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      Working from Home: Minimum Setup

      This article will explain how a user can set up a working laptop and docking station with monitors to work from home and connect.

      What you will need (minimum):

      1x Laptop

      1x Laptop Charger

      1x Headset

      Extras:

      1x Monitor

      1x Monitor Power Cable

      1x HDMI Cable

      1x Ethernet Cable

       

      MINIMUM SETUP:

      1. Power, connect the charger cable to the wall with the 3-prong plug end. Plug the USB-C end into the laptop, in the port pictured.

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      2. Headset, connect the headset to your laptop in either of the USB ports pictured.

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        3-2

      3. Step 3. Log in to the laptop. Your password has not changed since transitioning home. Some software will work without extra steps, listed below.

                        Microsoft Outlook
                        Microsoft Excel
                        Google Chrome / Microsoft Edge 
      4.  Enable the VPN (Virtual Private Network). To enable functionality to Phone, BDPortal, and I:\ Drive access, the VPN needs to be connected. Pictured below is the process.

        Open FortiClient, the red “shield” icon on the desktop. 

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        The screen will look like this.

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        Navigate to "Remote Access," pictured below.

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        Selecting Remote Access, enter in the username and password used for your VPN, your domain account/password, and select "connect."

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        If you are unsure of your domain account/password, please contact I.T.


      5. When the VPN connects, all software will work similarly to being in the office.

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        Congratulations! Everything is set up!

       

      EXTRA STEPS/FEATURES:

      Connecting the Ethernet (Hard Wire) Cable:

      1. Connect an Ethernet Cable from your Router/Modem to your laptop in the ports pictured below.

        Laptop -
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        Modem/Router -
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        Please note, your router or modem may look different.
      2. Your laptop will auto-configure without any extra input, and the connection will be much more stable than on Wi-Fi.

      Connecting your Monitors:

      1. Ensure 2 different cables are on-hand for the Monitor, a power cable and an HDMI cable. Both are pictured below.

        Power Cable -
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        HDMI Cable -
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      2. Plug the Power cable into the monitor, and the 2/3 prong plug into a power source.

        Please note, some monitors depending on the manufacturer have a power cable that may be thinner, and with a larger adapter for power. This is completely normal. If you have questions about your monitor's power plug, ask I.T.
      3. Plug the HDMI cable into the Monitor, and the port on your laptop pictured below. The HDMI port on your monitor is likely nearby to where the power cable plugs in to.

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      4. The laptop will likely pick up the video connection, and automatically configure the new monitor.