Get a computer
- Confirm with your supervisor that you're approved to work remotely.
- Your supervisor can contact the City's IT department to request a City-issued laptop.
Talk with your supervisor about your individual working remotely arrangements. If you're approved to work remotely, you may need a City-issued laptop. You'd get this laptop if you access applications that you can only access when in the office or require you to "remote in" (VPN) to the City network before accessing them. Examples of when you'd need VPN would be to see CityTalk or to get to the M: drive.
Connect to the internet
Basic requirements
Generally, a speed of 10-20Mbps down and 5-10Mbps up are acceptable minimum speeds for most work. To test your internet speed, you can go to fast.com and it will tell you the Mbps speed of your connection.
IT does not work with companies such as Xfinity or CenturyLink. You’ll need to ensure you have either wired (ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) internet access at the location where you will be working. You're responsible for monthly charges from your internet provider. If you believe you need a faster connection, work with your internet provider to increase these speeds (additional charges may apply).
Get internet
If you do not have internet at home, you can:
- Establish service with your local internet provider.
- Use your personal cellphone as a hot spot.
- Request a hot spot from IT.
Your personal cellphone plan may offer hot spot service as part of your plan or for an additional fee. Check with your mobile service provider if you have questions about this feature.
Request a mobile hotspot
If you believe you have a business need for a City-provided mobile hot spot, you can request one on CityLife. A one-time device cost and monthly service costs will apply and be billed to your department, and this request must be approved by your department’s IT liaison.
Request a mobile hotspot on CityLife
Get VPN
Once you're connected to the internet on your City computer, you may need to connect to the Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access your M: drive or other City systems. Most systems will work remotely, some without VPN.
Get accessories
Computer accessories can include many things that help you have better online meetings or work from home. The most used accessories requested from IT are:
- Earbuds or a headset (headphones and microphone) for communicating with your coworkers online and participating in conference calls.
- Webcams, to improve the quality of the picture other people see when you have your camera on during meetings.
- Monitors, to give you more space to see your applications and windows while you work.
All accessories will need to be approved by your department liaison before IT will process the order.
View computer accessories on CityLife
Report a problem
If you need help with technology or have any questions, you can contact the IT Service Desk. Just as you would when working from your primary location, call us at 612-673-2525. We're always available to help with issues.