Frequently Asked Questions

I have a Western Laptop with all of the software I need available, and I DO NOT use share drives for work. Do I need Citrix or the VPN?

In this case, you would not need either Citrix or the VPN. A large number of Western's systems are available over a reliable internet connection, where you will need to simply connect to your home internet and launch the applications you normally access, such as Microsoft Teams, et cetera.

I have a Western Laptop with all of the software I need available, and I use a share drive on a regular basis or sharing files with others in order to complete my work Do I need Citrix or the VPN?

A large number of Western systems are available over an internet connection, however, share drives are not available without using an additional system. Two options are available for you to access these files:

1. Citrix: Useful for staff that need to upload/download files from a share drive a few times a day. More information here (link to Citrix videos)
2. VPN: Useful for Staff the need to upload/download and modify files consistently throughout a working day. Once connected, you will have access to a share drive in the same manner as when on campus.

Please Note: It may be appropriate for your team to move to a different method of file storage such as SharePoint or Microsoft Teams to allow for a more flexible and modern manner of working.

I have a Western Laptop with all of the software I need available, and I use a share drive for files occasionally and/or do not share these files with other Staff. What tool should I use?

In order to get the best experience, these files should be moved to OneDrive/Teams/SharePoint.

I have a Western desktop with software and/or files that I need to access whilst off campus

If it is not possible to install the software on your WSU Laptop whilst you are off-campus, your WSU Desktop can be accessed remotely from a WSU or personal laptop.

Citrix: useful for accessing your desktop from either a WSU laptop or personal device (see here for guidance on accessing your desktop remotely)

VPN: useful if you have additional access requirements which cannot be met with a Citrix connection

I have a Western Laptop and do not have all of the software available for use remotely

Not all of the WSU Systems are accessible remotely without using additional connections such as Citrix and VPN:

Citrix: useful for most common systems that are accessible via Citrix including Callista, E-forms, HPE Content Manager (Trim) and Oracle.

VPN: useful for specialist systems that are not available on website or Citrix, including Qmaster and SoftPhone

I do not have a Western-issued laptop

Western-issued laptops are available, please see more information here .(opens in a new window)

I want to access Western systems on my personal device

There are three main ways WSU systems can be accessed on a personal device:

1. Web-Based applications - Recommended for occasional use and shared devices

   Email, Office Applications, SharePoint, Teams OneDrive. Simply go to office.com and log in with your western credentials

   Add other websites here

2. Office 365 installation – Recommended for regular usage on devices that are not shared

   All WSU Staff and Students have access to install Office 365 on a personal device, this can be downloaded from Office.com. Once installed, launch Outlook and complete email setup using your Western Account.

1. Citrix – Recommended for occasional or regular usage where systems are not available through a website (i.e., Callista, DFShares)

Go to access.westernsydney.edu.au, login with your Western Account, go to Applications, Launch Microsoft Outlook 2016