster login times as well.
- The new web browser version of RDS offers the same experience without needing the Remote Desktop application. Using HTML5, the web browser version of RDS expands its compatibility across most web browsers and contains the session within the web browser.
- Both the computer and gateway settings now use the same address and name: “sra.cadets.forces.gc.ca”. The single-name approach simplifies the connection process.
- Better compatibility with various devices including mobile devices, tablets, and personal computers.
- The main web browser inside the RDS session has been changed to the newer Edge (Chromium). This offers better browser support as it allows the opening of websites in two modes: Normal or Internet Explorer (IE).
Table
Feature |
Web Access (Remote Desktop Web Client) |
Remote Desktop Windows Application |
Remote Desktop on Android |
Remote Desktop on iPhone |
Remote Desktop on iOS |
CCO Net Computer (Either cabled connection or VPN) |
Save as PDF |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Printing (to PDF)
|
No |
No |
No |
No |
No |
Yes |
Printing (to a local printer) |
No |
Yes |
No |
No |
No |
Yes, if it is a CCO printer |
Desktop session is saved |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Outlook settings (e.g. signature block) are saved |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Common Tasks with Remote Desktop
-
Password Reset
If you are logged into Remote Desktop, you can change your password by, clicking on the grey silhouette profile and then clicking on Change Password.
If you attempt to login with an expired password, you will be greeted with an expired password notice. You will have the option to reset your password. To do so, click on Click here to change your password.
Your web browser will open a new tab containing the Password Change page. You will be required to add cco\ before your username. Additionally, you will be required to provide your old password, and new password twice before proceeding. Once your password reset has been completed, you may close the tab and login from the main page.
-
Change Language
If you want to change your session’s display language to French or back to English, use the following options:
a. When using the Web (browser) version of Remote Desktop, click on CCO Tools and select Change to EN for English or Change to FR for French.
Note: This will automatically sign you out of your current session and require you to log back in for the changes to take effect.
b. When using the Remote Desktop application, open a session and then click the start menu within the remote desktop. Click the CCO Tools folder and select Change to EN for English or Change to FR for French.
Note: This will automatically sign you out of your current session and require you to log back in for the changes to take effect.
-
Switching between the Web Browser and the Windows Application
If you are connected to the Web (browser) version of Remote Destkop and want to switch to the full Windows Application version, click on the gear icon located on the top-right corner of the Web interface. In the menu that appears, select Download the rdp file. This will open the full Remote Desktop application and will require an additional login to work. If you want to switch back, simply set the launch method back to Open resources in the browser.
Known Issues and Limitations
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Remote Desktop App (Microsoft Store version)
The Remote Desktop app from the Microsoft Store will not work with sra.cadets.forces.gc.ca. You must use the version of the Remote Desktop application that comes with Windows. To open the Remote Desktop application, type mstsc.exe into the Windows search bar and press enter. If you require assistance locating and running the Remote Desktop application, contact the IT SMC Service Desk at (email) IT@Cadets.gc.ca or (toll-free) 1-855-252-8082.
-
Connection limit
Remote Desktop (RDS) can only support one (1) connection per user at a time. If you are already connected to Remote Desktop from a device, ensure that you have completely logged off before logging in from another device. You may encounter a connection if you attempt to connect from two or more devices at the same time.
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Access to drives on your personal computer
When you are connected to CCO Net via either the Web Browser or Application versions of Remote Desktop, it is not possible to access local drives, transfer files or copy/paste files directly from your personal computer to your remote CCO Net session. This feature of Remote Desktop is permanently disabled for security reasons. If you need to transfer files from a personal computer to a CCO Net remote session, you will need use email.
-
Printing to PDF
For security reasons, the "Print to PDF" feature is permanently disabled in Remote Desktop. If you need to convert a document to PDF format, the workaround is to use Microsoft Office and its "Save as PDF" feature. To convert a Microsoft Office document to PDF, follow these steps:
Click on "File" > Click on "Save As" > Select a Location > Click on "Save as Type" > Select "PDF (*.pdf)" > Click on "Save".
-
Printing documents
If you are connected to the Web version of Remote Desktop (i.e. using your browser) then it is not possible to send files to a printer local to you. To print files from CCO Net using Remote Desktop, you must use the Application version of Remote Desktop. When you do so, you will find your computer's local printers listed in the print option of the virtual computer you are connected to. They will be listed at the top with the word "redirected" appended to the printer name.
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