Apple iPad

As we seem to have a number of folks purchasing personal iPads and hoping to use them here at NC State, here's a brief overview of how to configure them.

Where's the Manual?

If you have a question about your iPad, tap the iPad User Guide bookmark in Safari. Or download the guide from the iBookstore. Download the iPad User Guide

Wireless Network

You don't want to have to enter your username and password everytime you want to use the iPad on the wireless network. So be sure to register it with the NOMAD system.

From your wireless device, head to http://nomad.ncsu.edu, login, and register your laptop/pda. You'll see "Add Device" on the left-hand navigation.

NOTE: You must do this FROM the laptop and you MUST be on NCSU wireless when you try to do this. There is a limit of 5 devices per person. Renewal of your registered devices is required each semester.

VPN

NCSU VPN for iPad now uses the Cisco AnyConnect App from the iTunes store (its free).

Open the App Store, search for AnyConnect, then install it. Once the install is finished, start the application. Create a new connection, call it something like NCSU, and for the server enter "vpn.ncsu.edu". From there, follow the instructions. When asked for a login name and paswd use your NCSU UnityID and password.

This will configure your iPad to use the NCSU VPN system. Whenever you then need to run the software, just open the app, slide the off tab to on, and enter your password when requested.

Please note that you will need this turned on before you can use any Remote Desktop applications to talk to your work computer from offsite.

Email / Calendar

• http://google.ncsu.edu/gettingstarted/setting-ios-google-apps-nc-state
• http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/answer.py?answer=139206

Passcode

Don't forget to require a password to get onto your iPad. You'll be using this for lots of business -- if only email/calendar -- and it needs a password just like your laptop.

Goto Settings > General > Passcode Lock First be sure to turn off "Simple Passcode" -- you want a real password, not 4 digits. Now "Turn Passcode On" -- you'll be asked to enter your paswd. While tempting, don't use your UnityID password.

Consider setting the "Erase Data" option. If you do, 10 failures in a row will cause the iPad to erase all data on it. Also install and setup the "Find my iPad" app -- this will allow you to locate your device if stolen and to remotely trigger a wipe.

Backups

Be sure to configure your device to backup to your iCloud account. When you set up a new iOS device or need to restore the information on one you already have, iCloud Backup does the heavy lifting. Just connect your device to Wi-Fi and enter your Apple ID and password. Your personal data — along with your purchased music, TV shows, apps, and books from iTunes — will appear on your device. Setup iCloud

Find My iPad

Once you set up iCloud, you can enable Find My iPad. Which helps you find your misplaced iPad by showing you its approximate location on a map. Learn more about Find My iPad

Recommended Apps

Here's a few apps that we've found useful over the years. Nothing official about these recommendations... just somewhere for you to start.

iBooks

for some reason, this isn't included. Be sure to get your copy.

PocketCloud

Be sure to get the free version "Wyse PocketCloud RDP" -- this application will let you remote desktop to your Windows desktop in your office.

Flipboard

Popular way to get your news; perhaps your favorite ECE and NCSU rss feeds?

Zite

Another popular news reader.

Angry Birds

Don't forget to install the free version of Angry Birds.

Read It Later

Not free, but a personal favorite for collecting website/webpages to review later.

Dropbox

Easiest method of sync'ing files from your computer to your iPad. Please don't use for anything that needs to be confidential / protected data.

OverDrive

For checking out ebooks from your local (Wake) library.

Training

Learn the basics and beyond. Visit your favorite Apple Retail Store for free workshops that will teach you all about your new iPad. Signup for a Workshop at CrabTree Valley Mall Apple Store