Accessing IT systems and software remotely
If you're working from home or another location off campus, here's how you can access core UQ systems and software.
Before you work remotely
Before you work remotely, make sure you talk to your supervisor about:
- your plans to work from home or another location
- approval to take any UQ IT equipment off campus.
Once you've spoken with your supervisor, review the remote working training and cyber security advice.
Remote working training
For an overview of the main software and systems that you can access remotely, watch or download the remote working training.
This training covers how to:
- set up network drives
- install VPN
- install Zoom
- access emails, Office 365 and UQ systems through my.UQ.
Watch: Remote working training
Download: Remote working training (PDF, 592KB)
Systems Training Hub – Training and resources for systems such at SI-net, Placements, UniTask, HR systems, TRIM and CRM
Cyber security
To ensure your personal information and UQ’s data, systems and intellectual property remain safe while working remotely, it’s important to be aware of cyber security.
If you're using a non-UQ computer, ensure your computer is adequately protected before you access UQ systems and files. Make sure you:
- are using the latest version of your operating system and have installed any pending updates
- have anti-virus software installed and have run a virus scan in the past week.
Systems and software available remotely
There's a range of systems and software you can access remotely. These include:
- Browser-based systems
- Microsoft Office and email
- Files and folders
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- UQ Digital Workspace RDS
- Other software.
Browser-based systems
You can use a web browser to access many of UQ's core systems and platforms. These systems are accessible from anywhere with a web connection.
Browser-based systems include:
- MyAurion
- mySI-net
- Learn.UQ
- ARCHIBUS
- UniFi (requires VPN connection)
- MSTools (requires VPN connection)
Log in to the my.UQ dashboard to access more applications
Microsoft Office and email
You can access Microsoft Office software, such as Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint when working remotely.
If you're using a UQ computer, Microsoft Office will already be installed.
If you're using your personal computer, you can:
- access a free version of Office 365
- sign in to the Microsoft portal to access your emails. You can also access your email via the my.UQ dashboard.
Files and folders
All staff have access to 1TB of storage on OneDrive.
To access UQ network drives and folders, you need to connect to the UQ VPN first.
Connecting to a shared folder or network drive
Zoom
All staff and students can use Zoom for instant messaging and videoconferencing. You don't need to connect to the VPN to use Zoom.
If you have trouble joining a Zoom meeting using the Zoom URL, try dialling in via phone.
If you have issues with videoconferencing or your home internet connection, it may help to:
- disconnect from the VPN
- disable your webcam and use audio only.
Microsoft Teams
UQ staff can use Microsoft Teams for remote collaboration, instant messaging and videoconferencing. Teams is part of the Microsoft Office 365 suite and is accessible with your UQ login credentials.
UQ Digital Workspace RDS
Many applications are available via UQ Digital Workspace RDS.
Please note, UQ Digital Workspace RDS is only available to users with access to Aurion, Si-Pass and Raisers Edge.
How do I open the UQ Digital Workspace RDS?
Other software
UQ staff have access to a large range of software for academic, research and administrative use.
Some software can be used remotely, but certain applications can only be accessed from a UQ campus or site.
Check the conditions for accessing and using the software to see if you can use it remotely.
IT support for working remotely
While you're working from home or off campus, UQ IT staff are able to provide remote support only. Support will be provided to the best level possible under these circumstances.