The following is a brief overview of the most important features to make note of when using a domain-joined laptop.
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Wireless networking
On campus, you will no longer be able to connect to the AirOrangeX network. You will your laptop will automatically be connected to "SUAD" (S.U. Active Directory) which is specifically configured for wireless domain-joined devices. This network connects at system start-up and provides all the benefits of a wired logon (software deployment, profile accessaccount login, etc).
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First logon
You'll sign into the laptop using your SU NetID and password (same as e-mail, MySlice, etc.). The first login to the device should be done on campus, while joined to the 'SUAD' wi-fi network, or connected to the network via ethernet. This will force your NetID account to be cached (saved locally) in order to allow you to log into the device at home or elsewhere away from campus.
Network storage (H: and G: drives) and Offline Files
Campus H: Drive: Your NetID account comes with a personal network storage drive (100GB capacity, automatically mapped as the H: drive) and is automatically configured to use the Windows offline files sync feature (more info here). Basically, a copy of your H: drive is stored locally on the laptop hard drive in an encrypted directory. This allows you to access to your network files even when a network connection is not available. Any changes made to these files while working in "offline" mode are then synchronized back to the network location the next time you connect. If you notice any sync errors, marked with this icon: 
, let IT Services know ASAP to avoid data loss.have an internet connection.
Several folders on the laptop, as noted below, are redirected to your H: drive storage, meaning that the files in these folders are actually stored on your H: drive, not locally on the laptop hard drive as they appear. This also means that these folders are subject to your H: drive disk space quota. We ask that you utilize this space for work-related data only, as network disk space comes at a cost to the school. Should you require more space, we will first have to evaluate the data that is currently stored on your network drive.
- Desktop to H:\Desktop\
- Documents to H:\
- Downloads to H:\Downloads\
- Favorites to H:\Favorites\
- Music to H:\Music\
- Pictures to H:\Pictures\
- Videos to H:\Videos\
*Note: If you require large amounts of personal storage, you are free to use the C:\My Local Files\ folder. However, be aware that this folder is not backed up or maintained by IT Services. You are responsible for these files.
Cached user logon
Since domain-joined computers normally require a network connection to log in, the domain laptop policy will automatically cache the two most recent user logons for offline use. Therefore, you will still be able to log in to the laptop with your netid and password when SUAD is not available. Obviously, in order for this policy to take effect, you must log in at least once while connected to SUAD
Windows/Software Updates
Software, including the operating system, will periodically receive automatic updates that will install during a reboot when the computer is connected to the campus network. Ideally, when on campus, you should restart the computer whenever you are going to be away from it for an extended period of time (i.e. when leaving for lunch or a meeting)Campus G: Drive - The G: drive is a shared file storage space for teams or departments. You'll automatically have access to some folders based on your role (i.e. 'Faculty' or 'Staff' folders) but additional access will be granted by Tech Services on an 'as-needed' basis.
OneDrive - All active faculty, staff, and students are provided an Office 365 account that includes Microsoft OneDrive. To login, simply visit http://microsoft.onedrive.com/ and use your campus email address as your username. Additional details, including accessing by device type, can be found on the Microsoft OneDrive page.
Google Drive - All active faculty, staff, and students are provided a Google G Suite account that includes Google Drive access. If you are looking to login into your Syracuse University Google account, navigate to the Google sign in page and use NetID@g.syr.edu as your username. Additional help can be found on the Logging into G Suite page.
Software installation and updates
Most common applications (i.e. Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Acrobat, Zoom) are automatically deployed to your device. This software, including the Windows OS, will periodically receive routine security/version updates. Some software is able to install in the background while you're working, but other programs and OS updates will require a restart and will install during startup. It is recommended that you periodically (at least weekly) restart the computer at a point when you'll be away from it for 30+ minutes. Not only will this ensure that your computer stays current on updates, but it will avoid any unexpected , and intrusive installations.
Long boot-up time off-campus
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VPN
Windows 10 laptops are equipped with an "always-on" VPN connection, called 'Device Tunnel', that is available automatically at startup. Only SU-campus network traffic is sent over the Device Tunnel connection. When the VPN connection is established, the PC will be able to reach campus resources (network files, software installations/updates) as if it was connected directly to the campus network.