Study and Work Off-Campus

Connecting to a Zoom meeting

• If you share internet access with others, several users connected to different Zoom meetings, using the same internet connection, could impact connectivity.

• Using a smartphone for UR Courses is possible, but not recommended.
• Most smartphones work well for Zoom as they have a camera, microphone, and speakers.

What if I am unable to access a computer?

• Please, see Public Computer Lab Locations for more information.
• Please, visit the Dr. John Archer Library Commons for up-to-date information about library services.
  • The Archer library has laptops that can be borrowed, see https://library.uregina.ca/borrowing/equipment
  • The Archer library IT Support desk is open to assist you.

What if I don't have a webcam?

• A smartphone can be used as they have built-in webcam, microphone and speaker for attending Zoom meetings. 

Minimum requirements are a computer or laptop with a current web browser and basic software.

• Microsoft Windows 10 is recommended.
• Apple macOS High Sierra (version 10.13) is suggested or greater will also work, except for some specialized software. Big Sur macos 11 is still supported by Apple as of Aug 2023.
• Other operating systems may work but are not supported.

Recommended Computer System

• A newer Windows computer, preferably less than about 4 years old, including a monitor, mouse, and keyboard.
• Windows 10.
• Microsoft Office 2013 or newer.
• Backup device or service.
• Security Software (Anti-virus/firewall).
• Web Browsers: Firefox, Safari 8 or greater, Edge, Chrome.
• Internet connection, preferably high-speed ADSL, Cable, or similar.
• The following items may also be required or beneficial for some courses:
  • Optical Drive.
  • Colour Printer.
  • Scanner.
  • Speakers/Headphones.
  • Web Camera and Microphone.
  • Administrator rights.

For internet access, a typical home internet package is sufficient in most cases. Needs may depend on the course and whether it is primarily text-based online, more media-rich, or requires real-time communications within the class.

Basic Internet Bandwidth, Connection Speed Recommendations

• Internet Download Speed: 1.5 Mbps
• Internet Upload Speed: 1.0 Mbps

• Internet Download Speed: 5.0 Mbps
• Internet Upload Speed: 1.0 Mbps

• Internet Download Speed: 5.0 Mbps
• Internet Upload Speed: 1.0 Mbps

Note: If you are experienceing video issues, you may be able to continue a zoom meeting by turning of the video and using audio only.

Test Internet Speed Info

1. Ensure you are connected to your home internet
2. Open a browser window and go to Google.ca
3. Search for 'Speed Test,'
4. Click 'Run Speed test'

• OR MacOS High Sierra 10.13 or higher.
• OR Chromebook version 80 or higher.

• OR Mac – Intel/AMD Processor with minimum 8 GB RAM.

• OR Google Chrome v25.0 or higher.

Plug-ins: Javascript enabled and Third Party Cookies enabled.
Webcam with camera resolution 800x600 or better

• minimum Download speed of 1.5 Mbps.
• minimum Upload Speed of 1.0 Mbps.

• To take advantage of this option, you need to email ATC.Testing@uregina.ca, requesting access to book an exam room for taking a Proctortrack exam.
• Once access has been granted, you can login to the 'Accommodate' an online booking system and book a Proctortrack Exam Room.

Windows

• Click Windows icon in lower left corner, click 'Settings' gear icon, scroll down to the bottom and click "About" on the left side.

Mac OS

• Click the Apple logo in top left corner, click 'About this Mac', then click 'More info...'

If your instructor is using Proctortrack, you will need to take an 'Onboarding' quiz in that course.

Note: Onboarding is required in each course that is using Proctortrack.

• Take the Central Onboarding Quiz, which will prompt you to install the software so you are set up for futures exams, and set up your Onboarding Profile with Proctortrack. See Practice Exams information above.

Learn about Proctortrack

• Review the Proctortrack Student FAQ.
• View Exam Tips and Info in the Student Introduction to Proctortrack Quicksheet.
• Read the detailed Proctortrack Student Manual with screenshots for further information.

To remove Proctortrack from a Windows system

1. Unistall the Proctortrack software
   1. Windows: Click the Start Window at bottom left corner
      1. Scroll to the 'P' section
      2. Right-Click 'Proctortrack' and click 'uninstall'
      3. In the "uninstall or change a program" window, scroll down the list and locate Proctortrack
         - There may be more than one to remove, if you have taken multiple Proctortrack exams
      4. Right-click the file and click "Uninstall" 
   2. MacOS: Open Finder
      1. Click and drag 'Proctortrack' to the Trash, or select the app and choose File >move to trash
      2. Open Trash and delete the Proctortrack folder from trash (right click & delete)
2. Delete 'Proctortrack' folder from App Data
   1. Windows: Delete "Proctortrack" folder from user 'App Data' folder
      1. Open File Explorer - Open Local Disk (C:) - Open 'Users' folder
      2. Locate your user folder (the user you are logged into the computer with)
      3. Open the 'AppData' folder
      4. Locate and Delete the 'Proctortrack' folder
   2. MacOS: Delete "Proctortrack" folder from 'Application Support' folder
      1. Open Finder
      2. From the top menu select Go
      3. Hold the Option key
      4. Select Library from the menu list
      5. Open the folder 'Application Support'
      6. Select the folder called Proctortrack and move the Proctortrack folder to trash (only the Proctortrack folder and no other)
      7. Open Trash and delete the Proctortrack folder from trash (right click & delete)
3. Clear Browser Cookies
   1. Open the browser you use for Proctortrack (ie: Chrome or Firefox)
   2. Open the Settings menu (gear icon at top right corner)
   3. Go to Privacy & Security – Clear browser data – Cookies & other site data – Clear Data

To remove Proctortrack installers/downloaded files

1. Open the File Explorer window
   - Click Start window at bottom right
   - Start typing 'File Explorer' to search for it
   - Click 'File Explorer' app 
2. Locate and click the 'Downloads' folder (or other folder where you files are set to download to)
3. Enter 'Proctortrack' in the search windows at top right and press enter to search for Proctortrack
   - Note: If Proctortrack is not found, click on "Local Disk (C:)" on the left, then enter 'Proctortrack' in the search bar at top right and press enter to search for it
4. Locate files named Proctortrack.exe (or Proctortrack(1).exe, or Proctortrack(2).exe, etc).
   - There may be more than one if you have taken multiple Proctortrack exams
5. Delete all Proctortrack files that end with .exe
   - Right-click the file and click 'Delete'

To install or re-install Proctortrack and Test Functionality:

1. Access the Student Practice Exam in UR Courses
2. Take the Onboarding Quiz (will prompt installation of the latest version of the software).
3. Take the Practice Exam (will prompt installation of an additional component of the software).

NOTE: Installing ahead of time is unnecessary but may be helpful to ensure you do not encounter issues at the start of an exam. When you access an exam in UR Courses, you will be prompted to install the appropriate software if it is not already present.

For assistance, contact the IT Support Centre.

• There is an option for public computer lab remote access that has the AppsAnywhere software.
• On-campus access is available through the wireless eduroam network or a wired network connection.

Off-campus access requires connection the campus network via the University's Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Please be mindful to limit your conection time to only rerquired academic work because other students require access to these computers as well. Please, Log off of the computer instead of just closing your Remote Desktop connection when you are finished.

Reminder: Remember to save your data your I: drive. Any data saved to the desktop or elsewhere on the Remote Desktop Protocal (RDP) computers will be deleted periodically.

1. Connect to the University of Regina network through Forticlient VPN Software.
   1. VPN Software can be downloaded from https://vpn.uregina.ca (click Download Forticlient - top of the page).
   2. Instructions for Installing
   3. Once installed, launch the software and log in with your usual uregina.ca username and password.
2. Navigate to https://remoteaccess.labstats.com/University-of-Regina
3. Click the Connect button to the right of an available computer (when you refresh this page the order of the machines changes to randomize access and only available machines are shown).

4. Click the Download button.

5. Select Open with 'Remote Desktop Connection (default)' and click OK.

6. Click Connect.

7. Click Yes.

8. Enter your usual uregina.ca username and password, then click OK.

9. Click OK if you agree.

10. Enter your usual uregina.ca username and password, then click the arrow or press Enter.

11. Access the AppsAnywhere software as required.

1. After the desktop appears, a FireFox web browser window will launch to connect to the AppsAnywhere software library - this may take up to 15 seconds.
   • If a popup window comes up with "Say Hello to the new FireFox" it will block the automatic login to AppsAnywhere - please either Choose a Theme or select Not Now and then click Sign In on the bottom of the AppsAnywhere login dialogue box.

• If you get a pop up window asking if you want to "Allow this site to open the software2hub link..." then check the "Always allow..." checkbox and then click on Open Link.

2. The web browser window screen will show the icons for all available software on the computer.
3. Hover over an icon, choose Launch, and the software will stream from the AppsAnywhere servers to the local PC, then it will be launched by a locally installed cloud - it can take up to 15 seconds to launch if this is the 1st time it has been launched on this computer.
4. If you close FireFox and want to restart AppsAnywhere, there is an icon on the desktop to access AppsAnywhere.

12. If you want to use Zoom to share your screen with a TA/Instructor please see Zoom in RDP tips.

13. Make sure your data is stored on your I: drive before logging out. See Nvivo example.

14. When finished, please either double-click the Logoff desktop icon or click the Windows Start Menu, click the Person icon, then Sign out to end your remote desktop.

or

You can share an Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) screen with another person (professor, Teaching Assistant, etc.). This can be confusing as you are simultaneously working on two computers - yours and the remote computer. If you run zoom on the wrong computer then you can have bad performance.

Ensure

• You are logged into your own laptop, a PC or Mac
• You have connected to a remote lab computer at the University via RDP as per abov.

Before proceeding ensure you are able to tell the difference between whether your screen is showing your desktop or the remote desktop and how to switch between the two.

• Typically the desktop on the remote computer will have different icons than your desktop. If you require assistance. please contact IT Support.

RDP Screen Share:

Step 1: Start zoom on your computer - it is important you don't run Zoom on the remote desktop.

Step 2: While sharing an RDP session on Zoom using any personal PC/Mac, please select the RDP screen window. 

Then, select Share on Zoom to start sharing the RDP Computer window.

The screenshots below show running Nvivo software on a remote UofR computer and saving the output file to your I: drive.

The following is an example of how to create or open a saved NVivo project file on a public lab computer using Windows 10. 

To ensure the NVivo project file or saved file is located correctly:

STEP 1

• Launch NVivo from AppsAnywhere
• Note that 'Please wait while NVivo loads' can take 15 seconds if it is the first time it has been launched on the system
• Please fill in user name: University of Regina user name
• Please fill in Initials: XX
• Select OK

STEP 2

Creating a new project:

• Select a Blank project

• New Project Window will Pop up, click 'Browse' and Select Drive (:I) (Usually named by your URegina user ID)

• Select Drive: I and Select Save

Detailed instructions on accessing the I: drive from other locations can be found at Network Drives and Access below.

Students who already had a "Basic" Zoom account now have an "Enterprise Student" License that includes the following features:

• No time limit for Zoom meetings (formerly had a 40 minute time limit).
• Up to 300 attendees for a Zoom meeting (remains the same).
• Unlimited use of Whiteboard feature (new feature).

• You can create one online for free anytime at https://uregina-ca.zoom.us
• After you create your account, be sure to log out, then log back in and accept the prompt to 'consolidate' the account with University of Regina.
• If you need to use Zoom for meetings longer than 40 minutes with your new account, please contact the IT Support Centre and request a "Zoom Student License upgrade."

• Find a quiet space.
• Grab a device - PC, Mac, iOS or Android.
• Locate the Zoom meeting link in UR Courses.
• Click on the link then click Join meeting.

• The very first time accessing zoom, you will be prompted to download a small bit of software so that you
• can access this program. This will be different, depending on what device you choose.
• Test your video camera and mic by joining one of the test sessions offered by your instructor or by connecting to the Student Peer Support Zoom Room anytime
• https://zoom.us/my/uregina.student.orientation.

• Take advantage of the tools you have to interact.
• Click on Mute, when others are talking.
• Stop Video – if you need to step away.
• Chat – if you can’t get your mic to work
• Share Screen if you are asked to share your work!
• End Meeting to leave.

Note: This is the menu for a desktop, and appears when you hover your mouse near the bottom of your
screen. This menu will appear in different locations depending on your device. So please explore the
room! Have fun.

• Be aware of your camera angle and room noise.
• Introduce yourself, so your instructor knows you are in the room.
• Wait for a break in conversation to add your points.
• Speak clearly.

1. While in a meeting, click the 'up arrow' next to the camera start/stop video icon.
2. Click 'Choose Virtual Background...' to open the virtual background settings menu.
3. Click the '+' symbol at the top right corner of the images section.
4. Click 'Add Image'.
5. Browse to the folder you saved your background image in, and select the image
   OR Browse to a folder with your own saved photos, and select the image
6. Click 'Open'.
7. The image will be added to the grid of image choices, and replace your current background.
8. Close the settings window.

Note: The next time you connect to Zoom, the background you chose will still be active.

1. While in a Zoom meeting, click the up-arrow next to the Start Video icon
2. Click "Choose Virtual Background"
3. The Settings menu will open, with the 'Background & Filters' section selected
4. Click the background you wish to use, or Click "+" to upload your own image
5. Click 'x' at the top corner to close the Settings window.

1. While in a meeting, click the 'up arrow' next to the camera start/stop video icon.
2. Click 'Choose Virtual Background...' to open the virtual background settings menu.
3. Click the 'None' image in the images section
   OR if desired, select another image to use as your background.
4. Close the settings window.

1. If your course instructor includes Zoom classroom rules in the syllabus or provides relevant instructions through other means, you should familiarize yourself with these rules and comply with them. If there is any conflict between the course Zoom regulations and these recommendations, the course regulations take priority.
2. You can set your mic to automatically mute. Please, mute your mic when entering a Zoom class meeting. You can easily unmute your microphone when you are ready to speak, then mute when you finish speaking. Muting your microphone not only minimizes unwanted background noise but also can save you from embarrassing moments.
   
   1. Click your profile picture in Zoom, then click Settings.
   2. Click Audio.
   3. Select the Mute my microphone when joining a meeting check box.
3. If you need to turn on your camera while participating in a Zoom class, it is recommended that you should use a U of R virtual background or blur your background. A U of R virtual or blurred background offers you privacy because other participants cannot see your actual surroundings; at the same time, it is much less distracting to other students and your course instructor compared to most other virtual backgrounds.
4. You can use Zoom’s "raise hand" function when you have a question or need to comment. When you click on the raise hand function, you are automatically placed in the line and the course instructor can see all those who have raised their hands. Your course instructor can call on the students who have raised their hands according to the order in which they were placed in the line.
5. If your course instructor allows students to use Zoom’s chat function, you can easily type a question or comments in the chat box. You can send your question or comment to everyone or privately to the course instructor.
6. Be mindful of the fact that when your camera is on, everyone in the Zoom class can see you. You must avoid any movements and actions that may be distracting or disruptive to your classmates and course instructor (such as eating, getting up and moving around, talking to someone, playing with your pet etc.). If you find yourself having to engage in any such activities during your Zoom class, you should turn off your camera. However, if you turn off your camera to engage in some “extra-curricular” activities or multi-tasking during your Zoom class, you cannot be adequately attentive to the class lecture or discussion; and thus, you are likely to miss important parts of the
   lecture / class discussion.
7. It is important to let other participants know when you finish asking a question or commenting by saying "thank you" or "I am finished," or another similar "sign-off" phrase. This way, other participants would take their cues that you are done and could continue the discussion or lecture without worrying about cutting you off or talking over
   you.
8. Consider using a headset with a built-in mic, especially if the class involves a lot of class discussion. The benefits of a quality headset with a built-in mic include the following: it reduces the background feedback and noise; it provides higher quality audio enabling you to hear others better; and finally, when you speak into a microphone close to your mouth, others can hear you more clearly.
9. Dress appropriately if you are expected to turn on your camera or even when there is a small chance that you may need to turn on your camera during a Zoom class or meeting.

Due to the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, there are limitations for Zoom on services from specific countries. There is no work around for Zoom and services will not be available in sanctioned locations. Note that using the University of Regina is not an effective workaround.

For further information see, https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/203806119-Restricted-countries-or-regions

Any photo or image that you own or have rights to can be used as a Zoom background. Instructions are provided below on how to update your background in Zoom to show a virtual background behind you during a Zoom meeting, instead of showing the room that you are in.

1. Right-Click the image you wish to download.
2. Choose "Save image as...".
3. Select location under 'This PC' if desired.
4. Click 'Save'.

Note: If you are on a mobile device you can hold on the image and a popup will reveal "save image" which will save the image to your device.

If you are downloading an image from the internet, you should ensure you have permission to use the image, or that it is free for general use.

If you wish, you can use any of the following University of Regina Virtual Zoom Backgrounds during a Zoom meeting.