User Support with Remote Desktop Software in a 24/7 Light Microscopy Facility.

Supporting users in a light microscopy facility involves dealing with a large number of specific challenges; one of them is user support outside regular working hours. On one hand, the new incubator fluorescence microscope systems created new demands: multi-day experiments are now common and users want to intermittently check the status of the cells. On the other hand, troubleshooting for technical issues is easier by remotely controlling the mouse and keyboard of an image acquisition computer. This presentation will provide a comparative overview of remote desktop programs, which allow users to remotely and non-interactively check the status of overnight experiments, and more importantly, allow the core managers to remotely check and adjust the imaging parameters. Lastly, we will explain the basic requirements for installing a remote application support program and describe the program's advantages as well as limitations and provide pointers for core administrators who want to introduce remote user support in their facilities.