IT advice for staff and postgraduate students returning to campus
This web page contains information for staff and postgraduate students planning to return to campus if they have been away from campus for a significant period.
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The information includes what to consider when:
- Planning to use a Windows or Mac computer which has been unused for several months
- Reconnecting your laptop, mobile phone or tablet to the Trinity network after a long break
- Using other peripherals such as printers, wireless mice and keyboards
Time-consuming software updates
Due to the need to install important software updates, you may find reconnecting to the Trinity network on-campus time-consuming. Your computer may be very slow or even unavailable for use until these updates are installed.
The information on this web page will help you plan for your return to campus to get up and running with your IT equipment.
Updating your campus office computer may take time
If you have been using a laptop at home and have a computer on campus that you wish to use when you return, we would advise you to bring the laptop with you to work until the computer on campus is up to date with the latest software updates and reconnected to the Trinity network. This will ensure you have an operational device for use while you wait for the software updates, which may take several hours, to get installed on the computer.
Upload data to the cloud so that you can access it from anywhere
If you have saved data to a local computer or removable media (external hard drive or USB key) while working remotely, we would advise you to upload this data to your OneDrive account (or MyZone for students) before returning to campus so that you can access your files easily no matter what device you are using.
Blended Working
If you will be blended working from campus and home, please remember you may need to order new IT equipment to ensure you meet the minimum Display Screen Equipment (DSE) risk assessment requirements.
If you took IT equipment home from Trinity, such as a monitor, mouse, and keyboard, and will now be returning to full-time working from campus then it is advised that you bring the equipment back into the office when returning as there may not be substitute equipment available.
Software and security updates
Windows
Windows computers connected to the Trinity network are managed by IT Services for Windows updates. If your computer has not been in use or connected to the Trinity network for a long period, important Windows and security updates need to be installed. To complete the updates, you may need to restart your computer. Where a major Windows 10 version update is required, the process can take from 30 minutes to several hours while the update completes, meaning your computer would be unusable during this time.
macOS
Apple frequently releases important operating system updates for Apple Macs. If your Mac has been in your office on campus unused for a long time, check for the latest security updates as follows:
- Click on the Apple menu
- Choose System Preferences
- Click on Software Update
Other software
Other software may need updates as well, and in many cases, you will be prompted to install these pending updates. This could include your web browsers such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, and other applications such as McAfee Endpoint Security or Adobe Acrobat Reader. It is important that you install any pending security updates for your software promptly to protect your data and Trinity IT systems.
Power-on and start-up issues
- If a computer has been unused for a time, you may find it will not switch on as normal. With a desktop computer, try completely unplugging it from electrical power for a few minutes, before plugging it back in and turning it on again. With a laptop, take out the battery for a few minutes if it is easy to remove before reinserting it and turning on the laptop. If this does not work, remove the battery and switch on the laptop with the laptop charger plugged in.
- Some Trinity computers have been set up with encryption over recent months. Older computers may require a password before you can access Windows. If you need assistance, please contact the IT Service Desk.
Peripherals - printers, keyboards, mice
- If a printer has been unused for a long time, the ink/toner cartridges may no longer be in good condition. You may want to order replacement cartridges in advance of your return to campus.
- Wireless keyboards and mice and other peripheral devices may require replacement batteries if unused for a long period.
Software and security updates
Make sure you check for all operating system and software updates before connecting to the Trinity network, particularly if you have never connected with this device. If you are connecting your device to the Trinity network for the first time, please ensure it meets the requirements. See Teaching and Research Network and Staff Wi-Fi Requirements and Student Wi-Fi Requirements for further information.
Wi-Fi settings
If you are using your laptop on campus after a long break or for the first time, you may need to reconfigure the Wi-Fi settings to get reconnected. For further information, follow our instructions for Staff Wi-Fi or Student Wi-Fi.
Wired network issues
If your computer is connected to the wired network via an ethernet cable, but you are not getting normal network and internet access, please check that the network cable is securely inserted into the wall and to your computer. If you need assistance, please contact the IT Service Desk.
Docking stations
If you are bringing a new laptop or your department is moving to hot desking, where you share a desk with colleagues on campus, and wish to use a docking station, external monitor, mouse, and keyboard, please be aware that your laptop may need a specific docking station with certain ports to be compatible with a range of devices. At present, the docking station recommended for individual use is not suitable for hotdesking environments and a new recommended docking station is being investigated.
Monitors, Keyboards and Mice
If you need a new monitor, keyboard or mouse please note that due to the continuing global silicon supply shortage, we are still, occasionally, experiencing significant lead times for the delivery of new IT equipment from Dell.
The Dell Premier Pages will be kept up-to-date with the latest information on availability and delivery lead times for monitors and accessories.
Headsets and Webcams
It’s difficult to get overly specific with something like headsets. They've become very much a consumer item and the range is wide and constantly changing. However, we do know you get what you pay for. Overall, our experience has found that wired headsets are more reliable, with better sound quality than wireless ones, particularly when using the microphone. We would strongly recommend a wired headset over a Bluetooth headset as the support for setting up a Bluetooth headset is very variable and switching between different software applications can give problems as you connect and re-connect with a Bluetooth headset.
We would recommend Poly Headsets (formerly known as Plantronics) but any headset brand that is Microsoft Teams certified should be acceptable.
Basic headsets and webcams are available through College supplier Image Supply Systems. There are constant changes in availability and model specifications for webcams and if you wish to purchase one, please talk to the supplier about how you want to use your new webcam.