Difference between revisions of "Access Your Work Computer from Home"
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#*If the IT department does not configure your work machine for you, the technicians may give you instructions for configuring your computer yourself. | #*If the IT department does not configure your work machine for you, the technicians may give you instructions for configuring your computer yourself. | ||
#*Call or email your company's help desk if you have trouble with the install or configuration. | #*Call or email your company's help desk if you have trouble with the install or configuration. | ||
| − | #Connect to the VPN. Once the VPN software is installed, you may need to activate the VPN. On a PC, Go to '''Start → Programs''', and then find the name of the VPN software you installed. Double click the VPN client to open. You may be prompted to enter your username and password. This will vary based on your company policies. <ref>https://www.uthsc.edu/helpdesk/vpn/</ref> | + | #Connect to the VPN. Once the VPN software is installed, you may need to activate the VPN. On a PC, Go to '''Start → Programs''', and then find the name of the VPN software you installed. Double click the VPN client to open. You may be prompted to enter your username and password. This will vary based on your company policies. <ref name="rf1">https://www.uthsc.edu/helpdesk/vpn/</ref> |
#*If you are using a Mac, go to your "Applications" folder and click on the VPN software you installed. | #*If you are using a Mac, go to your "Applications" folder and click on the VPN software you installed. | ||
| − | #*Your VPN may automatically connect after it is installed. Read the installation instructions or contact your IT department.<ref>https://umdrive.memphis.edu/g-training/VPN/AnyConnect_VPN_PC.pdf</ref> | + | #*Your VPN may automatically connect after it is installed. Read the installation instructions or contact your IT department.<ref name="rf2">https://umdrive.memphis.edu/g-training/VPN/AnyConnect_VPN_PC.pdf</ref> |
| − | #Enable Remote Desktop on your work computer. Remote Desktop allows other computers to connect to your work computer. For Windows users, click on '''Start → Control Panel → System → Remote Desktop'''. Check the box that says "Allow users to connect remotely to this computer."<ref>https://ist.njit.edu/support/home_connection/</ref> | + | #Enable Remote Desktop on your work computer. Remote Desktop allows other computers to connect to your work computer. For Windows users, click on '''Start → Control Panel → System → Remote Desktop'''. Check the box that says "Allow users to connect remotely to this computer."<ref name="rf3">https://ist.njit.edu/support/home_connection/</ref> |
| − | #*Write down the full name of your work computer. You will need this later when you connect from home. The name of your computer should be listed under the box you checked.<ref | + | #*Write down the full name of your work computer. You will need this later when you connect from home. The name of your computer should be listed under the box you checked.<ref name="rf3" /> |
| − | #*If you are a Mac user, you can go to the Mac App Store and download "Microsoft Remote Desktop"<ref>https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id715768417?mt=12</ref> | + | #*If you are a Mac user, you can go to the Mac App Store and download "Microsoft Remote Desktop"<ref name="rf4">https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/microsoft-remote-desktop/id715768417?mt=12</ref> |
#Leave your work computer on when you leave for the day. Your work computer needs to be connected to the network in order to be accessible to a remote computer. Launch the remote access software on your work computer, if required. It depends on how your IT department has configured your network. | #Leave your work computer on when you leave for the day. Your work computer needs to be connected to the network in order to be accessible to a remote computer. Launch the remote access software on your work computer, if required. It depends on how your IT department has configured your network. | ||
| − | #Check the system requirements of your home computer. Before you install the VPN software on your computer, make sure that your home computer meets the system requirements. The requirements will vary based on your company. Typical requirements include an up-to-date operating system and a certain amount of RAM (hard disk space). Requirements will differ for Mac and Windows users.<ref>https://networking.grok.lsu.edu/Article.aspx?articleId=10793</ref> | + | #Check the system requirements of your home computer. Before you install the VPN software on your computer, make sure that your home computer meets the system requirements. The requirements will vary based on your company. Typical requirements include an up-to-date operating system and a certain amount of RAM (hard disk space). Requirements will differ for Mac and Windows users.<ref name="rf5">https://networking.grok.lsu.edu/Article.aspx?articleId=10793</ref> |
#*System requirements are usually available on the IT website. | #*System requirements are usually available on the IT website. | ||
#*If you have questions about the system requirements, call or email your IT department. | #*If you have questions about the system requirements, call or email your IT department. | ||
| − | #Download the VPN client software to your home computer. Load the VPN client software to your home computer just as you did to your work computer. The installation process is usually self-guided. Make sure you follow the directions.<ref | + | #Download the VPN client software to your home computer. Load the VPN client software to your home computer just as you did to your work computer. The installation process is usually self-guided. Make sure you follow the directions.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*If you run into problems,your IT department may have you bring your computer into the office to install and configure the software. | #*If you run into problems,your IT department may have you bring your computer into the office to install and configure the software. | ||
#*If your IT department does not install the software for you, the technicians might give you the software to take home along with installation and configuration instructions. | #*If your IT department does not install the software for you, the technicians might give you the software to take home along with installation and configuration instructions. | ||
#*Call or email your company's help desk if you have trouble with the install or configuration. | #*Call or email your company's help desk if you have trouble with the install or configuration. | ||
| − | #Launch the VPN client software on your home computer. On a PC, Go to '''Start → Programs''', and then find the name of the VPN software you installed. Double click the VPN client to open. You may be prompted to enter your username and password.<ref | + | #Launch the VPN client software on your home computer. On a PC, Go to '''Start → Programs''', and then find the name of the VPN software you installed. Double click the VPN client to open. You may be prompted to enter your username and password.<ref name="rf1" /> |
| − | #*If you are using a Mac, go to your "Applications" folder and click on the VPN software you installed.<ref>https://orhelp.osu.edu/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/GetAttachment/40/3777</ref> | + | #*If you are using a Mac, go to your "Applications" folder and click on the VPN software you installed.<ref name="rf6">https://orhelp.osu.edu/support/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/GetAttachment/40/3777</ref> |
| − | #Access the Remote Desktop on your home computer. You must now access the Remote Desktop on your home to computer to connect to your computer at work. If you are a Windows use, go to '''Start → Accessories → Communications → Remote Desktop'''. Once you have reached the Remote Desktop, type in the name of your work computer then press "Connect." You should now be connected to your work computer and able to work from home.<ref | + | #Access the Remote Desktop on your home computer. You must now access the Remote Desktop on your home to computer to connect to your computer at work. If you are a Windows use, go to '''Start → Accessories → Communications → Remote Desktop'''. Once you have reached the Remote Desktop, type in the name of your work computer then press "Connect." You should now be connected to your work computer and able to work from home.<ref name="rf3" /> |
#*You must be logged into the VPN before connecting through Remote Desktop. | #*You must be logged into the VPN before connecting through Remote Desktop. | ||
#*If you are using a Mac, download "Microsoft Remote Desktop." | #*If you are using a Mac, download "Microsoft Remote Desktop." | ||
#* If you have trouble locating your work computer on the network, contact your company's help desk. | #* If you have trouble locating your work computer on the network, contact your company's help desk. | ||
| − | #Know that your home computer may be slower than your work computer. The speed of your VPN connection depends on the speed of your internet connection speed at home. The faster your network speed, the faster your VPN connection will be. Keep in mind that information that you send and receive is encrypted. The encryption process slows things down as well.<ref | + | #Know that your home computer may be slower than your work computer. The speed of your VPN connection depends on the speed of your internet connection speed at home. The faster your network speed, the faster your VPN connection will be. Keep in mind that information that you send and receive is encrypted. The encryption process slows things down as well.<ref name="rf6" /> |
| − | #Do not use your VPN for personal web surfing. Your company can see all of your web activity when you use a VPN. It is not a good practice to conduct personal web browsing over VPN. You do not want to get in trouble at work. Simply minimize the Remote Desktop window if you need to do something personal.<ref | + | #Do not use your VPN for personal web surfing. Your company can see all of your web activity when you use a VPN. It is not a good practice to conduct personal web browsing over VPN. You do not want to get in trouble at work. Simply minimize the Remote Desktop window if you need to do something personal.<ref name="rf6" /> |
=== Getting Remote Access without an IT Department === | === Getting Remote Access without an IT Department === | ||
| − | #Try a service like Chrome Remote Desktop. If your company does not have an IT department or a VPN, you can still securely access and share information between computers. Chrome Remote Desktop is a free app that can be used by both Windows and Mac users. If you are not already using Google Chrome, you will need to download Google Chrome web browser before you can use this application.<ref>https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1649523?hl=en</ref> | + | #Try a service like Chrome Remote Desktop. If your company does not have an IT department or a VPN, you can still securely access and share information between computers. Chrome Remote Desktop is a free app that can be used by both Windows and Mac users. If you are not already using Google Chrome, you will need to download Google Chrome web browser before you can use this application.<ref name="rf7">https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/1649523?hl=en</ref> |
| − | #Install Chrome Remote Desktop on the computers you would like to connect. Go to the Chrome Web Store to download the app. Click the blue " + Add to Chrome " button that is in the upper right corner of the window. Click "Add" when prompted.<ref | + | #Install Chrome Remote Desktop on the computers you would like to connect. Go to the Chrome Web Store to download the app. Click the blue " + Add to Chrome " button that is in the upper right corner of the window. Click "Add" when prompted.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #Authorize Chrome Remote Desktop. The first time you open the app, you will be required to authorize it. Authorization allows the app to see your email address, your Chrome Remote Desktop computers, and to send and receive chat messages which will allow the computers to talk to each other.<ref | + | #Authorize Chrome Remote Desktop. The first time you open the app, you will be required to authorize it. Authorization allows the app to see your email address, your Chrome Remote Desktop computers, and to send and receive chat messages which will allow the computers to talk to each other.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*You should not be asked to authorize the app every time you use it. | #*You should not be asked to authorize the app every time you use it. | ||
| − | #Enable remote access to your computer. Create a Google Account if you do not already have one. Open a new tab in Google Chrome, click "Apps" under the Chrome search bar, and open the Chrome Remote Desktop app. In the "My Computers" box, click "Get Started," and then click "enable remote connections." You will then need to Install the Chrome Remote Host Service.<ref | + | #Enable remote access to your computer. Create a Google Account if you do not already have one. Open a new tab in Google Chrome, click "Apps" under the Chrome search bar, and open the Chrome Remote Desktop app. In the "My Computers" box, click "Get Started," and then click "enable remote connections." You will then need to Install the Chrome Remote Host Service.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #*If you are using Windows, enter a PIN (that you choose) and then click "Yes" to install the host service. The host service will download and install automatically. After it has been installed, confirm your Google Account and enter your PIN again. The computer that you enabled should now be listed under "My Computers." You will need administrative privileges to install the host service on the computer.<ref | + | #*If you are using Windows, enter a PIN (that you choose) and then click "Yes" to install the host service. The host service will download and install automatically. After it has been installed, confirm your Google Account and enter your PIN again. The computer that you enabled should now be listed under "My Computers." You will need administrative privileges to install the host service on the computer.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #*If you are using a Mac, Chrome will begin the downloading an installation .dmg. Click "Save," and then click "chrome remote desktop.dmg" in the download bar. Use your Finder to locate and then double click the "Chrome Remote Desktop.mpkg." Follow all of the prompts to complete the installation, and then return to Chrome and click "OK." Enter and confirm your PIN and click "OK." A systems preference dialog will appear, and you will need to confirm your account and PIN. When you are finished, "Remote connections for this computer have been enabled" should appear. Click "OK" and the computer you enabled should be under "My Computers" now.<ref | + | #*If you are using a Mac, Chrome will begin the downloading an installation .dmg. Click "Save," and then click "chrome remote desktop.dmg" in the download bar. Use your Finder to locate and then double click the "Chrome Remote Desktop.mpkg." Follow all of the prompts to complete the installation, and then return to Chrome and click "OK." Enter and confirm your PIN and click "OK." A systems preference dialog will appear, and you will need to confirm your account and PIN. When you are finished, "Remote connections for this computer have been enabled" should appear. Click "OK" and the computer you enabled should be under "My Computers" now.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #Access your computer. The computer you are accessing needs to be turned on and connected to the internet. Open a new tab in Google Chrome, click "Apps," and open the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Click "Get Started" in the "My Computers" box and choose the computer you want to access. Enter the PIN you set up for the computer and click "Connect."<ref | + | #Access your computer. The computer you are accessing needs to be turned on and connected to the internet. Open a new tab in Google Chrome, click "Apps," and open the Chrome Remote Desktop app. Click "Get Started" in the "My Computers" box and choose the computer you want to access. Enter the PIN you set up for the computer and click "Connect."<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*To end the remote session, place your mouse in the top center of the page, click the drop down bar, and click "Disconnect." | #*To end the remote session, place your mouse in the top center of the page, click the drop down bar, and click "Disconnect." | ||
| − | #Share your computer with someone else. You can share your computer with a coworker or friend if the Chrome Remote Desktop app is installed on his or her computer. Open the app on your computer, click the "Remote Assistance" box, and click the "Share" button. You will receive a unique access code that you can share with the other person. Once the other person enters the code, he or she is able to see your computer screed.<ref | + | #Share your computer with someone else. You can share your computer with a coworker or friend if the Chrome Remote Desktop app is installed on his or her computer. Open the app on your computer, click the "Remote Assistance" box, and click the "Share" button. You will receive a unique access code that you can share with the other person. Once the other person enters the code, he or she is able to see your computer screed.<ref name="rf7" /> |
#*The access code can only be used for one sharing session. | #*The access code can only be used for one sharing session. | ||
#*Click "Stop sharing" or press "Ctrl+Alt+Esc" (Mac: Opt+Ctrl+Esc) to end the session. | #*Click "Stop sharing" or press "Ctrl+Alt+Esc" (Mac: Opt+Ctrl+Esc) to end the session. | ||
