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Computer Tips, Tricks, and Recommendations

Resources for: Faculty Staff
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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

Resources for: Faculty Staff
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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 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
  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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Purchasing Lenovo PC and Apple MacBook Pro Laptop Accessories

Resources for: Faculty Staff
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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 NumberCost
Multi-Monitor Docking StationThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock – This model is essential for connecting more than one external monitor, to up to three external monitors.
Video Ports: 1 HDMI and 2 DisplayPort
40AY0090US$227.99 from Lenovo
$239.99 from B&H
Multi-Monitor Docking StationThinkPad Universal Thunderbolt 4 Dock – This model can support connecting one 8K display at 30Hz external monitor, and up to four 4K displays at 60HZ external monitors.
Video Ports: 1 HDMI and 2 DisplayPort
40B00135US$321.99 from Lenovo
$339.99 from B&H
$308.22 from CDW-G
$328.26 from GovConnection.com
Single and Dual-Monitor Docking StationThinkPad Hybrid USB-C Dock – This model supports a single external monitor setup or dual external monitor setups, up to two UHD 4K resolution monitors.
Video Ports: 2 HDMI and 2 DisplayPort
40AF0135US$271.25 from B&H

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.
Video Ports: 1 HDMI and 1 VGA port
4X90S92381$104.99 from Lenovo
$112.71 from CDW-G
$101.16 from GovConnection.com
Prices are noted as of July 2022
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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 NumberCost
24″ External MonitorLenovo ThinkVision P24h-2L 23.8″ 16:9 QHD IPS Monitor
Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C
62B2GAR1US$424.00 from B&H. This monitor includes a built-in USB Hub. This monitor is the preferred 24″ model to purchase
24″ External MonitorLG 24BK750Y-B – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 24″
Inputs: HDMI, DVI-D, DisplayPort
24BK750Y-B$264.00 from CDW-G. This monitor includes a built-in USB Hub. This monitor is the preferred 24″ model to purchase if the Lenovo ThinkVision P24h-2L, listed above, is unavailable
24″ External MonitorSamsung 24″ 1920×1080 FHD IPS Panel Monitor
Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort
F24T374FWN$234.99 from CDW-G. This monitor does not include a built-in USB Hub
24″ External MonitorSamsung 24″ 16:9 IPS Panel Display.
Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort
F24T452FQN$249.99 from CDW-G. This monitor does include a built-in USB Hub
24″ External MonitorViewSonic VG2440 – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 24″
Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort
VG2440$219.99 from CDW-G. This monitor includes a built-in USB Hub
27″ External MonitorThinkVision P27h-20 27-inch 16:9 QHD Monitor with USB Type-C.
Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C
61E9GAR6US$330 from Lenovo. This monitor is on 5-6 months backorder, it is recommended to cancel your order with Lenovo if you have not already done so. You may purchase any of the alternative 27″ monitors listed below.
27″ External MonitorLG 27BK750Y-B – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 27″
Inputs: HDMI, DVI-D, DisplayPort
27BK750Y-B$309 from CDW-G. This monitor includes a built-in USB Hub
27″ External MonitorLG 27BK400H-B – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 27″
Inputs: HDMI
27BK400H-B$210 from CDW-G. This Monitor does not include a built-in USB Hub
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Apple MacBook Pro Laptop Accessories

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

To obtain a price quote for any power adapters and or charge cables for a university-owned Apple MacBook laptop please contact Lisa Stadler-Kay at lstadler@fdu.edu.

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Docking Stations
AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberCost
Single Monitor Docking Station or HubHYPER HyperDrive Power 9-in-1 USB Type-C Hub (Silver) – 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.
Video Ports: 1 HDMI port with 4K video support
HD30F-SILVER$79.99 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. Features three USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one ethernet port, one 3.5mm audio jack, SD and microSD card readers, and USB Type-C with 60W of power delivery.
Video Ports: 2 HDMI
HD392-GRAY$109.99 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.
Video Ports: 1 HDMI port with 4K video support
HD41$59.99 from B&H.com. This model does not contain an ethernet port
Single Monitor Docking Station or HubHYPER HyperDrive 5-Port USB Type-C Hub This model supports a single external monitor setup. Supports a single 3840 x 2160 resolution, 4K monitor at 60 Hz connection via the one HDMI port. Features two USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-A ports, one ethernet port, and one USB Type-C port to deliver up to 86W of power to your laptop or tablet.
Video Ports: 1 HDMI port with 4K video support
HDMB2$69.99 from B&H.com
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.
Video Ports: 1 HDMI and 1 VGA port
4X90S92381$112.71 from CDW-G. Please contact CDW-G for availability
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Monitors
AccessoryDescriptionPart NumberCost
24″ External MonitorASUS ProArt PA247CV – LED monitor – Full HD (1080p) – 23.8″
Inputs: HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C
PA247CV$277.30 from CDW-G. This monitor includes a built-in USB Hub

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

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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