You can borrow your staff monitor, mouse, keyboard and cables. Please tell your IT rep what you've taken so they can add it to the equipment list on SharePoint.

If you need a PC, see the  Using your Kent PC at home section below.

Don't work for hours on a laptop without a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse. This is as important at home as it is in the office.

The advice below will help you avoid back, neck and wrist pain and other repetitive strain symptoms. If you need to borrow equipment or take your desk equipment and cables home, see the section above.

• With a laptop, use a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse so you can adjust it to achieve a comfortable posture. Aim for straight wrists, in line with your forearms, shoulders relaxed and back supported
• 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 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.

Save work to one of the following:

• OneDrive for Business
• SharePoint (staff)
• Teams
• Universty network folders

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

It's vital you install the Forticlient VPN when still on campus. Follow these steps:

• Log in
• Find Software Center
• Search for Forticlient in Software Centre
• Install Forticlient VPN

The VPN allows us to provide remote IT support to you, including any tasks requiring administrator rights. It also enables you to access files on the Kent network from home.

It will work a bit differently from off campus.

PC set up

• Your Internet speed will be faster if you plug in an Ethernet cable
• To log in from home use your IT Account as normal
• To use headphones and a mic: you might need to ask us for your admin password
• If asked for admin credentials, contact us
• Security: staff PCs  already have anti-virus software installed. Windows updates will apply automatically either via the VPN, or directly from Microsoft
  
• If your PC crashes, try logging in as the admin user and restart your PC

Accessing Kent services

• Some services may be unavailable
• You'll need to use the VPN to access your home folder and departmental folders housed at files.kent.ac.uk
• Files stored on SharePoint, your OneDrive - University of Kent folder and in Microsoft Teams don't need VPN

For help, contact your IT rep or contact IS.

Staff and researchers: if you need access to specialised software or data available only on your work located device, contact us.  

Avoid taking work documents at home. If you need to store paperwork at home temporarily, store it securely and make sure no-one else can access it. Return documents to the office as soon as possible.  

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.