How to work from home or off-campus


This article will guide you through the processes and best practices to follow while working from home or off-campus.

 

Overview:

What do I need to be able to work from home?

In order to work from home or off campus you need the following:

  1. A device, this can either be a University or personal machine (PC, laptop, tablet or Mac). If you plan to take your University laptop, tablet or Mac off campus don't forget your power lead. Important - you must not take desktop PCs off campus. These will not work properly off campus and are not secure. 
  2. An internet connection. If you are using a University laptop or device make sure you know how to connect it to the internet at home or your off campus location.
  3. Your University login details and passwords for all the software and sites you visit. Important: If you haven't already done so please register for Self Service Password Reset, this will help you retrieve your password if you become locked out of your University account.

Accessing your email 

You can access your email account by:

For more information about accessing the above please see Using a Web Browser for email article

Access your emails and calendar of campus or by using iOS, Android or Windows phones.

Accessing your files

OneDrive gives you a personal file storage area with 5TB of space, and is accessible from any device connected to the internet. If you are working on confidential data, please check the guidelines on the Data Protection website.

Collaborating with colleagues

Staff and students can collaborate with colleagues via Microsoft Teams. Using Teams, you can instant message colleagues, set up online meetings, collaborate in groups and share files. If you are working on confidential data check the guidelines on the Data Protection website.

 

Screenshot, Microsoft Office 365 Icons highlighting Teams

For information on using Blackboard Collaborate, please see the FAQs on the VLE blog and the Minerva help guide

Accessing other services

Some IT systems are not directly available off-campus via Minerva or Office365. Examples are ESS/MSS (Employee/Manager Self-Service), M: and N: drives and SAP. Depending on what you need access to, a number of options are available to you.

Staff

  • Windows Virtual Desktop this allows you to securely access University services as though you are on-campus. Use this for access to M and N drives, teaching software and web services such as ESS (Employee Self Service), SAP and Banner.
  • AppsAnywhere a web-based portal that will provide you with access to a wide range of university software. It works by streaming the software to either a University Windows Computer, Windows Virtual Desktop or your own Windows personal computer (licensing restrictions permitting).
  • Other methods are available where people need access to specific on-campus computers and specialist software. NB: You should only use VPN when there is no alternative access to the service you require.
  • For more information see ‘Your remote access to key systems

Important: Remember to log out of Windows Virtual Desktop once you have finished. 

Students

  • Windows Virtual Desktop this allows you to securely access University services and software as though you are on-campus.
  • AppsAnywhere a web-based portal that will provide you with access to a wide range of university software. It works by streaming the software to either a University Windows Computer, Windows Virtual Desktop or your own Windows personal computer (licensing restrictions permitting).

Important: If you have any difficulties accessing the online or digital aspects of your learning please contact your Personal Tutor and / or your Student Support Office for further assistance.

Safe computing

Be extra vigilant. Hackers are targeting people by pretending to offer advice about Covid19, with the threat of hacking increasing due to the rise in remote working. Remember to be cautious about opening any attachments. Don't reply to email or pop-up messages that ask for personal or financial information, and don't click on links in the message. For more information see the phishing advice page and the general guidance on IT security at home

University PCs and laptops

University PCs and laptops, both Windows and Apple Macs, should have McAfee VirusScan pre-installed. 

Personal computers

If you are using Windows 10 (or Windows 8/8.1), your computer should have Windows Defender pre-installed. This is free and updates automatically. If you are using Windows 7, you can download Microsoft Security Essentials. If you are using an Apple Mac, you can download and install Sophos Antivirus for Mac.

For more information see the article on protecting your devices from malware

Data Protection

Make sure you follow the guidelines on the Data Protection website when handling University data.

 

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