User Instructions for Desktop Anywhere & VPN

HCC laptops are being configured to automatically connect to VPN when off campus. Your laptop has been configured with VPN and will automatically connect to HCC’s network once internet connection is established.  The VPN connection allows users to login with their HCC profile which will provide access to shared drives and other HCC resources.

By utilizing One Drive for data syncing, this provides a laptop experience that mirrors the office desktop computer.  An internet connection is required.

Desktop Anywhere Setup

This desktop model includes the following:

• Laptop
• USB-C Cable
• Video Conferencing Monitor (VCM)
  • 27” VCM – Standard
  • 34” VCM – Available to users willing to return their own 2^nd monitor
• Laptop Stand
• Wireless Keyboard and Mouse

Your laptop now acts as your main computer. You will need to bring it with you each day and connect it to the monitor docking station using the USB-C cable. Once you are connected, the docking station will connect your laptop to the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories. The USB-C cable will also charge your laptop while it is connected, so you do not need to use a separate charger at your desk.

Connecting to Wi-Fi when away from your desk

This is not necessary when connected to the VCM as described above.

VPN login requires connection to the internet.

1. First Time Logging In at HCC
   1. Your office at HCC utilizes a wired ethernet connection so VPN is not necessary on campus. If needed, the “HCCEMPLOYEES” Wi-Fi is available for you to connect to when you are away from your office.

2. Login with your HCC credentials, this creates your cached credentials. This allows you to login to your laptop offline without an internet connection and will be needed for connecting to Public Wi-fis.

2. Home Wi-Fi
   1. Click on the globe, select Wi-Fi, and follow the prompts to connect to your home network.

2. Next, login with your HCC credentials as you would on your desktop.

3. Public Wi-Fi (i.e. hotels, cafes) *Plan to prepare ahead

Public Wi-Fi typically requires acceptance of a user agreement before connection is allowed. 

1. Cached credentials will allow login before connecting to the internet.  Login with your HCC credentials, connect to the public Wi-Fi and accept the agreement.  Be sure that you have recently (2 weeks) logged into the laptop with your HCC credentials to ensure they are up to date.

Adobe, Office 365, Outlook, and OneDrive

All HCC users have access to a variety of Adobe and Office 365 applications.

1. Open any Office 365 product (Word, PowerPoint, Excel...) and follow the prompts to sign in, which will license all products for Office 365 and OneDrive. OneDrive file sync can take up to an hour, depending on the number of files.

While logging into these applications, be sure that you are using your HCC email address to sign in, and not the same HCC credential used to sign in to your laptop.

2. Sign into Outlook for the first time. Your credentials will be saved for future use.

27” and 34” Dell VCM Guide

The VCMs all come equipped with a webcam, microphone, and several USB ports for connecting other peripheral devices.

To operate the webcam on your VCM, twist the camera counterclockwise to open the cover. You can close it by twisting it back clockwise.

On the rear end of your monitor, you have access to a joystick that will be used to navigate through your monitor’s settings. From the main menu, you have access to the menu, preset color modes, brightness & contrast, display information, aspect ratio, and input source.

The rear end of your monitor also has additional USB ports and a headphone jack for any other external devices. There are several ports that are hidden directly underneath the bottom left corner of the monitor.

(Note: VCM ports may differ across models)

Desktop Anywhere VPN: Tips and More Important Info

Overnight Power Source

Please leave the laptop connected to the charger overnight so that updates and reboots can be applied.  When you are finished working for the day, simply close the lid- do not power off.  A low power mode will be implemented.

On Tuesday and Friday evenings, connect the laptop to the charger.  This will allow important security and product updates to be installed. Reboots will begin just after 11pm.

To save battery power, the laptop will sleep then hibernate after a period of disuse. To wake from sleep, touch any key or click the mouse.  To wake from hibernating, do 1 click of the power button.

Avoid Restarting

Depending on the network speed, restarting your laptop while on VPN can take between 3 and 7 minutes.

Save your work

Save everything before signing out for the night.  This will ensure data retention if the battery loses power.

Check Internet speeds

Ensure your Internet connection is up to speed by running speed tests if the VPN feels sluggish- keep in mind that slow home Wi-Fi will directly slow down your connection

Unplug extra devices

If your laptop acts glitchy upon start up, unplug external monitors or docks for 10 seconds and then reconnect them. Restarting the laptop also may help to resolve the issue.

Troubleshooting

VPN: Cannot access shared drives or Colleague

VPN is required for access to your shared drives as well as Colleague. If you have an internet connection and cannot access these services, you may have to activate your VPN manually.  

1. Click on the ^ symbol on the bottom right to view your hidden icons.

2. Then, click on the Cisco icon highlighted in the screen shot below.

3. Click on the Connect button and your VPN should now be activated.

Audio not working

Your VCM’s audio by default will be set to 50%. To increase the volume, use the physical buttons located on the bottom left of your monitor.

Other issues

If you have other issues regarding your Desktop Anywhere setup, feel free to submit a ticket or contact us at 443-514-4444. We are here Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.