IT Solutions for Working Remotely
About Taking TWU Computers & Printers Home
To remove a device from campus, complete the form provided by Dennis Hoebee in March 2020 (or email assets@twu.edu to get a copy).
The completed form should be emailed to both assets@twu.edu and servicedesk@twu.edu.
The individual who will use the device MUST have logged on to the device at least once on campus BEFORE the device is removed or they will not be able to log on at home.
Macs must be serviced by IT Solutions BEFORE they are removed.
TWU desktop computers are not equipped for WiFi. There are three options for connecting to your home network:
Take home the Ethernet cable from your office to connect to your home router.
Contact the Service Desk to get a free 10-ft Ethernet cable.
Speak with your department about purchasing a WiFi adapter so that you can connect wirelessly to your home network.
PRINTERS: The department is responsible for tracking the state asset and ensuring its return to the university. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, IT is unable to support the setup and installation of printers off-campus and on personal devices.
Returning a device to work? Email assets@twu.edu to let them know.
1. Think about the files and applications you will need to access from home
The following applications can be accessed remotely without using VPN.
Cloud-based applications (e.g. Canvas, PsychData, Service Center/Technology Tickets, Panopto, etc.)
Google Meet can be accessed from anywhere using Chrome browser. Google Meet is HIPAA compliant.
Google Suite (e.g. Google Drive, Google Shared Drive, Google Calendar, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Forms, Google Meet, etc.)
Office 365 applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Email, OneDrive can be accessed online for free.
workflow.twu.edu (using https://workflow.twu.edu)
Zoom (Zoom is not an enterprise solution)
Saving files to your hard drive (e.g. Downloads, My Documents, Desktop, etc.) or to an external hard-drive connected to your TWU computer?
Please consider moving these files to Google Drive or X drive as quickly as possible. Explore your File Storage and Sharing Options: Google Drive vs X drive
2. Ensure that your work-at-home computer is updated and secure
Ideally, you will be working on a TWU-provided device & that device will have been updated by ITS within the last few weeks (connected to network for updates, reviewed installed software, etc.).
For the time being, you may use a personal device at home to complete your work, if you do not have a TWU-issued laptop. Make sure your computer is up-to-date:
Install Symantec before connecting your personal device to the TWU network via VPN.
3. Connect remotely
VPN/DUO & Remote Desktop: Get started with this helpful info. Need assistance? Call 940-898-3971 or chat with us online.
VPN access is required to access
Oracle E-Business (Phoenix)
Remote Desktop (RDP) to your computer
Internal Websites
VPN performance can be impacted by bandwidth available through your home internet. Try to limit connections to data-heavy sites (e.g. Netflix, online gaming ,etc.) to maximize performance of VPN.
Additionally, videoconference tools don't work well on VPN and WILL NOT work when connected to Remote Desktop.
Best practice is to use VPN when you need it, then disconnect and use the cloud-based apps, then return to VPN when needed.
Remote Desktop (RDP)
Reasons you might need to connect to your remote (TWU) desktop after connecting to VPN:
Files saved to a hard drive (e.g. C:\, desktop, downloads, My Documents, etc.) other than on X: drive or Google Drive.
Software installed on a hard drive that is not installed on the remote device (e.g. Adobe Creative, SPSS, etc.)
Any applications that directly access a TWU database.
Any database application, such as Microsoft Access or FoxPro.
Accessing very large files directly from X: drive
For assistance with Remote Desktop, see Connecting to a TWU desktop from off campus.
Your remote desktop has to be powered on & and you have to have rights to access it.
Using remote desktop? Be sure to close it out and disconnect VPN before you log off/shutdown your local device!
Contact the Technology Service Desk for support.
4. Get ready to collaborate
Web conferencing works best with a webcam and/or headset with microphone. Departments are allowed to purchase webcams using purchase cards. IT Solutions does not maintain webcams or headsets to loan. Texas Woman’s IT Solutions supports a number of collaboration solutions. You can find information about the primary solutions in this Knowledge Base article. An additional solution is Panopto. Some colleges also have Zoom licenses (Zoom is not an enterprise solution).
Web conferencing tools available to TWU: Comparing Collaboration Software
Video Web conferencing Security Best Practices and Information
There are limitations and advantages to all technology solutions. We encourage you to test each solution to find what works best for your needs.
Install Skype for Business on a personal device
Instructors: Teaching & Learning with Technology are your go-to resource for transitioning to online instruction.
Types of Meeting & Recommended Solutions
Colleagues at Texas Woman’s > Google Meet in Chrome, Skype for Business, Zoom (Zoom is not an enterprise solution)
Classroom > Panopto, Zoom (Zoom is not an enterprise solution)
Dissertation Defense > Panopto
Colleagues Outside of Texas Woman’s > Google Meet in Chrome, Zoom (Zoom is not an enterprise solution)
Not sure how to get started with virtual collaboration? Check out these Best Practices for Virtual Engagements put together by the SACC Training & Development subcommittee.
Collaborate with Google
Google Meet in Chrome> Up to 250 participants, HIPAA compliant.
Share and Collaborate with Files > Share files and efficiently collaborate with your colleagues using Google Drive and Docs
Google Suite Collaboration Ideas > Explore ideas for working together and running your business, shared by customers from all over the world.
To learn more about Google apps, check out G Suite Learning Center and Linkedin Learning.
5. Communications
TWU has implemented RingCentral, the new telephony and unified communications platform on all three campuses. RingCentral is a fully cloud-based unified communication solution that provides both traditional telephony services, as well as modern features and capabilities necessary to foster and enable collaboration.
To explore RingCentral features, check out the knowledge base articles. To learn more about RingCentral, please visit the TWU RingCentral Website.
6. Remember, even though you’re working remotely, you’re not alone
TWU offers a free subscription to all faculty, staff, and students to LinkedIn Learning, a professional video tutorial service. There are specific LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) Sign In instructions using your TWU Pioneer Portal username and password.
Considering a web conference? Google Meet is HIPAA compliant.
Resources for working from home
If you need assistance, contact the Technology Service Desk at 940-898-3971, servicedesk@twu.edu, techchat.twu.edu, submit a request through the Technology Service Catalog, or visit https://twu.edu/technology/
Tech Telecommuting Questions & Answers
My mailbox is almost full. What should I do?
Worried about space in your email? This is a chance to start with a clean inbox.) There are several ways to free up space. Stuck on Outlook? No worries. You can create an Outlook Data File or set up archiving rules to store older messages and items that you don’t use regularly. Just be sure to archive to the X drive or G (Google) drive so that you actually free up space in your Outlook.
Note: You'll need to use Outlook client version to create Outlook Data File or archive messages (connect to VPN and use Remote Desktop to access Outlook client on your office computer).
Another option is to Print Email or Website Information to PDF. If Google Drive File Stream is installed, the pdfs can be saved directly to Google Drive both My Drive and Shared drives.
Do I need to have a smartphone to use DUO for VPN?
DUO works with a smartphone or a tablet (landline/email won't work). Please talk with your department if you don't have/use a smartphone or a tablet and need VPN to work.
Top Troubleshooting Tips for VPN
Reboot your internet router.
Reboot your computer.
Try again after reboot everything
If that doesn’t work try using a different Internet connection, like a hotspot or contact your Internet Service Provider.
I need to scan a document but I do not have access to a scanner.
Download the free Adobe Scan app to your mobile device via Google Play or App Store. Documents will be scanned into a PDF file and automatically recognizes text. See Adobe Scan Mobile Help
I was connected to Remote Desktop. It stopped working. What happened?
Most of the time, waiting a couple of minutes and then disconnecting and reconnecting to VPN, then to Remote Desktop will resolve this issue.
Power outages can cause your at-work machine to turn off, which means someone has to physically turn it back on for you to connect.
I am unable to sign an Adobe Acrobat form using the digital signature field.
Save the form to your desktop
Open the form in Adobe Reader DC (download Adobe Reader DC here)
Sign the form digitally (follow these steps to create a new digital ID)
Note: Adobe acrobat forms cannot be signed through your browser.
How do I open Public Folders without VPN?
Navigate to OWA
Login with your TWU email address and Pioneer Portal password.
Right-click on Favorites on the left above your name.
Click Add public folder to Favorites.
Search for the public folder in the list. Expand a folder to access subfolders.
Click on the folder.
Click Add to Favorites in the upper left.
Repeat to add additional folders.
When ready, click the x on the upper-right to close.
Note: adding public folders to Favorites through OWA will add the folders to your Favorites the Outlook desktop application.
How does printing work with VPN/Remote Desktop?
Using cloud-based services on your remote device (e.g. email or Canvas), you can print to a local printer.
Likewise, if using VPN, you should be able to print to a local printer if it is connected through a cable. However, if it connected wirelessly, you won't be able to send files to print while connected to VPN.
Using Remote Desktop, however, you won't be able to print to a local printer. You could instead save the file to the X:\ or Google Drive and switch back to your local desktop to print.
How do I display multiple monitors using Remote Desktop?
See the Configuring Remote Desk Connection (RDC) for multiple monitors knowledge base article.
Is there a HIPAA-compliant videconference option?
Google Meet may be used in situations where HIPAA compliance is required.
If you need assistance, contact the Technology Service Desk at 940-898-3971, servicedesk@twu.edu, techchat.twu.edu, submit a request through the Technology Service Catalog, or visit https://twu.edu/technology/
How do I access SQL Reports and Oracle from home?
Open Cisco AnyConnect (may be visible in the tray {up arrow} in the lower right corner of your computer)
Connect to vpn.twu.edu with your TWU username and password
Verify request on your phone in DUO mobile app
Use any browser for SQL Reports (type in sqlreports.twu.edu or go to portal.twu.edu and select SQL Reports from the top menu)
Use Internet Explorer for Oracle (type in oracle.twu.edu or go to portal.twu.edu and select Oracle eBusiness from the top menu)
How can I adjust to using smaller screens at home?
We strongly recommend keyboard shortcuts!
Your Alt-Tab key will swap between open applications (Command-Tab on a Mac) .
You can also use the Windows key with the right and left arrow keys to split your screen.
Ctrl-+ (plus sign) will make things appear larger (Shift-Command-+ on a Mac).
Want to boost your speed? Check out all of the Windows and Mac keyboard shortcuts.
How can I store information and create content on Google?
Google Drive for Faculty and Staff https://servicecenter.twu.edu/TDClient/1956/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=14074
How can I get Microsoft Office at home?
Microsoft Office 365 for Students, Faculty and Staff https://servicecenter.twu.edu/TDClient/1956/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=16063
How do I get VPN?
VPN Support Info https://servicecenter.twu.edu/TDClient/1956/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=97297
How do I connect to VPN?
Connecting to TWU VPN with Duo Security Two-Factor Authentication https://servicecenter.twu.edu/TDClient/1956/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=62303
How can I protect my home computer from viruses or malware?
Anti-virus and Malware Protection https://servicecenter.twu.edu/TDClient/1956/Portal/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=12045
How can I access NVIVO at home?
NVIVO Access - contact the TWU Technology Service Desk for assistance 940 898 3971
How can I get SPSS at home?
Install IBM SPSS Statistics 25 on a PC or Laptop https://servicecenter.twu.edu/TDClient/1956/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=15187
Install IBM SPSS Statistics 25 on a Mac https://servicecenter.twu.edu/TDClient/1956/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=23425
How do I get a copy of Word or Excel on my personal computer/laptop?
TWU faculty, staff and students can download and install Office 365 for free on up to 5 devices.
