Returning to Campus to pick up your office technology

Checklist for Taking an Existing Computer from UMBC Campus to Home for Remote Work

This guide is designed to help ensure that you can easily and smoothly move a computer from your office to home. Please read through this checklist before coming to campus and take note of the appointment system to ensure that there is DoIT technical support available to assist you to prevent login issues with your computer once it is not on campus.

DoIT staff will be happy to walk you through any and all steps of this process as needed. Please don’t hesitate to put in an RT ticket with any questions you may have.

Before coming to campus:

  • Complete the Return to Campus training course on Blackboard, it can be found by logging in, going to Organizations and scrolling until you see one labeled Return To Campus
  • Request permission through your division head or designee to come to campus, asking for a single visit to remove equipment for use at home.
    • Select a time on the DoIT appointment calendar so a tech is available if there are issues. We won’t be able to help you if this isn’t done.
  • Check your desired workspace to ensure you have power/connectivity for your office machine. Take note if your workspace is close to your home internet router and/or if you will be using wireless connectivity for your office computer. 
  • If your office machine is a unit with a separate tower and monitor and you do not feel comfortable connecting it at home, DoIT does have a limited number of all-in-one computers that includes a 21” monitor to save space, please enter an RT ticket. DoIT support staff can configure a loaner all-in-one computer for you to pick up.

 

During the on-campus visit:

  • Follow all UMBC safety procedures.
  • Upon arrival, turn on your UMBC-owned computer.
  • Fill out the Sensitive Equipment Home Loan form
  • Make sure the computer is connected to the internet via an Ethernet cable or to the Eduroam wireless network.
  • Sign into the computer using your UMBC credentials. If you cannot login due to an error, please contact DoIT Desktop immediately at x53838 and a desktop support technician will bring over a wireless adapter. 
  • Check your connectivity options:
  • Install the GlobalProtect VPN software: This will be critical for continued functionality over time from home. The VPN is essential to ensuring that Microsoft software licenses will continue to work since they must periodically reach our license server, which is required to be behind our campus firewall to remain active.
  • Test your microphone and camera to make sure they are functional. You can do this in WebEx Meetings.
  • If your computer does not have a webcam, or if you need a headset, Desktop Support will be able to provide and test them before you leave.
  • Shut down your computer.
  • Gather all power cords, Ethernet cables, and adapters for your computer that you need to use on a daily basis and take them with you. It will be easier for you to set up the computer at home if you leave cables plugged into the monitor and then wrap them around the base of the monitor when packing your computer.

 

When you get home:

  • Set up your computer in your workspace and attach all power cords, monitors and cables, and Ethernet cables (if necessary).
  • Sign into your computer by using your UMBC credentials.
  • Connect your computer to the internet via Ethernet cable, or to your home’s wireless network.
  • Run Windows Updates (Start Menu > Settings > Updates and Security) or Apple Updates (Apple Menu > System Preferences > Updates) and let the updates install. This could take some time, depending on what updates need to be installed.