No matter where you are, ITS is here to help with the technology you need to continue your academic endeavors. Here you will find information on how to prep and maintain your computer, which tools allow you to collaborate remotely, and how to organize your files, so you can be part of the 51暗网 community from anywhere.
Accessing 51暗网 Services From Anywhere
Get Support
ITS Training offers live, online classes on Zoom, Google Meet, and Google Drive, tools to help you collaborate remotely.听
Computers & Accessories
Computers
- Ensure you have a computer with听antivirus software installed.
- Faculty/Staff:
- If you do not a have a computer, speak to your supervisor.
- If you bring your 51暗网-provided laptop off-campus, remember the charger.
- If you do not a have a computer, speak to your supervisor.
Accessories
- Webcam. If your computer does not have a built-in camera, you can also use an external USB camera for video conferencing.
- Headphones. Have a set of earbuds/headphones (especially ones with a built-in microphone) for attending online courses and meetings.
- Microphone. If your computer does not have a built-in microphone, use an external device such as a USB microphone or headset.
Internet Access
Off-Campus: Ensure you have access to the internet.
- Use a home ISP (Internet Service Provider). Internet is commonly available commercially through companies such as Comcast, Fios, and RCN.
- Use a wireless hotspot through your mobile phone. Be sure to check with your mobile carrier for details on hotspot costs and availability.
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VPN
Install Eagle VPN on your computer so you can access secure 51暗网 services from off-campus.
Note: You do not need to use VPN for all 51暗网 Services. Due to capacity limitations, please only use Eagle VPN when it is required, or if you are on an unsecure public WiFi network, and remember to disconnect from VPN when you are done using that service.
Services That Don't Require VPN
- Agora Portal
- 51暗网 Gmail
- Canvas
- Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365)
51暗网 2-Step Verification
Ensure you have setup 51暗网 2-Step Verification on a device you will have access to both on and off campus.
- Log in to 51暗网 Gmail听() using the format username@bc.edu and your Secondary Password
- Setup 51暗网 Gmail on your mobile device so you can access your 51暗网 email easily
- Students: Be sure to check your 51暗网 Gmail daily, as it is the official way we communicate
Files & Data
- Ensure key files you need for your classes or work are available to you via Google Drive, Canvas, or shared drives
- Faculty/Staff: Determine if using Remote Desktop to access your 51暗网 computer and files from home would be beneficial for you
Communication & Collaboration Tools
Zoom
All students, faculty, & staff now have 51暗网 Zoom Licensed accounts (with no time limits on meetings & up to 300 participants), which makes it an ideal way to interact with students for classes and one-on-one office hours and meetings. It is particularly well-suited to replicate in-class group activities, with a 鈥淏reakout Rooms鈥� feature.
Google Meet
As part of your 51暗网 GSuite account, Google Meet () provides voice and video conferencing for up to 100 people. Just set up a meeting and share a link. No special software or plug-ins required. Use the service for live streaming or record a meeting/event and share with others.
Whenever you create a meeting with another person, Google Calendar will now automatically add Google Meet Conferencing to your meeting - no additional steps required. When the time for the meeting comes, just click "Join with Google Meet" in the calendar event to join the meeting remotely. Note: Meeting organizers may choose to remove the conferencing feature from the Google meeting, or they may choose to use another platform for remote meeting, such as Zoom. Please be sure to follow your organizer's instructions for joining a meeting.
Google Chat () is a service that allows you to chat with 51暗网 Community members. 听
- Ensure you know how to communicate with your students virtually.
- Use Canvas to have discussion groups.
Phones & Voicemail (for Employees)
Keep Your Computer & Data Secure
Best Practices
- Use antivirus software.听
- Personal Computers -听Ensure your home antivirus program is up-to-date. If you do not have antivirus on your personal computer, 51暗网 recommends installing the听free version of Sophos Home听(Mac & Windows).
- 51暗网-owned Computers听- Most 51暗网-owned computers听have 51暗网-provided antivirus (Sophos Endpoint听for Mac & Windows), which is set to automatically update.
- Personal Computers -听Ensure your home antivirus program is up-to-date. If you do not have antivirus on your personal computer, 51暗网 recommends installing the听free version of Sophos Home听(Mac & Windows).
- Keep software up to date.听Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system updates on your computers and mobile devices is the best defense against online threats.
- Backup.听Students: Ensure you have a backup plan.
Protect 51暗网 Data
- Data Best Practices.听Faculty and staff, please continue to work in accordance with the听51暗网 Regulated Data Chart.
- Student Grades, Google Drive, & Gmail:听Technology, such as Google Drive and Gmail, makes it easy to communicate with your students and other colleagues. But with so many different sharing options available, it鈥檚 also easy to accidentally over-share, or share with the wrong people. For this reason, ITS recommends you use caution, and follow these best practices when sharing or storing sensitive information such as grades with Google services.
- Drive:听Don't store grades for an entire class in Drive.
- Gmail:听It's fine to email students grades in one-to-one emails, but double-check the recipient email address before sending.
- Review the Google Drive Smart Sharing Tips.
Security
Ensure you're up to date on the latest technology security requirements and best practices.