Staff Computing

The Department of Information Technology provides many resources to support staff in all aspects of their work. We have produced this quick-start guide to assist with common questions.

Overview and Consultation

If you are a new staff member in need of an assessment/computing tune-up, the IT Department is pleased to arrange a meeting at your convenience to go through our service offerings, assess your systems, and answer any questions. Please be aware that there may be a cost for the service or equipment selected.

Please email helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu and someone will be in touch with you to discuss your computing needs.

Harvard Phone

The Harvard Phone service is a University-wide system that includes a directory built-in to your desk phone to easily find and call anyone at Harvard. All SPH staff are eligible for a desk phone with voicemail and much more. Your Department Administrator must request your telephone service on your behalf.

Need to make a phone request?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Mobile Computing

HSPH encourages mobile computing with Harvard-owned or personal devices. Wi-Fi coverage extends through all HSPH buildings, and HSPH web sites are designed with the mobile user in mind. The IT Department offers support for both iOS and Android portable devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Need help or have a question on mobile computing?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Computer Hardware

Use of computer hardware can be classified into 2 support categories: Harvard-issued and personal.

To purchase new Harvard computers and related hardware, please contact your Department Administrator. Other general hardware questions should go to helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu.

Need help selecting a make and/or model?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Computer Software

The school provides the following software to staff at no charge on all Harvard-owned computers:

  • Windows 11
  • Microsoft 365 (Office applications)
  • Adobe Acrobat DC Pro
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software suite
  • Crowdstrike anti-virus and malware protection
  • Zoom
  • Hard drive encryption
  • Windows software patches
  • iPrint for network printing
  • Software Center that contains additional software titles available for installation

Security

HSPH IT offers a complete suite of security guidance for our community. To start, we focus on consultation as a service, which includes:

  • Data Use Agreement reviews
  • IRB Data Security Reviews
  • Harvard Information Security Policy clarification
  • Recommendations and best practices
  • Training (group or individual)

Need help or have a question on information security?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Collaboration and Productivity

HSPH offers a variety of tools to assist staff with collaborating both internally and externally to Harvard as well as tools for increasing productivity. These tools include:

  • O365 – cloud-based email and calendar.
  • OneDrive – personal file storage and sharing solution that provides easy access to your personal files from any internet-connected device. 1 TB storage capacity.
  • SharePoint – this service provides a range of collaboration tools for projects and teams including secure, centralized document management and sharing. Intended for collaborating across multiple individuals or teams of individuals within the organization. 1 TB storage capacity.
  • Dropbox – intended for faculty and researchers who need to collaborate outside of the organization.  1 TB of cloud-based storage.
  • Accellion – secure file transfer tool.
  • Zoom – video and web conferencing.

Have a question? Need help?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)

Web Publishing

The School’s core website, as well as most websites affiliated with the School, are powered by WordPress. Resources for staff members who may use WordPress are listed below.

Have a question? Need help?

helpdesk@hsph.harvard.edu or 617-432-HELP (4357)