laptop

As technology evolves and new features are offered, there may be times when unwanted or unexpected things happen. This page is dedicated to providing some tips, tricks, and recommendations to circumvent these undesired circumstances.

Normalize Sound Levels – Windows

Microsoft Windows 10 automatically adjusts audio levels between different applications. This can affect the level of sounds from various applications depending on what program is currently being used. This feature can be turned off using the instructions below.

1. From the Sound Icon in your task bar, single right-click

2. Click “Sounds“

3. Click “Communications” tab.

4. Select the “Do nothing” radial button

5. Click “Apply”
6. Click “OK”

Adjust Microphone Settings – Windows

To ensure clear and audible audio in virtual meeting applications, such as Zoom, please follow the instructions below.

1. Right-click the Audio icon in the system tray portion of the task bar

2. Click “Sounds”

3. Click “Recording”

4. Right Click on “Microphone Array” and select “Properties”

5. Click the “Advanced” and un-check “Enable Audio Enhancements”

6. Click “Apply”

7. Click “OK”

Adjust Power Options – Lenovo Laptops

Default power profiles in Windows 10 are configured to balance performance and battery life. To change these settings, please follow the steps below.

1. Click on Start, and then click “Settings“

2. Click on “System“

3. Select “Power & Sleep“

4. To modify power settings while the laptop is plugged in or on battery power, modify the below options

5. For additional power settings, such as the laptop lid and power button settings, click Additional power settings

6. Select either “Choose what the power buttons do” or “Choose what closing the lid does“

7. The options below will allow modifying the effects of pressing the power button and closing the lid

Restarting A Computer

Rebooting a device is highly encouraged as it will help keep the system running at peak performance. The benefits of a weekly reboot include:

• Mitigate vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks by applying critical updates
• Prevent performance degradation
• Prevent application memory faults
• Effectively apply system policies

To restart a device, follow the instruction below.

1. Click the Start bottom on the bottom left hand side of the task bar

2. Click the “Power” button

3. Click “Restart”

1. Click the “Apple” at the top left-hand side of your screen

1. Click “Restart“

To help protect the University’s computers and networks from cyber threats, FDU OIRT is implementing Application Control with privilege management. This feature provides all users with rights to install applications as needed while continuing to protect resources from unknown and malicious risks.

All software is typically installed from a setup file. Any setup file for an application should only be downloaded from the developer’s official site. For example, to install Google Chrome, the setup file should only be downloaded from Google’s official site (www.google.com).

Any setup file on a USB drive, CD drive, or any other removable media should only be installed if provided directly from the developer or other credible source.

By default, the setup file will be located within the Downloads folder

C:\users\yourusername\downloads\

In order to install software on a university laptop with Windows 10, follow the process defined below:

1. Right-click the setup file for the application to be installed
2. Click “Run with Administrative Privileges (Audited)” on the setup file

3. Provide a valid reason for installation and use of the application in the space provided and press “Continue”

The application will now be installed with administrative privileges.

By default, the app installer file will be located within the Downloads folder

Users > YourUserName > Downloads

1. Launch the FDU Self Service Portal app located in the Applications folder

2. Click on “* I need to install software“

3. Click the “Allow Install” button

4. Click “Thank you.” when prompted

5. Launch the application installer for the software package you want to install on your MacBook

Your macOS application will now be installed with administrative privileges.

As students begin their college journey, technology will play a key role in that experience. A reliable, capable laptop computer can play a significant role in helping you achieve success. With many options available in all different price ranges, it can be daunting to select the right one. Below are general guidelines to follow. Please keep in mind that as technology changes, it is also advisable to visit the developer of any specific software you plan to use heavily and check their recommended requirements.

General Studies

Laptops from reputable companies will be capable of handling the computer needs for most coursework.

Windows Computers

Below are recommended specifications for Windows 10 based laptops for general use.

	Budget	Mainstream	High-End
CPU	Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3	Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5	Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7
Hard Drive	250GB or higher	256GB SSD or higher	512GB SSD or higher
Graphics	Integrated	Integrated	Dedicated
Memory	8GB or higher	8GB or higher	16GB or higher

Apple Mac

Apple laptops vary greatly in price, but below are two starting options are below to base your choice upon:

CPU	MacBook Pro 13″ with Apple M1	MacBook Pro 16″ with Intel Core i7
Hard Drive	256GB SSD or higher	512GB SSD or higher
Graphics	Integrated	Dedicated
Memory	8GB or higher	16GB or higher

Multimedia, Engineering, & Video Programs

Multimedia and Engineering students rely heavily on graphics and processor intensive software. Due to this, specifications for the laptops below are higher to satisfy the needs of such demanding software titles.

	Windows	Apple
CPU	Intel 8th Gen Core i5 (or better) AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen 5 (or better)	Intel 8th-gen Core i5 (or better) Intel 8th-gen Core i7 recommended for AutoCAD use
Hard Drive	512GB SSD or higher	512GB SSD or higher
Graphics	Dedicated video card with 2GB of video memory (or higher) (4GB recommended for extensive Premiere Pro or AutoCAD use	Dedicated video card with 2GB of video memory (or higher) (4GB recommended for extensive Premiere Pro or AutoCAD use
Memory	8GB Minimum 16GB Recommended for HD Video Editing and Adobe After Effects use 32GB Recommended for 4k Editing	8GB Minimum 16GB Recommended for HD Video Editing and Adobe After Effects use 32GB Recommended for 4k Editing
Display	1440 x 900 / 1280 x 1080 (or better) 1920 x 1080 Recommended for AutoCAD use	1440 x 900 / 1280 x 1080 (or better) 1920 x 1080 Recommended for AutoCAD use

If you are in a specialized academic program and unsure of what hardware will meet your technical needs, please speak with your academic advisor.

Computer Discount Programs

Fairleigh Dickinson University students are eligible for discounts on laptops from certain manufacturers.

The following PC laptop accessories for university-owned Apple MacBook Pro and Lenovo laptops may be purchased from our approved vendors. Please use the following PC laptop accessories list and vendor contact information below to help guide you when obtaining optional laptop accessories.

Lenovo PC Laptop Accessories

Only one A/C adapter will be provided with the new Lenovo laptops. If a user needs a second A/C adaptor they will need to order the part below. The A/C adapters for the current Lenovo laptops will not be compatible with the new models.

Accessory	Description	Part Number	Cost
A/C Power Adapter	Lenovo AC power adapter (USB Type-C)	4X20M26252	$54.99 from Lenovo
A/C Power Adapter	Lenovo AC power adapter (USB Type-C)	4X20M26252	$52.59 from CDW-G
A/C Power Adapter	Lenovo AC power adapter (USB Type-C)	4X20M26252	$54.99 from GovConnection.com

Accessory	Description	Part Number	Inputs	Cost
Multi-Monitor Docking Station	Lenovo ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock – This model is essential for connecting more than one external monitor to up to three external monitors.	40AY0090US	1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort	$204.40 from CDW-G
Multi-Monitor Docking Station	Lenovo ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock – This model can connect one 8K display and up to four 4K display external monitors.	40B00135US	1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort	288.79 from CDW-G
Single and Dual-Monitor Docking Station	Lenovo ThinkPad Hybrid USB-C with USB-A Dock – This model supports a single external monitor setup or dual external monitor setups, up to two UHD 4K resolution monitors.	40AF0135US	2 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort	$252.22 from CDW-G
Single Monitor Travel Hub or Docking Station	Lenovo Powered USB-C Travel Hub – This model supports a single external monitor setup. Features one ethernet port, one USB Type-A port, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, and one USB-C power port.	4X90S92381	1 HDMI, 1 VGA	$82.28 from CDW-G

Keyboards will not need to be replaced for users that already have them. Users that are new to the PC laptop docking station setup may want to buy a wired USB keyboard. There are no IT requirements for purchasing keyboards; however, if users want to go with a basic model, they can order the below part number.

Accessory	Description	Part Number	Cost
Wired USB Keyboard	Lenovo Preferred Pro II USB Keyboard – US English	4X30M86879	$26.17 from CDW-G

There are no IT requirements for purchasing external wired USB mice; however, if a user wants to go with a basic model, they can order the below part number.

Accessory	Description	Part Number	Cost
USB Mouse	Lenovo Essential USB Mouse	4Y50R20863	$18.80 from CDW-G

There are no IT requirements for purchasing an external wireless keyboard and mouse combo set; however, if a user would like to go with a basic model, they can order the below part number.

Accessory	Description	Part Number	Cost
Wireless Keyboard	Logitech MK850 Performance Keyboard and Mouse (wireless)	920-008219	$67.07 from CDW-G

Users ordering the ThinkPad USB-C Dock Gen 2 Multi-Monitor Docking Station will need an accompanying monitor with at least an HDMI connection.

For users who already have a monitor and wish to use it with one of the new docking stations, your existing monitor will need to have either HDMI or Display Port (DP) connection. If your monitor only has Display Port (DP), you will need an HDMI to Display Port (DP) adapter. Users should check their current monitor connections for compatibility; if new monitors are required or desired, please choose from the list below.

Accessory	Description	Part Number	Inputs	Features	Cost
24″ External Monitor	Lenovo ThinkVision T24i-30 – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 23.8″	63CFMAR1US	HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA	Built-in Camera: No Built-in USB Hub: Yes	$273.36 from CDW-G. This monitor is the preferred 24″ model to purchase
24″ External Monitor	Lenovo ThinkVision T24v-30 – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 23.8″	63D8MAR3US	HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA	Built-in Camera: Yes Built-in USB Hub: Yes	$290.69 from CDW-G. This monitor is the preferred 24″ model to purchase if the Lenovo ThinkVision T24i-30, listed above, is unavailable or the user requires a built-in web camera
24″ External Monitor	Lenovo ThinkVision P24h-30 – LED monitor – QHD – 24″	63B3GAR6US	HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C	Built-in Camera: No Built-in USB Hub: Yes	$421.60 from CDW-G
24″ External Monitor	LG UltraGear 24GQ50B-B – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 23.8″	24GQ50B-B	HDMI, DisplayPort	Built-in Camera: No Built-in USB Hub: No	$157.85 from CDW-G
27″ External Monitor	Lenovo ThinkVision P27q-30 – LED monitor – QHD – 27″	63A2GAR1US	HDMI, DisplayPort	Built-in Camera: No Built-in USB Hub: Yes	$394.66 from CDW-G. This monitor is the preferred 27″ model to purchase
27″ External Monitor	Lenovo ThinkVision T27hv-30 – LED monitor – QHD – 27″	63D6UAR3US	HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C	Built-in Camera: Yes Built-in USB Hub: Yes	$546.74 from CDW-G
27″ External Monitor	Lenovo ThinkVision T27i-30 – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p)	63A4MAR1US	HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA	Built-in Camera: No Built-in USB Hub: Yes	$286.84 from CDW-G
27″ External Monitor	LG 27BK430H-B – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 27″ – HDR	27BK430H-B	HDMI, VGA	Built-in Camera: No Built-in USB Hub: No	$160.74 from CDW-G

Apple MacBook Pro Laptop Accessories

Accessory	Description	Part Number	Cost
A/C Power Adapter	Apple USB-C – Power Adapter – 96 Watt	MX0J2AM/A	$63.19 from CDW-G
A/C Power Adapter	Apple Power Cable – 24 pin USB-C to MagSafe 3 – 6.6 ft	MLYV3AM/A	$41.65 from CDW-G

Accessory	Description	Part Number	Inputs	Cost
Single Monitor Docking Station or Hub	HyperDrive Ultimate USB-C Hub – This model supports a single external monitor setup. One HDMI port supports video resolutions up to 4K at 30 Hz. Featuring three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, 1 USB Type-C Power Delivery port, one ethernet port, and one 3.5mm audio jack, plus SD and microSD card readers.	HD30FGRAY	1 HDMI, 1 Mini DisplayPort, 1 VGA	$89.99 from B&H.com. This model is the preferred single monitor hub to purchase
Dual-Monitor Docking Station or Hub	HYPER HyperDrive Viper 10-in-2 USB Type-C Hub (Space Gray) – This model is essential for connecting up to two external monitors. This hub provides two HDMI and three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, as well as ports for Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio, and USB Type-C with 60W of power delivery. UHS-1 SD and microSD card readers are also present.	HD392-GRAY	2 HDMI	$129.99 from CDW-G. $129.99 from B&H.com. This model is the preferred dual-monitor hub to purchase
Single Monitor Docking Station or Hub	HYPER Hyperdrive 4-In-1 USB Type-C Hub – This model supports a single external monitor setup. Supports a single 4K display at 60 Hz via the one HDMI port. Featuring two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports and one USB Type-C port to deliver up to 100W of pass-through power to your laptop or tablet.	HD41	1 HDMI	$59.99 from B&H.com. This model does not contain an ethernet port
Single Monitor Docking Station or Hub	HyperDrive 5-Port USB Type-C Hub – This model supports a single external monitor setup. Supports a single 4K monitor at 60 Hz via the one HDMI port. Features two USB Type-A ports, one ethernet port, and one USB Type-C port to deliver up to 86W of power to your laptop or tablet.	HDMB2	1 HDMI	$84.59 from CDW-G
Single Monitor Travel Hub or Docking Station	Lenovo Powered USB-C Travel Hub – This model supports a single external monitor setup. Features one ethernet port, one USB Type-A port, one USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A port, and one USB-C power port.	4X90S92381	1 HDMI, 1 VGA	$82.28 from CDW-G

Accessory	Description	Part Number	Inputs	Features	Cost
24″ External Monitor	ASUS ProArt PA247CV – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 23.8″	PA247CV	HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C	Built-in Camera: No Built-in USB Hub: Yes	$201.69 from CDW-G

You may also refer to the Lenovo PC Laptop Accessories – Monitors section above to make an external monitor choice selection for the Apple MacBook Pro.

Accessories

There are no IT requirements for purchasing USB flash drives. USB 3.0 is recommended. Users are reminded about adhering to the Written Information Security Program (WISP). No WISP-protected data may be placed on external devices without specific authorization, as indicated in the policy.

There are no IT requirements for purchasing external hard drives. USB 3.0 is recommended. Users are reminded about the Written Information Security Program (WISP). No WISP-protected data may be placed on external devices without specific authorization as indicated in the policy.

For a current list of approved printers and scanners, please reach out to the Purchasing Department. Please remember that most printers don’t have USB printer cables included upon purchase.

Purchasing

To purchase any of the laptop accessories listed above, please submit a PO to the Purchasing Department. Users need to get a quote from either vendor through the contact information below. Please reference the item numbers from the attached quotes. Unless stated otherwise, the products listed are currently available. Prices may vary. Other University approved vendor reseller information and common products that departments may be interested in purchasing can be found by visiting:

Departments should consolidate orders as much as possible. There is no additional discount for quantity. Departments should designate the ‘ship to’ to their respective department. Vendors’ contact information is listed below.