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Lectern PCs are now on Windows 10
Windows 10 in teaching spaces
Exeter IT have upgraded teaching room PCs to Windows 10, alongside other service improvements:
- Microsoft 365 Apps (formerly Office 365) have been installed, including Microsoft Teams for collaborative working (for information on how to use Teams visit the Digital Hub).
- Zoom has been installed too (read Digital Hub guides on Zoom).
- OneDrive for Business has been integrated with Windows 10, enabling automatic sign in when you log on to a lectern PC.
- Academic colleagues can access their U:Drive from teaching PCs.
- Volume has been configured to automatically set at the correct level.
- Log on times are optimised for the fastest performance.
- A new desktop background has been included.
Here are some reasons why you should look forward to Windows 10
Microsoft have made improvements to the operating system making it more efficient and modern without the user experiencing too much of a learning curve. Here are some improved features we would like to highlight:
Task View - To improve efficiency during multi-tasking, task view allows you to stack open windows side by side for easier navigation between screens.
Virtual Desktop - The virtual desktop feature allows you to create multiple desktops and navigate between different desktop environments to organise or group windows and tasks.
Start Menu - Improvements have been made with Microsoft combining the Windows 7 style start menu structure with the sleek tile-like start screen featured in Windows 8.
Faster booting times – With the new fast start up feature that memorises settings before shut down, booting times have significantly improved on the Windows 10 operating platform. Noticeable improvements are also seen in sleep and wake.
An additional new browser – A new browser called “Edge” is available to you to rival as well as support other existing browsers such as internet Explorer and Google chrome.
Notification centre – Windows 10 provides you with a notification centre tab for a quick snapshot of your latest notifications.
Task manager – Windows 10 provides a more advanced task manager for managing and monitoring the performance of applications with better analytics on data, memory and disc usage.
Search bar – The search allows for a more comprehensive and wide search which include applications, admin control panels, files, folders, documents and even the internet. Additionally it is now located outside the start menu so you can get to the tools or documents you need quicker and easier.
Security improvements provided by Windows 10
Windows 10 is built to defend you against modern threats.
Whilst Windows 7 has been a good operating system for some years the reality is that it doesn’t offer the highest levels of protection. Modern challenges require a new platform to protect the university and your data.
Identity Protection
- Windows 10 has more robust multi-factor authentication and password options and alternatives.
- Windows 10 has biometric integrated features to provide more secure ways of accessing your device, apps, data, and resources.
- Windows 10 is integrated with Microsoft Azure Active Directory which provides a comprehensive identity and access management cloud services and solution.
Data Protection
On the Windows 10 platform BitLocker offers optionally configurable disk encryption that allow better management and automatic provisioning on devices.
Enterprise Data Protection provides a seamless user experience across mobile devices, desktops and laptops with Azure Active Directory Cloud Management Services.
Threat Resistance
Device Guard and Credential Guard are the new security features that are available on Windows 10. These are a combination of enterprise-related hardware and software security features that will only allow trusted applications to run. It is deemed the most disruptive malware-resistance capability Microsoft has ever developed for an operating platform.
Join us on Yammer to stay up to date or send an email to: Windows10@exeter.ac.uk