All posts by Randolph Pfaff

Access Google Drive Even When You’re Offline

TechNews, ,

google_drive_logoBeing offline when you need to get work done can be an anxiety-filled experience when so much of what we do is created and stored in the cloud. Fortunately, you can set up offline access to Google Drive so that important documents (or spreadsheets or presentations) will always be available whether you’re in class, in your office, on a flight, or enjoying a vacation in some remote destination*. When you enable offline access, Google Drive will sync your files to the device you’re using so they’re available when you’re offline. If you edit files while offline, Google Drive will sync them to the cloud once you’re back online.

To find out how to set up and use Drive offline, click here.

* – Please note that Simmons Technology does not encourage or endorse working while on vacation.

FEATURED ARTICLE: Lynda.com Recommended Courses and Playlists

TechNews,

Since the rollout of lynda.com last spring, members of the Simmons community have watched almost 11,000 tutorial videos! With over 2,000 courses to choose from, we know the options can be a little overwhelming, and quite a few people have asked us for advice on where to get started.

Below, we’ve listed some popular topics for faculty, staff, and students at Simmons. If you have additional suggestions, or playlists you’ve watched or created, please let us know so we can share them.

Technology Skills

• Microsoft Office Playlist

• Adobe Creative Suite Playlist

• Intro to Programming Playlist

Business Skills

• Public Speaking Fundamentals

• Project Management Playlist

• Management & Leadership Playlist

• Conflict Resolution

• Time Management Fundamentals

Creative Skills

• Become a Better Photographer Playlist

• Creating & Editing Videos Playlist

• Graphic Design Basics Playlist

 

Coming Soon: New and Improved Off-Campus Network Access

TechNews,

In the Technology department, we’re always looking for ways to improve services while also reducing costs. Sometimes, those changes are large (like Google Apps for Education), but sometimes, opportunities are found in less obvious places. One not so obvious area is our network. Members of the Simmons community access the network in many different ways: wired and wireless, on campus or from home, via a computer or a mobile device.

In an effort to improve one aspect of our networking services, Technology will be introducing a new Virtual Private Network (VPN) after the semester break. VPN is the service that many people use to connect to the Simmons file server and other secure services from off campus. The new service, called Check Point Mobile Access, will come with enhanced features, including improved security and availability on mobile devices.

Currently, the Simmons VPN is available through vpn.simmons.edu or by using AnyConnect, a desktop application. Once Mobile Access is active, the VPN will still be available at vpn.simmons.edu or through the new Mobile Access desktop application and mobile apps.

We’ll be sending out an email with more details after the semester break. In the meantime, if you have any questions about how this change will affect your access to the Simmons network, please reach out to us via the Service Desk at 617-521-2222.