How do I connect to WiFi at Aston University?
Aston University’s IT Services provide a WiFi service called " _Aston Connect ". Aston University staff and students are able to connect to this service using their usernames and password used for logging onto the IT systems on Campus. This service is available on most of the Campus.
Can I use Aston University software on a personal device?
Aston University has many agreements with software vendors to provide unlimited use of their software; however this usually only allows installation on University owned devices and this prohibits staff from using it on personal devices such as laptops or home computers.
Do I need a VPN at Aston University?
Please note that the VPN service is predominantly for Aston University staff only. If you are not a member of staff and would require the VPN service then you will need to contact IT helpdesk and give a valid reason for your need of VPN. Please fill in the form below if you require VPN service.
How to access ISP?
Does Aston University have a VPN?
Is VPN encrypted between user and campus?
About this website
Remote Access - Aston University
Remote Access Direct access to the university network. Direct access to the university network can be obtained over any internet connection by using the Cisco Anyconnect VPN Client.
Working Off-Campus (Remote Access) - Aston University
There are many services that can be accessed off-campus. The services below can be used with no or minimal configuration. Eduroam
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How to access ISP?
The ISP can be accessed via modem dial-up or broadband. In order for the connection to be established the user has to be authenticated by providing a correct set of credentials, i.e. username and password. These are the same credentials that the user would use to access the University central Unix facilities.
Does Aston University have a VPN?
Please note that the VPN service is predominantly for Aston University staff only. If you are not a member of staff and would require the VPN service then you will need to contact IT helpdesk and give a valid reason for your need of VPN.
Is VPN encrypted between user and campus?
If the user is successfully authenticated, the VPN session is given a network address from the University and all traffic is encrypted between the user and campus. Hence all data is encrypted as it passes through the ISP.
A PPLE AND WINDOWS
Most Apple products do not require any configuration as it should pick up the settings automatically unless you have additional security settings that may stop the connection.
ANDROID
You should delete any existing profile for “_Aston Connect”, go to Settings -> Wi-Fi, here you will see a list of available Wi-Fi networks. From the list of networks, select and hold “ _Aston Connect ” and choose Forget Network
LINUX
This guide will enable you to connect a laptop running Linux to the "_Aston Connect" network. The screenshots were taken from Ubuntu, but these guidelines can easily be adapted for other distributions. Users of Mandriva should find that they should just need to enter their AD username and password - the certificate will be retrieved automatically.
Useful Online Resources
There are a lot of opportunities for you to engage with us in person. However, we appreciate that some of you may prefer to access our services remotely so we’ve pulled together a selection of great resources to help you prepare for your future from the safety of your own home.
Careers resources that can be accessed remotely
There are a lot of opportunities for you to engage with us in person. However, we appreciate that some of you may prefer to access our services remotely so we’ve pulled together a selection of great resources to help you prepare for your future from the safety of your own home.
Digital Services Helpdesk
We’re here to help and you can find us in the Digital Services Helpdesk, located in the Main Building East room G16, where we will do what we can to resolve your problems.
Self Service
Did you know that you can request support, services and track these requests via Solve, the university online portal?
Antivirus Software
If you are working on a home / personal device and transferring files / documents to the University network then we ask that you have reasonable protection against viruses. For Microsoft Windows users we recommend that you have Microsoft Security Essential installed.
Microsoft Office for Home Use
Through our educational agreements with Microsoft we are now able to provide you with access to Microsoft Office Pro Plus. This will allow you to use the web versions of our favourite office applications and also to install the full office suite on your Laptop or Desktop device, in fact you can install it on up to 5 devices.
NVivo
The University agreement only allows the use of the software for academic / teaching purposes and explicitly states that it must not be used for commercial activities. It is also permitted to install it on a single personal devices for the same purposes.
SPSS Statistics
The University agreement only allows use of the software only for academic / teaching purposes and explicitly states that it must not be used for the running of University business, commercial research or NHS business / research. However students can install it on their personal devices for the purposes of studying.
Endnote
Through an extension of the University license both staff and students are permitted to purchase a perpetual license (does not expire) for Endnote at a greatly reduced rate. This is compatible with both Mac and Windows.
Endnote Web
As an alternative to purchasing Endnote there is an online service called Endnote Web available. You can register for the service at https://www.myendnoteweb.com/EndNoteWeb.html . Just select the 'institutional login' link towards the bottom of the page to get started.
Mathematica
Staff wishing to install Mathematica will need a Wolfram ID to obtain the software. If you don't have one then follow the link to the Wolfram portal and create one. Please note: You must use your Aston e-mail address (username@aston.ac.uk) when registering for your Wolfram ID.
Operating Systems
Earlier versions of the ones listed no longer receive security updates from the manufacturers and therefore are no longer supported. However, IT Services will continue to support these legacy operating systems on a best endeavor basis*, but we recommend upgrading these as soon as possible.
Office Applications
Microsoft Office 2013 and Office 2016 including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, OneNote, Publisher, Project (32 Bit versions).
Client Software
The table below lists the common software available to all staff within the University.
How to access ISP?
The ISP can be accessed via modem dial-up or broadband. In order for the connection to be established the user has to be authenticated by providing a correct set of credentials, i.e. username and password. These are the same credentials that the user would use to access the University central Unix facilities.
Does Aston University have a VPN?
Please note that the VPN service is predominantly for Aston University staff only. If you are not a member of staff and would require the VPN service then you will need to contact IT helpdesk and give a valid reason for your need of VPN.
Is VPN encrypted between user and campus?
If the user is successfully authenticated, the VPN session is given a network address from the University and all traffic is encrypted between the user and campus. Hence all data is encrypted as it passes through the ISP.
