Teleworking Tips

The impacts of COVID-19 are far reaching to say the least. This is even having an ordered effect on our computer networks as we have seen a dramatic increase in the need to access computer network resources remotely. Here we will cover the 3 ways to access those computer resources and provide some tips to help minimize network congestion in order to provide a better user experience.

1. Using web applications via the Air Force Portal
   1. Info: Many applications needed for day to day work can be accessed by the Air Force Portal. But did you know, not all web applications require to actually be on an Air Force network connection? This includes Outlook Web Access for e-mail.
   2. How: Using a personnel computer, your own internet connection, your computers web browser, and a CAC reader you can log into many web applications and OWA. No need to use VPN or Desktop Anywhere.
   3. Tip: Try using this connection method for those web applications that allow it. Doing so reduces the number of Air Force network connections thus freeing up vital bandwidth for your fellow Airmen and users. Keep in mind, you may not be able to access encrypted email.
2. Desktop Anywhere
   1. Info: Desktop Anywhere or DA allows the use of a personal computer to access an Air Force Standard Desktop (SDC) using your own internet connection.
   2. How: On your personal computer (Windows 10 or some Mac OS) install the Desktop Anywhere application, install needed DoD certificates, and have a CAC reader. There is no need for a government laptop.
   3. Tip: When not using the connection (away from your desk or at a meeting) for more than an hour, log off and disconnect. This will free up vital bandwidth and user session pools for your fellow Airmen and users.
3. VPN with Government Device
   1. Info: Government laptops allow connectivity to the Air Force network using your own internet connection through an installed VPN client located on the SDC desktop.
   2. How: Starting the VPN client from the desktop will allow users to select a VPN server to connect to and then provide access to the Air Force Network. There is no need to be plugged into the base network.
   3. Tip: When not needing to access AF Network resources (file shares, applications, other) disconnect your VPN. Try to perform MS office applications work when not on the VPN. This will free up vital VPN connectivity for your fellow Airmen and users.

Having the ability to telework is a key tool to ensuring our team can meet the mission to provide Combat Ready Airmen. Please do your part to leverage the computer network resources efficiently to allow all our users to be effective when teleworking.

*Additional info and help:

• Government laptops still require software patches. Patches do not work well over VPN so members will need to plug the device into the base network every 2-3 weeks or risk the device being disabled.
• Desktop Anywhere Info: 
  • Click Here
  • Checkout the Desktop Anywhere Facebook Group:  Search for - AFRC Horizon View Desktop as a Service (aka Desktop Anywhere).
• AF Webmail:
  • Internal:  https://webmail.apps.mil (This is to be used when on AFNet or on VPN).
  • External:  https://owa.us.af.mil (This is to be used when you are external to AFNet and not on VPN).

For additional information and assistance, please contact the CSC help desk at ext 1262 or stop by bldg. 761