SmithApps

Remote access to applications and files

SmithApps is a Citrix XenApp tool that allows Smith students, faculty, and staff to access applications and files that are normally only available in Van Munching Hall computer labs. These applications are delivered to any computer with Internet access that has the Citrix client installed.

The goal of SmithApps is to provide the Smith community an off-campus solution to access on-campus services and applications so that the community can do their work, research, and studies anywhere that has Internet access. It also provides Mac users a way to use Windows-only applications (such as Visio or Access) on their Mac.

Behind the scenes, when using SmithApps a server in Van Munching Hall will launch your program and send the display of the running program over the Internet to your local computer. Even though the program is running remotely, you will still be able use local disks and printers.

Getting Started-Obtaining a Citrix Client

To access SmithApps, go to https://smithapps.rhsmith.umd.edu. If you do not have the Citrix client installed yet, you will see an exclamation mark (!) at the top where it says "Messages". Just click on the "Message" tab and follow the link to download the client.

Note: Some users may already have the Citrix client installed for accessing servers run elsewhere, perhaps by a current or previous employer. There is no need to install a new version of the client � our system should be compatible with most other versions you might have installed, and shouldn't interfere with any existing configuration.

Once the client is downloaded, double-click on the file to start the installation. The installation is straightforward, and you should accept all default settings by just clicking NEXT and OK until it is finished.

If you have the client installed already and is still prompting you to download the client, it may be that you have a very old version of the Citrix client. You can choose to upgrade the client by clicking Download or just skip the download click the link on the right that says "Already Installed." An older version may still work with our version of Citrix, but if you are experiencing some problems launching applications, you may want to upgrade the Citrix client.

Using SmithApps

You will need to use your Directory ID to log in. Once you are logged in, you will see all the applications you will have access to. There will be a second tab called "Content" that is also available. This tab contains any downloads or external links that may be helpful to you. Just click on the application you want to use to launch it.

The first time you launch an application, it may prompt you about File Security. You would want to checkmark "Do no ask me again for this site" and click "Yes" to give the application access to read/write files onto your local computer. If you clicked "No", then you will not be able to open files from your local computer to work with nor save your work onto your local computer.

You can work with files that are located on your own computer. For example, you may want to open a Word document file. Go to File > Open and you will see a Windows file explorer window. Click on Computer on the left menu and you will see all the drives on the computer that you are using located on the bottom half of the screen and your Smith network drives on the top half of the screen. Just navigate to the location of where your file is located and click "Open." 

When you want to save a file, you will do the same.

Remote Access to Files

Note that one of the applications we publish is Windows Explorer.  This gives you a very easy, yet secure, way to access your files when you are not on campus.  If, for example, you need to move a file from your Smith network �K� drive to a USB drive, you can run Windows Explorer in SmithApps and simply drag and drop the file inside that window.

Important Warnings about using SmithApps

Make sure you understand the following warnings. Not understanding them could cause you to lose your work!

Make sure you are NOT saving your files on the application server and only to your "K" drive. To ensure the application servers are safe for all users to use and don't get malware or viruses, all user-created files are purged daily and are not recoverable!

The Favorite and Libraries section on the left window in the image below will link to your local Documents, Music, etc. ONLY IF YOU ARE RUNNING WINDOWS. It will not redirect the folders if you are using a Mac. Be cautious if you are using the links on the side when you are saving a file. Double check to make sure that is correctly showing YOUR computer folder.