After time spent working elsewhere, are you preparing to return to your office? If so, check out the computer-related tips and reminders below to help make your transition as smooth as possible.
For anyone bringing equipment back to the office
When you return to your office, double-check that you have your...
- Computer
- Monitor(s)
- Keyboard and mouse
- Dock
- Cables (power and data)
- Printer
"Old" computers and printers used by you prior to and during remote work
Computers that you used in the office prior to the remote work period should connect to the office network without issue. However, much time may have transpired since the last time the computer was in the office and you may find that you need assistance.
University Park-based faculty and staff
Do you know the correct office wall ports to plug your computer and/or printer into? Our computers and printers (and phones!) should be plugged into their corresponding ports to connect on the network. If you are unsure, you can try plugging the cables into each port and look to see if the computer and/or printer connects to the network. Otherwise, please contact Ag IT for assistance.
County-based educators and staff
Ag IT recommends computers connect to a wired network.
Do you know the correct office wall ports to plug your computer into? Penn State computers should be plugged into their corresponding ports to connect on the network. If you are unsure, you can try plugging the cables into each port and look to see if the computer connects to the network. Otherwise, please contact Ag IT for assistance.
Cisco VoIP phone counties: In most cases, the set up will be wall jack to phone (network port), then phone (computer port) to computer. The phone should power up and you can make a test call. Your computer should connect to the network as well.
"New" computers and printers purchased and used by you during remote work
If your computer has not been in your office, or has only been used on a wireless connection, you may need additional assistance connecting it to the wired network.
University Park-based faculty and staff
Please reach out to Ag IT so we can assist you with connecting your new computer or printer to the Penn State network.
County-based educators and staff
If your new computer has been "built" or "imaged" by Ag IT, you should find success plugging it into any network connection designated for computers. If your computer has not been built or imaged by Ag IT, please contact Ag IT.
If you have a new printer, please contact Ag IT for assistance.
Computers left in the office and unused during remote work
If your computer has been powered off for an extended period, we would advise you go into the office ahead of your first day back and do the following:
- Power on your computer and log in
- Make sure your computer is online
- Leave your computer powered on and online so it can receive updates it missed during remote work
OneDrive
If you have not used OneDrive on your office computer (or have not logged into OneDrive in a long time), sign in to begin syncing your work. Depending on how many files and how much data you have, this process may take time. Check out our Using and Configuring OneDrive How To for more information.
GlobalProtect
Computers that are only used in the office do not need GlobalProtect -- these computers are already connected to the Penn State network, allowing you to connect to all resources, applications and websites. Is GlobalProtect already installed? No problem! GlobalProtect is smart! The application will detect that you are already connected to a Penn State network, will continue to run silently in the background and allow access to all Penn State resources.
Check out our GlobalProtect How To's for more information!
Updated: 7/12/2021
