Basic Preparation

Before you begin telecommuting, you'll want to make sure your computer is prepared and in good working order:

• Verify that the laptop you'll bring from UVM (preferred) or the computer you have at home goes online successfully with your home network, and is able to access web pages at www.uvm.edu
• If you must use a personally owned computer, remove any user accounts used by others and run your virus-checker's scan-disk function. Because of security risks associated with compromised PCs, do not reinstall other accounts or allow others to use your PC account while you intend to use that PC to access UVM's internal network.
• Verify that you have the latest Windows/Mac OS updates:
• Windows XP: open Internet Explorer, in the Help menu, click on Check for updates
• Windows Vista, Windows 7: open Control Panel, under Security, click Check for updates
• OS X: click the Apple menu, select Software Update
• Configure your computer to automatically install OS updates:
• Windows XP: open Control Panel, click on Automatic Updates and choose Automatically download and install.
• Windows Vista, Windows 7: open Control Panel, under Security, click Turn automatic updating on or off, and set it to Install updates automatically.
• OS X: open System Preferences, click Software Update and check the Download updates automatically box.
• Verify/configure working Internet connection (most relevant to persons using wireless routers):
• Windows: from the Start menu, select Control Panel. Select Network and Internet (Vista, 7) or Network Connections (XP). From there you can view your various network connections, their status, and diagnose or repair them. Using the diagnose/repair function may be necessary if your computer goes into low-power sleep or standy mode and turns off the wireless connection. If the connection does not automatically reestablish itself, use the repair option to reconnect.
• OS X: Connect Ethernet cable to your home router, or turn on Airport to connect to your home wireless network
• Secure your router's settings and transmissions
• Install/Update antivirus software (Windows only):
• If your Windows computer does not already have antivirus software installed, download ESET NOD32 from www.uvm.edu/software
• Right-click the ESET icon (the "eye" or "target"-looking icon) in the lower right system tray and select Update to update the latest virus definitions.
• Check/configure firewall
• In Windows, from Start menu, choose Control Panel, and select Security or Security Center. Click on Windows Firewall to see your Windows Firewall status and to turn it on/off (it should be on).
• OS X: In System Preferences, click Security and set firewall to Allow only essential services (10.5) or On (10.6).

Last modified February 25 2010 03:31 PM