This article explains how to get access to Symmetry and how to create a shortcut to your desktop. 

Step 1  - Request access to Symmetry

Staff from Professional Services and faculties can access Symmetry only after being added to the users’ group "Group4 Access Control" by Estates and Facilities.
 
Line managers can request access to Symmetry on behalf of their staff by contacting Estates and Facilities.

Once added to the group, Estate and Facilities will send you specific credentials (username and password) to access Symmetry.

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Step 2  - Connect to Symmetry for the first time

Windows users

1. Connect your computer to the university network through:

• Ethernet cable, if you are on site
• GlobalProtect, if you are connected to eduroam (on campus) or working remotely

2. Go to the Search bar and enter "Remote Desktop Connection" (RDC)

3. Open the application by selecting Open or the RDC icon

 
4. Enter symmetry.soton.ac.uk into the "Computer" field

5. Select Connect

6. Enter your university username and password

This will connect you to the Symmetry Control Database via the RDP Connection. 
 
7. Enter your credentials:

1. Your university username (for example: ab1c24). It will be shown as SOTON\ab1c24.
2. Your university password

8. Select OK to get access

9. Once you are connected to Symmetry via the RDP connection please log in with the username and password provided by Estates and Facilities. Please note: this is not the university username or password linked to your university account.

 

Apple users

To access Symmetry you need to download the "Windows App" application on your Apple computer.  

Installing Windows App on a university-owned Apple computer

If missing, you can install Windows App as follows:

1. Open Self Service from the application folder
   
2. Search for Windows App
   
3. Select Install

Installing Windows App on your own device

1. Download and install the Windows App (previously called Remote Desktop) application from the Apple Store:

 

Accessing Symmetry

1. Launch Windows App

2. Select the + (plus) button on the top of the window

3. Select the option Add PC

4. Go to the PC name field and enter symmetry.soton.ac.uk

5. Select the Add button 

6. Double-click the button linked to Symmetry

7. Once you are connected to Symmetry via the RDP connection please log in with the username and password provided by Estates and Facilities. Please note: this is not the university username or password linked to your university account.

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Step 3 – Creating Symmetry Shortcut to your desktop

This section is for Windows users.

1. Connect your computer to the university network through:

• Ethernet cable, if you are on site
• GlobalProtect, if you are connected to eduroam (on campus) or working remotely

2. Go to the Search bar and enter "Remote Desktop Connection" (RDC)

3. Open the application by selecting Open or the RDC icon

4. Enter symmetry.soton.ac.uk into the "Computer" field

5. Select Show Options

6. Select Save As

7. Now:

1. Select your Desktop as the save location
2. Rename the file to Symmetry
3. Select Save

8. You will find a Symmetry icon on your desktop. Double-click on it each time you want to connect to Symmetry

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Related content

How to set up the Virtual Private Network (VPN) via GlobalProtect

How to connect your laptop to eduroam Wi-Fi service