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Computer Tips, Tricks, and Recommendations

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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.

Instructions
  1. From the Sound Icon in your task bar, single right-click
  1. Click “Sounds
  1. Click “Communications” tab.
  1. Select the “Do nothing” radial button
  1. Click “Apply
  2. Click “OK
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Adjust Microphone Settings – Windows

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

Instructions
  1. Right-click the Audio icon in the system tray portion of the task bar
  1. Click “Sounds
  1. Click “Recording

Note

Not all options may be visible.

  1. Right Click on “Microphone Array” and select “Properties
  1. Click the “Advanced” and un-check “Enable Audio Enhancements
  1. Click “Apply
  1. Click “OK
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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.

Instructions
  1. Click on Start, and then click “Settings
  1. Click on “System
  1. Select “Power & Sleep
  1. To modify power settings while the laptop is plugged in or on battery power, modify the below options

Note:

Selecting higher times may result in shorter battery life

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

Note

Depending on window size, this option may be located towards the bottom or on the right side of the screen.

  1. Select either “Choose what the power buttons door “Choose what closing the lid does
  1. The options below will allow modifying the effects of pressing the power button and closing the lid

Note

Setting DO NOTHING when closing the lid can lead to drastically less battery life as well as overheating when the laptop is placed inside a bag or briefcase.

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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.

Tip

Make sure any open application is saved and closed before a restart is performed. This includes applications like Outlook, Word, Excel and any other applications that may be opend.

Instructions for Windows
  1. Click the Start bottom on the bottom left hand side of the task bar
  1. Click the “Powerbutton
  1. Click “Restart

Note

Clicking “Shutdown” will not always properly apply updates or produce the desired effect. Clicking “restart” is the recomended option.

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Instructions for macOS
  1. Click the “Apple” at the top left-hand side of your screen
  1. Click “Restart
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Installing Software On My University Laptop

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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.

Windows

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, 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
  1. 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.

Note

While off-campus, the option to “Run with Administrative Privileges (Audited)” may not be present. Please connect to FDU VPN, lock the machine by pressing “Window Key” + L and re-login. The feature should then be available. If this feature is not available while on-campus, please click the “Support” button above for further assistance.

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macOS

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
  1. Click on “* I need to install software
  1. Click the “Allow Install” button
  1. Click “Thank you.” when prompted

Note:

It may take 15 seconds or more for the above prompt to be presented after clicking the “Allow Install” button from step 3.

  1. 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.

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Laptop Minimum Specifications for Campus Computing – Guests, Students and Faculty

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Campus Guest Speakers & Presenters

The minimum operating systems supported for both Windows and Mac portable workstations is outlined below:

  • The minimum Windows-supported operating system version able to connect to the network is Windows 10, including its latest patches.
  • The minimum MacBook supported operating system version able to connect to the network is Ventura 13.4.1.

Note

Both Windows 7 and 8 are no longer supported by the Office of Information Resource Technology.

The above minimum operating system requirements being installed will ensure presentation software such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams will be able to function as expected while connected to the event space technology.

The preferred display port connection for laptops is HDMI, HDMI cables along with the proper connectors for your device are the responsibility of the presenter to utilize the available projectors and presentation applications while on campus.

Antivirus program with the most up to date antivirus definitions installed.

In order to access the wireless connectivity during your presentation while on campus your laptop is required to have the capability to connect using the latest 802.11ac standard.

Student Laptop Recommendations

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. There are many options available price ranges vary depending on your selected hardware requirements… It can be a daunting task to ensure you are selecting the right one. Below are general guidelines to follow when purchasing a laptop.

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 – Must contain Windows 10 or above within its configuration.

Note

Windows versions 7 and 8 are no longer supported Microsoft operating systems.

Laptops must also contain end-point protection software such as Microsoft Windows Defender, Norton Symantec, or McAfee antivirus. Additional protection configurations should include enabling Windows built-in firewall and a version of malware defense such as Malwarebytes.

Productivity applications included in Microsoft’s office suite such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word will be necessary to complete various class lessons and projects assigned by professors.

Below are minimum hardware 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 512GB SSD or higher 1024GB SSD or higher 
Graphics Integrated Integrated Dedicated
Display PortHDMIHDMIHDMI
Memory 8GB or higher 16GB or higher 16GB or higher 
While not required, a system containing a built-in camera and microphone is recommended.

Note

Chromebook laptops manufactured but not limited to by Google, Dell or Lenovo are not a currently supported device by FDU, and the purchasing of such devices should not be considered as they currently do not comply with FDU’s security and maintenance standards or policies.

Apple Mac

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

BasicPerformance
Model MacBook Air 13″ MacBook ProMacBook Air 14″ or 16″ MacBook Pro
CPUM1 or M2M2 Pro
Hard Drive 256GB SSD or higher 512GB SSD or higher
Graphics Integrated Integrated  
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 
ModelMacBook Air 14″ or 16″ MacBook Pro
CPU Intel 8th Gen Core i5 (or better)
AMD 3rd Gen Ryzen 5 (or better)
M2 Pro/Max
Hard Drive 512GB SSD or higher 1TB or higher
Graphics Dedicated video card with 2GB of video memory (or higher)
(4GB recommended for extensive Premiere Pro or AutoCAD use
Integrated
Memory 8GB Minimum
16GB Recommended for HD Video Editing and Adobe After Effects use
32GB Recommended for 4k Editing
16 GB or higher
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

Note

Autodesk 3DS Max is only for Windows based laptops and is not supported on Apple Devices.

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

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

Licensing for Microsoft Office 365 is offered by Fairleigh Dickinson University for use by current employees and students.

A request for technical consultation can be completed by visiting the link below. Locate the Create New SAMI Support Request tile; once the form has been completed, a support request will be created.

Computer Discount Programs

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

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Limited Troubleshooting Support for Personal Devices

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This document outlines how the help desk should handle issues regarding supporting personal hardware.

All support tickets for personal hardware will need to be created and supported by the help desk. Limited support will be provided by completing basic troubleshooting and diagnostics.

This includes:

  • Laptops and Desktops
  • iMacs and MacBooks
  • Docking Stations, Monitors, and Peripherals
  • Mobile phones and Tablets

Note

The help desk should communicate directly to the users that limited support can be provided for personally owned devices, the Help Desk will assist by providing the below troubleshooting steps. Escalation of the request to Computing Services can be performed. If additional support is needed Computing Services will direct the user to contact their hardware manufacturer for additional support directly if needed.

The following basic troubleshooting steps can and should be performed when any of the above hardware is having issues:

  • The device should be power cycled and/or rebooted to ensure all device resources have been refreshed.
  • If the machine or device is frozen locate and hold the power button for a minimum of 60 seconds until the device has powered down and then have the user power on the device and attempt to use the equipment.
  • The help desk can check and confirm if any updates have recently been loaded on the workstation that may be pending a machine reboot to complete the installation.

The following should not be performed on any personal machines:

  • Upgrading or downgrading of any Microsoft or Apple operating system.
  • Removing and/or reinstalling any licensed software such as but not limited to Microsoft Office, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Project, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc.
  • Other software such as antivirus, games, or manufacturer-issued diagnostic utilities.

Regarding the troubleshooting of issues related to personal docking stations, monitors, peripherals, mobile phones and tablets. The basic functions of unplugging the power cable and/or power cycling the equipment will be the acceptable troubleshooting necessary.

We do not want to perform any updates for devices operating systems such as mobile phones or tablets. The steps involved in completing these kinds of updates require a more extensive timeframe to be available to successfully be completed.

If you have any questions or require additional information, please contact the FDU Director of Computing Services Peter Mannarino via email p.mannarino@fdu.edu


Vendor Support Contact Links

Apple

Dell

HP

Microsoft

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Purchasing Lenovo PC and Apple MacBook Pro Laptop Accessories

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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

A/C Adapter for T14 or T14s Laptop

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.

AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberCost
A/C Power AdapterLenovo AC power adapter (USB Type-C)4X20M26252 $54.99 from Lenovo
A/C Power AdapterLenovo AC power adapter (USB Type-C)4X20M26252$52.59 from CDW-G
A/C Power AdapterLenovo AC power adapter (USB Type-C)4X20M26252$54.99 from GovConnection.com
Prices are noted as of July 2022
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Docking Stations
AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberInputsCost
Multi-Monitor Docking StationLenovo ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock – This model is essential for connecting more than one external monitor to up to three external monitors. 40AY0090US1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort$204.40 from CDW-G
Multi-Monitor Docking StationLenovo ThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock – This model can connect one 8K display and up to four 4K display external monitors. 40B00135US1 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort288.79 from CDW-G
Single and Dual-Monitor Docking StationLenovo 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.40AF0135US2 HDMI, 2 DisplayPort$252.22 from CDW-G

Single Monitor Travel Hub or Docking StationLenovo 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.4X90S923811 HDMI, 1 VGA$82.28 from CDW-G
Prices are noted as of May 2023
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Keyboards

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.

AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberCost
Wired USB KeyboardLenovo Preferred Pro II USB Keyboard – US English4X30M86879$26.17 from CDW-G
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Mice

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.

AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberCost
USB MouseLenovo Essential USB Mouse4Y50R20863$18.80 from CDW-G
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Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo

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.

AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberCost
Wireless KeyboardLogitech MK850 Performance Keyboard and Mouse (wireless)920-008219$67.07 from CDW-G
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Monitors

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.

AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberInputsFeaturesCost
24″ External MonitorLenovo ThinkVision T24i-30 – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 23.8″63CFMAR1USHDMI, 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 MonitorLenovo ThinkVision T24v-30 – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 23.8″63D8MAR3USHDMI, DisplayPort, VGABuilt-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 MonitorLenovo ThinkVision P24h-30 – LED monitor – QHD – 24″63B3GAR6USHDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C Built-in Camera: No
Built-in USB Hub: Yes
$421.60 from CDW-G
24″ External MonitorLG UltraGear 24GQ50B-B – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 23.8″24GQ50B-BHDMI, DisplayPortBuilt-in Camera: No
Built-in USB Hub: No
$157.85 from CDW-G
27″ External MonitorLenovo ThinkVision P27q-30 – LED monitor – QHD – 27″63A2GAR1USHDMI, DisplayPortBuilt-in Camera: No
Built-in USB Hub: Yes
$394.66 from CDW-G. This monitor is the preferred 27″ model to purchase
27″ External MonitorLenovo ThinkVision T27hv-30 – LED monitor – QHD – 27″63D6UAR3USHDMI, DisplayPort,
USB-C
Built-in Camera: Yes
Built-in USB Hub: Yes
$546.74 from CDW-G
27″ External MonitorLenovo ThinkVision T27i-30 – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p)63A4MAR1USHDMI, DisplayPort, VGABuilt-in Camera: No
Built-in USB Hub: Yes
$286.84 from CDW-G
27″ External MonitorLG 27BK430H-B – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 27″ – HDR27BK430H-BHDMI, VGABuilt-in Camera: No
Built-in USB Hub: No
$160.74 from CDW-G
Prices are noted as of May 2023
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Apple MacBook Pro Laptop Accessories

A/C Power Adapters for 14-inch & 16-inch MacBook Pro
Accessory DescriptionPart NumberCost

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
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Docking Stations
AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberInputsCost
Single Monitor Docking Station or HubHyperDrive 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.HD30FGRAY1 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 HubHYPER 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-GRAY2 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 HubHYPER Hyperdrive 4-In-1 USB Type-C HubThis 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.HD411 HDMI$59.99 from B&H.com. This model does not contain an ethernet port
Single Monitor Docking Station or HubHyperDrive 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.HDMB21 HDMI$84.59 from CDW-G
Single Monitor Travel Hub or Docking StationLenovo 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.4X90S923811 HDMI, 1 VGA$82.28 from CDW-G
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Monitors
AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberInputsFeaturesCost
24″ External MonitorASUS ProArt PA247CV – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 23.8″PA247CVHDMI, 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.

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Accessories

USB Flash Drives

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.

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External Hard Drives

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.

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Printers / Scanners

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.

Note

While most modern printers support wireless connectivity, wireless printing capabilities may not be enabled on any printer without the explicit authorization of the Director of Networking.

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Purchasing

FDU 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.

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Sample Purchase Order (PO) Quotes

Tip

View the Sample PO quotes to help guide you when obtaining your own quote prior to submitting to the Purchasing Department.

Lenovo:

Attn: Jeremiah Pope
Email: jpope@lenovo.com

SAMPLE Lenovo PO Quote

CDW-G:

Vinny Nariyani
Email: vinnnar@cdwg.com

and

Joe Masulli
Email: joemasu@cdwg.com

SAMPLE CDW-G PO Quote Page 1
SAMPLE CDW-G PO Quote Page 2
SAMPLE CDW-G PO Quote Page 3
SAMPLE CDW-G PO Quote Page 4

GovConnection, Inc.

Eric Hadler
Email: eric.hadler@connection.com

SAMPLE GovConnection, Inc. PO Quote

B&H Photo:

1-800-947-8003
newjersey@bandh.com

SAMPLE B&H PO Quote
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