Some services are available anywhere over the internet; others require you to use the VPN to connect to the Kent network.
Find out how to access what you need below.
Services you can access remotely
Online services
You can use these services at home with just an internet browser.
- OneDrive for accessing files from home
- Microsoft Teams
- SharePoint
- Moodle – including KentPlayer and Turnitin
- KAR
- KentVision
- Staff Connect (editing personal details requires VPN: see below)
- Blogs
- Online surveys (BOS)
Services you can only access using the VPN
If you install the Kent VPN to connect to the Kent network from off campus, you can then access the following services:
- Agresso / UBW (UBW users only)
- EvaSys module evaluation
- High Performance Computing (HPC)
- KentPlayer
- Qlikview
- Your files and folders: your Home folder and departmental or team shared folders
- Mailing lists system
- Staff Connect: editing of personal details
- Symphony
- Student Data System (web and cressida)
- Website editing: using Dreamweaver or Site Editor
- Web print: to print from your laptop
Set up your IT for remote working
To get a staff standard laptop contact the Tech Shop.
Android/Apple devices are not available from the Tech Shop as a staff standard laptop. Contact the Finance Procurement team if required.
We recommend you don't work for hours on a laptop without a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse.
- With a laptop, use a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse (if possible)
- Set your screen to be level with your eyes. Adjust the screen angle and height, to avoid over-stretching your neck, and avoid glare or reflections
- Align your computer centrally with your body – don’t twist round to use it
- Position your mouse so your arm isn't outstretched
- Change position regularly to keep muscles relaxed
- Take regular screen breaks
- Use this DSE checklist
If you have concerns, please speak to your manager.
Secure your device: make sure your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet meet our security requirements
Sensitive data: if you access sensitive personal data read these guidelines
Extra security for your email and Office 365 account
How to check a web page is secure: in your web browser's address bar click the padlock symbol to check.
Save work to one of the following:
Don't save important documents on personal home folders. If you need to (which is unlikely as you can use your OneDrive), you must make sure it's password-protected, particularly if the device might be used by others. As soon as possible, transfer files onto either your OneDrive, the University network or SharePoint, and delete them from your personal drive.
- For the best reliability and speed use a wired connection between your PC or laptop and broadband router if possible
- If you need to use Wi-Fi, have the laptop in the same room as the wireless router, or as close as possible
- The wireless router will work best if on a desk or shelf and away from items like printers, books or papers that could shield the signal
- Are you sharing the internet with others? Can you stagger activities between you to avoid overloading the connection? If you have an important voice or video call, ask others in your home to minimise their internet use if you can
- Neighbours’ Wi-Fi can sometimes interfere with yours. You might be able to change the channel on your Wi-Fi router to reduce interference. Free apps on Android (such as Wi-Fi Analyzer) and iOS (Wi-Fi SweetSpots) show you which channels are in use and if neighbouring signals are strong
Access files or specialised services
Use OneDrive
OneDrive for Business is easy to access from any location using any device. It doesn’t require VPN or mapped drives.
Before working or studying from off campus, move any files you might need to work on into your OneDrive.
Access your network folders
If you need to access your home (Z) drive or any departmental folders on the Kent network:
- You'll need VPN access
- You then need to map a drive to each folder
Services only on your staff PC
If you need access to specialised software or data available only on your work located device, contact us.
Software
Get Microsoft Office at a discounted rate, and see what other software is available to you off campus
Data security when off campus
If, for any reason, you need to work in a public space, be cautious when accessing University data. Others may be able to view your screen or overhear your conservations.
When working in public, you should:
- Avoid viewing special category data
- Avoid logging on to Kent systems using a public computer
- Make sure any Wi-Fi network you use is genuine and your laptop is encrypted (and the encryption password is not kept with the computer)
- Lock your computer away when not using it
Secure your device: make sure your desktop, laptop, phone or tablet adheres to our security requirements
Sensitive data: if you access sensitive personal data read these guidelines
Extra security for your email and Office 365 account
How to check a web page is secure: in your web browser's address bar click the padlock symbol to check.
Help
Find out all the ways you can get in touch.