How do I get started working remotely?

This article contains information to help you work from home. Check the list of the related articles for more detailed information about some of the tools that can help you.

Can I Take My Desktop Home?

During this unprecedented time, employees are allowed to take their ACU issued desktop computers home to accommodate remote work. In the interest of cybersecurity, we recommend performing all work on ACU issued equipment. 

• Check with your supervisor to determine that taking a desktop home is needed.
• Fill out the following form to let IT know that you’ll be taking your desktop off-campus.
• Be aware, many desktops will need an Ethernet connection to your router in order to have Internet access.
• If taking your ACU issued desktop home isn't feasible, please contact the Helpdesk.

Can I use my Non-ACU-Owned Computer?

You can use your non-ACU-owned computer with some minor limitations.

Please note: Sensitive information should not be saved to, stored on, or possibly even accessed using your non-ACU-owned computer. If you deal with information protected by FERPA or HIPAA, ensure you are following the requirements for that information. If you have any questions, please contact the Helpdesk.

Many ACU applications are made available through a web browser. Some software applications are available to be installed on your home computer. Two good examples of these are Microsoft Office 365 (office.com) and Adobe Creative Cloud and Document Cloud (adobe.com). Some software applications are restricted to ACU-owned computers. If you need access to a specific application, please contact the Helpdesk. 

Cybersecurity While Working Remotely

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Secret Service is reporting an uptick in the number of phishing scams related to the virus. People may receive fraudulent emails claiming to be from a medical/health organization that links to malicious sites where people are asked to enter their email, password, and other identifying information or providing attachments that contain malware.

As always, we want to encourage the ACU community to remain vigilant and take the following cybersecurity precautions:

• Be suspicious of any emails that urge you to take action and try to create a sense of urgency.
• Never click on links or open attachments without first making sure the request is authentic.
• Where appropriate, call the sender by looking up their phone number independently.
• Never call a phone number included in a suspicious email or reply to the sender.
• If the website you are logging into looks unfamiliar, exercise extreme caution.
• Remember, ACU Information Technology will never ask for your password. 
• Please report suspicious emails to Google following these instructions. 

In addition, we want to encourage all staff to use their ACU issued laptop or desktop where possible when working remotely. ACU issued devices have a level of security, particularly related to sensitive information, which home systems may not have.
 

ACU Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Some resources and tools you use every day are only accessible if your computer is connected to the campus network. The VPN allows you to connect to ACU's network through the Internet without having to connect to an access point that is physically attached to ACU's network. This provides a way for you to use those tools and resources from home.

Please note that if you are using a wireless printer at home, when you connect to the VPN you will be unable to stay connected to your printer. If you want to print while staying on the VPN, you will need to plug directly into your printer with a USB.

Do I need to use the VPN?

You only need to use the VPN if you need access to a resource that is normally only available on campus. Here is a short list of some of the most common examples:

• Administrative Banner
• Cognos
• Campus printers
• SPSS
• Server network shares (such as those on Perez)

How do I use the VPN?

For detailed installation instructions, see How do I Access the ACU VPN?

Video Conferencing & Google Meet

Reference Article: How do I use Google Meet?

Video conferencing tools can be used to facilitate synchronous conversations between individuals that aren't able to meet in person. The ACU community has access to use Google's video conferencing service Google Meet. You can start a conference by doing the following:

On-demand Meetings

• Navigate to meet.google.com
• Click the "Join or start a meeting" 
• Hit continue
• Choose which option you want to use to join in
• Click "Join now"

Scheduling a Meeting

You can schedule a meeting by following these steps:

• Go into your ACU calendar
• Create a new event
• In the "Add conferencing" drop-down choose Google Meet
• You can also add people in the "Add guests"

For more information about how to use Google Meet, please see Google's resource page on Meet.

Google Drive, Shared Drives, and Collaboration

Installing Google File Stream

Google Drive File Stream is a desktop application that allows you to quickly access all of your Google Drive files on demand, directly from your computer without losing drive space. With Google Drive File Stream, your files are stored on the cloud instead of your computer, and any changes you make are automatically synced with the cloud for quick, easy access anywhere you have an Internet connection.

Reference article: How do I install Google File Stream?

Creating Shared Drives

Reference article: How do I create a new Shared Drive?

Adding/Removing People From Shared Drives

Reference article: How do I add new members to a Shared Drive?

Your Office Phone at Home

Forwarding

Reference article: How Do I Forward My Office Phone to Another Number?

Accessing Voicemail

Reference article: How Do I Access and Listen to My ACU Voicemail, on or off Campus?

1. Dial (325) 674-2801.
2. When prompted for a mailbox number, type in your office phone's extension.
3. You will hear your voicemail greeting. Press *.
4. Enter your voicemail passcode when prompted.

Accessing Computer Data Backups

Reference article: How Do I Restore My Data Using CrashPlan?

If you are not on campus, but your computer is, you may be able to restore data that has been backed up from that computer via your CrashPlan backup. You can do this using the CrashPlan Online Console. See the article referenced above for details.