Working Remotely
E-mail and web-based resources
Use of e-mail is the same whether you are on campus or off. Please review the E-mail section for more information.
Web pages
Pages that require a BU login name and Kerberos password will prompt you to provide that as needed, just as they do when you are on campus.
Blackboard
You can get to Blackboard from wherever you happen to be.
Library resources
BU library resources are available via the Library website. Some subscription-based online databases and journals will prompt you for a BU login name and Kerberos password when you connect from off-campus. This will happen automatically, but details and assistance are available here.
Telephone and online conferencing
University conference calls (no computer required)
With a Meet-Me Conference Call, as many as 25 participants can call into the University’s conference line.
Online conferencing
You can give presentations, host webinars, or conduct team meetings from your computer (on campus or off) through the Digital Conference Room.
Video Chat
For smaller-scale contact you can also connect using Skype or iChat in order to be present at a meeting that you aren’t able to attend in person.
Remote printing, files, and departmental resources
The resources described below will look at your network (IP) address to determine whether you are allowed access. When you are away from the BU network, you will need to launch BU’s VPN software on your off-campus computer to access these resources.
What is VPN software?
BU’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) software allows you to temporarily assign a BU network address to your off-campus computer. The VPN is free to the BU community – learn more.
Central printing via MyPrint
You can use the MyPrint program to print remotely to printers at Mugar Library, or other locations on campus such as the residence halls. In most print center locations, printouts will be filed under your BU login name and kept for five days. VPN software is required when you are using MyPrint from off campus.
Files in an Active Directory folder
If you store files in a folder on an Active Directory server, you can access these files remotely. You will generally need to do this over a VPN connection.
Access to departmental resources
Access to departmental server-based resources like shared drives, remote printing and shared FileMaker databases usually requires use of a VPN connection. Different departments have set this up in different ways, but your local network administrator should be able to provide you with any information you’ll need to access these resources.
Remote desktop access
It’s possible to set up remote desktop software such as Microsoft Remote Desktop on Windows or screen sharing on the Mac to allow yourself to remotely access the files and folders on a computer that’s physically located at BU. VPN software is generally required for remote desktop access.
If you use remote desktop access, stay secure. Setting up remote desktop access requires you to think carefully about security, since you want to prevent other people from gaining unlimited remote access to your computer. Follow any security suggestions made by your remote access software and make sure you configure it to prompt for a strong password before allowing the remote connection. Some jobs or areas of the University will require additional layers of security. Please discuss your connectivity and server access needs with your department’s technical staff before setting up any type of remote desktop connection. You should also review our remote access best-practice guide.