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Working remotely

This is a text version of the Work Remotely guide.

If you need any help with remote working please contact us.

MSD configured laptop

If you have an MSD-IT configured laptop which is encrypted and up to date, you can continue to work from home as usual using the VPN service.

To use a computer that has been set up for the MSD IT network, you will need a VPN client configured on your computer. The CISCO VPN client is available from IT Services Registration pages.

To work with your files on the MSD network at home, you first need to set up a VPN connection.

To access your network drives/file stores:

Windows computers

With the MSD (OES/Microfocus) network app installed, you can login remotely to the network.

Apple macOS computers

Network drives can be accessed using the 'Connect to Server' command, please see the guide for macOS.

Security

Please assess your local physical and digital security. Laptops and external devices should be encrypted and it may be appropriate to encrypt any desktops you have taken home. For more advice please contact the MSD IT service desk.

Home computer & web based tools

If you can work with web based tools such as NetStorage and Office365 and are able to use your home computer you will be able to have access to the essentials.

There are on-line services that allow you to access data without any special configuration of your computer:

  • NetStorage - this allows to transfer MSD IT held documents & data via a web browser.
  • Office365/Nexus365 - this provides web access to Office365 including Microsoft OneDrive, Teams etc.

Work Desktop 

If you can’t work with web based tools such as NetStorage and Office365 if it viable for you, with permission from your line manager, to take your work desktop home you can with the use of VPN access everything as you would at work.

To use a computer that has been set up for the MSD IT network, you will need a VPN client configured on your computer. The CISCO VPN client is available from IT Services Registration pages.

To work with your files on the MSD network at home, you first need to set up a VPN connection.

To access your network drives/file stores:

Windows computers

With the MSD (OES/Microfocus) network app installed, you can login remotely to the network.

Apple macOS computers

Network drives can be accessed using the 'Connect to Server' command, please see the guide for macOS.

Security

Please assess your local physical and digital security. Laptops and external devices should be encrypted and it may be appropriate to encrypt any desktops you have taken home. For more advice please contact the MSD IT service desk.

NB

Connection to home broadband network

If you take your desk/office computer home, it is likely to require a wired ethernet connection which may be difficult to arrange in your home. A USB wifi dongle may be a solution, please contact ithelp@medsci.ox.ac.uk for advice on this. 

Remote & Virtual Desktop Access from home computer

If none of the options above work for you remote or virtual desktop access may be an option. 

Remote Desktop Access

If your work PC is configured for remote desktop access you can connect, via VPN, to your work computer from a home/remote computer.

If you need particular apps you only have on your office Windows computer you can login remotely to that desktop. Some setting up of your work computer is required in order to enable remote access. The computer must be left switched on and the automatic power down functions must be disabled.

Virtual Desktop Service

If your work PC isn’t configured for remote desktop access you may be eligible to use the virtual desktop service. Please contact ithelp@medsci.ox.ac.uk

The Virtual Desktop Service (VDS) provides access to a virtual Windows desktop and standard Office applications.

The VDS is helpful in these situations:

  • Your local computer is running Windows 10 Home edition
  • You do not have exclusive use of your the computer you are using
  • You have an Apple computer and need to access University services that require Windows 10

To apply for this service, please complete the Apply for Virtual Desktop Service form.

Further information

There is general guidance about working remotely available from IT Services. 

Information Technology