Staff Managed Desktop Service

Antivirus

Your device is installed with Windows Defender. A software application that safeguards your PC from malware and viruses.

Encryption

All Staff Managed Windows 11 Laptops are automatically protected with BitLocker, a security feature in Windows that provides full volume encryption to protect data on your device.

The Staff Managed Desktop service provides you with the latest desktop versions of Microsoft 365 apps. These versions offer full functionality and are designed to enhance both productivity and collaboration.

These apps are available across various devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones, making it easy to stay productive wherever you are. Additionally, many of the apps included in Microsoft 365 are available online, allowing you to access them through a web browser.

The following Microsoft 365 apps are the desktop versions installed on your machine.

1. Word & Word online
2. Excel & Excel online
3. PowerPoint & PowerPoint online
4. Outlook & Outlook on the web
5. OneNote & OneNote online
6. OneDrive (integrated with File Explorer)
7. Teams (including MS Teams Phone integration)
8. SharePoint (via OneDrive sync)
9. Planner (via Teams integration)
10. To Do

Software Center

The Software Center allows you to install approved applications, including Corporate applications and software updates.

• Launch the Software Center app via the shortcut on your desktop, or type “Software Center” in the Windows search bar. 

For software that is not readily available in the Software Centre. Requests must be supported with a Role or Operational Justification business case and submitted for review by emailing IT Services.

DRAFT - Software Center | IT Services | 含羞草视频

Software as a Service (SaaS)

The University process for requesting cloud-based SaaS applications can be found at Software - Requesting Software as a Service (SaaS) | IT Services | 含羞草视频

Please be aware that each SaaS option involves costs, and your requirements must be evaluated before moving forward with a SaaS solution.

Software for teaching (Computer labs)

The Annual Computer Lab Software Request process which has been frozen for the 2024\25 academic year. For further details, please see the news post Computer labs freeze 2024/25 academic year.

Microsoft Edge is the default and supported browser on the University Windows 11 service. 

Security and Functionality 

The MS Edge web browser is a secure option as its offers more robust privacy settings and tools, including tracking prevention and InPrivate browsing.

Edge integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft products and has the same functionality as Google Chrome. It offers a secure browsing experience whilst having the benefits of a fully managed service, which is both reliable and responsiveness.

Extension

Extension that previously worked on Google Chrome should also be available and work with Microsoft Edge. Any extension that is required will need to be request through the Software request form for formal assessment.

Formal Software request

Unless there is a specific business need that Microsoft Edge does not meet, alternative browsers will not be installed

Once you have submitted your request, this will then be assessed. Please note that due to the high levels of requests, this process can take up 28 days to resolve.

The VPN service allows staff and students secure access to University resources from off-campus by using the Cisco Secure Client service.

The Cisco Secure Client is an app that connects your laptop or computer to the University’s network from anywhere, as long as you are connected to the internet.

When connected to the VPN you are bound by the University's IT Acceptable Use Policy (AUP). Please remember to disconnect when you are finished.

To install the Cisco Secure Client for the first time, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Software Center app via the shortcut on your desktop, or type “Software Center” in the Windows search bar. 
2. Select the Applications tab and type Cisco into the search bar area. Select Cisco Secure Client 5.1.0.136 from the list.
3. Select Install to begin the installation process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

After installation, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

Microsoft Teams Phone is a cloud-based calling solution integrated within Microsoft Teams.

The telephone functionality supports both internal and external calls.

Microsoft Teams Phone | IT Services | 含羞草视频

Adobe Acrobat DC allows you to view, print, sign, and annotate PDFs.

To install Adobe Acrobat DC for the first time, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Software Center app via the shortcut on your desktop, or type “Software Center” in the Windows search bar.
2. Select the Applications tab and type Adobe into the search bar area. Select Adobe Reader from the list.
3. Select Install to begin the installation process.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

After installation, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

1. Restart your laptop on a regular basis to install updates, deploy policy changes and apply security fixes. This also applies if working on campus. Completing these tasks will help reduce issues when returning to campus, ensuring a smoother transition between dynamic and campus working.
    
2. If remote working on a regular basis, connect your device to the VPN (Cisco Secure Client) and continue to work while connected for at least an hour or so. We recommend that this is done at least once a week to complete any updates and policy changes that are required. 

Antivirus

Your device is installed with Windows Defender. A software application that safeguards your PC from malware and viruses.

Encryption

All Staff Managed Windows 10 Laptops are automatically protected with Trellix Drive Encryption. It protects against the loss of sensitive data, especially from lost or stolen equipment as all the data on a system drive is encrypted.

When switching on the laptop, you will be presented with the Trellix Drive Encryption screen. You will be prompted to login with your LU username and password.

The Staff Managed Desktop service provides you with the latest desktop versions of Microsoft 365 apps. These versions offer full functionality and are designed to enhance both productivity and collaboration.

These apps are available across various devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones, making it easy to stay productive wherever you are. Additionally, many of the apps included in Microsoft 365 are available online, allowing you to access them through a web browser.

The following Microsoft 365 apps are the desktop versions installed on your machine.

1. Word & Word online
2. Excel & Excel online
3. PowerPoint & PowerPoint online
4. Outlook & Outlook on the web
5. OneNote & OneNote online
6. OneDrive (integrated with File Explorer)
7. Teams (including MS Teams Phone integration)
8. SharePoint (via OneDrive sync)
9. Planner (via Teams integration)
10. To Do

Software Center

The Software Center allows you to install approved applications and software updates. To open the Software Center, type 'Software Center' in the Windows search bar.

For software that is not readily available in the Software Centre. Requests must be supported with a Role or Operational Justification business case and submitted for review by emailing IT Services.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

The University process for requesting cloud-based SaaS applications can be found at Software - Requesting Software as a Service (SaaS) | IT Services | 含羞草视频

Please be aware that each SaaS option involves costs, and your requirements must be evaluated before moving forward with a SaaS solution.

Software for teaching (Computer labs)

The Annual Computer Lab Software Request process which has been frozen for the 2024\25 academic year. For further details, please see the news post Computer labs freeze 2024/25 academic year.

Current browsers available include Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft Edge is the default and supported browser on the University Windows 11 service.

IT Services recommend MS Edge as a secure option as its offers more robust privacy settings and tools, including tracking prevention and InPrivate browsing.

Edge integrates seamlessly with the Microsoft products and has the same functionality as Google Chrome. It offers a secure browsing experience whilst having the benefits of a fully managed service, which is both reliable and responsiveness.

The VPN service allows staff and students secure access to University resources from off-campus by using the Cisco Secure Client service.

The Cisco Secure Client is an app that connects your laptop or computer to the University’s network from anywhere, as long as you are connected to the internet.

When connected to the VPN you are bound by the University's IT Acceptable Use Policy. Please remember to disconnect when you are finished.

VPN-How to connect my managed desktop device to the VPN? | IT Services | 含羞草视频

Microsoft Teams Phone is a cloud-based calling solution integrated within Microsoft Teams.

The telephone functionality supports both internal and external calls.

Microsoft Teams Phone | IT Services | 含羞草视频

Adobe Acrobat DC allows you to view, print, sign, and annotate PDFs.

1. Restart your laptop on a regular basis to install updates, deploy policy changes and apply security fixes. This also applies if working on campus. Completing these tasks will help reduce issues when returning to campus, ensuring a smoother transition between dynamic and campus working.
    
2. If remote working on a regular basis, connect your device to the VPN (Cisco Secure Client) and continue to work while connected for at least an hour or so. We recommend that this is done at least once a week to complete any updates and policy changes that are required.