Getting set up

Preparatory advice on remotely connecting to University computers or services.

​What device should I use?

 

  • If possible, a University-managed Windows laptop, MacBook or Surface.
  • A dedicated home computer, preferably not shared with other people.
  • If this isn’t possible, use a shared device but preferably a separate account on it.

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Office 365

Available to all staff and students via https://www.office365.ed.ac.uk.  The tools can be used across platforms and web browsers and facilitate home working really well.

Live Audio, Video Meetings, Messaging and Chat:

  • Teams - Chat hub, audio & video calling, scheduled meetings, attachments, notes, planning and more
  • Skype - Instant messaging, audio & video conferences and online meetings. To be discontinued 2021. All Skype features have been ported to Teams
  • University email and calendar - Outlook email and calendar, student teaching and exam timetables

Document Collaboration & Sharing:

  • OneDrive - Cloud-based file storage for all staff and students
  • MS Office online - Live co-authoring of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote using a web browser

Documentation: Office 365

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Teaching remotely

The University provides a rich toolset for teaching remotely, including:

  • Blackboard Collaborate - Virtual classroom / meeting tool available to all staff and students
  • Blackboard Learn - Access to course materials, assignments, grades, feedback, lecture recordings and more
  • Moodle - Virtual learning environment for online distance learning programmes
  • Media Hopper - Creating, uploading, editing and sharing video

Please see Teaching continuity preparation for more info on teaching remotely

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Online Meetings

The recommended University software and service options available for arranging online 1-to-1s, group meetings, and seminars.

Online Meetings

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Restricted and unrestricted services

Most Uni online services are available directly over the web wherever you are.

NOTE: Please check the list of applications which can be accessed directly before using the VPN service. The VPN service is currently under a heavy load so please do not use it for services that don’t require it.

For systems that can only be accessed while connected to the Uni network you can use either Remote Desktop (RDP) to connect into your work computer or use the University’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) service which makes your personal computer part of the Uni network.

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Remote Desktop (RDP) - Access your office computer off-site

You can connect to your University computer using Remote Desktop (RDP). This provides the same experience as when you log into your computer in the office.  

This is also simple way to get access to your usual applications and homespace (M:\ drive) .

Remote Desktop

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Information Security

Protecting information when working from home, or while travelling

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Health and Safety

  • Work in a comfortable and safe environment on a flat surface such as a table or desk, and away from glare.
  • If working from a laptop, use a docking station, or separate screen, keyboard and mouse, if available.
  • Take regular breaks, as you would if you were in your office.

Health and Safety guidance on remote working

Need any help?

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