Working from Home - Hints and Tips
Over the last year we've all become accustomed to home working and the many challenges it brings - we've provided guidance for getting started on the Working from Home webpage.
This page focusses on answers to your Frequently Asked Questions, Training and Guidance and insider Top Tips.
Information from the Library can be found here.
We've pulled together these FAQs based on the top queries coming in to the IS Service Desk:
Connecting Remotely
How do I connect remotely?
For most users, we would advise the use of a managed laptop, which will give seamless access to services with no need to connect to an office desktop PC. If you don’t already have access to a managed laptop you can request one via the Managed Laptop intranet page.
If you are using an unmanaged University laptop, or your own personal device you can use the Virtual Desktop Service (VDS). You access the VDS by installing a VMware Horizon Client, further information and instructions are available on the Virtual Desktop intranet page.
Software and Services
How do I access SITS and / or Agresso?
How do I access HR Connect?
Information Services are looking at providing secure access to HR Connect Self Service from the internet on any device particularly for staff who are not provided laptops.
For up to date information visit the VPN Retiral intranet page.
How do I access a data area (H drive or S drive)?
You can use a Managed Laptop or the Virtual Desktop Service to access the University’s networked data areas such as your personal data area (H drive) or shared, departmental data area (S drive).
Can I access Autodesk off campus?
Yes, Autodesk have a free download available for Edinburgh Napier's staff and students, providing access to Autodesk software from home - find out more
Can externals with a limited associate account access SharePoint?
Yes, however they need to log in using a slightly different procedure - find out how
Communicating
Do I need to connect to the Virtual Desktop Service (VDS) to communicate via Webex or MS Teams?
No, in fact we would advise you against connecting to the VDS when participating in any type of video call - find out more
Are softphones available for staff members?
Yes, softphones are now available for all staff members - find out more
Can I use MS Teams?
Yes, find out more about MS Teams.
Can I put an out of office message on a generic mailbox?
Yes, you can do this via Outlook on the Web - find out how
Teaching & Learning
How do I get started with Panopto for recording lectures?
This First Steps with Panopto guide will help you get started, and you'll find lots more useful information on the Learning Technology Hub.
Do I need to connect to the VDS to communicate via Webex?
No, we would advise against connecting to the VDS when using Webex - find out more
Information Security
What do I need to do to secure my devices?
The Secure your Devices blog article from our information security team gives guidance on protecting your devices.
How do I spot a phishing email?
Unfortunately there are a lot of phishing emails doing the rounds at the moment, guidance on how to deal with these can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre website.
If we've not answered your question you can check our askNapier knowledge base or contact the IS Service Desk.
While working from home, why not take the opportunity to learn about:
Check out this video by our own Steve Yorkstone, giving tips on working with screens and webcams:
These helpful articles were created by IS colleagues as they adapted to home working:
We've come across these guides on the web which we also found useful: