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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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Connecting and Using an All-in-One at Home

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How to Connect an All-in-One for Work-at-Home

Making the Physical Connections

  1. Make the appropriate connections to the back of the all-in-one.
    • Plug in the power cable to the power port on the back of the all-in-one.
    • A physical network connection is only required if you do not want to or can not use wireless.
    • Both the keyboard and mouse can be plugged into any USB port.
  1. Turn the PC on and sign in as normal.

Connecting to Wi-fi (Skip if Using a Physical Network Cable)

  1. Click on the network icon on the bottom-right hand of the Start bar near the system clock.
  1. A list of available networks will populate. Select your home wireless network.
  1. Select your network and click “Connect“.
  1. Enter the network key for your wireless router. This can sometimes be located on the side or bottom of your router and/or modem. Click “Next“.

Connecting to VPN from Home

  1. Click on the arrow on the bottom right hand of the Start bar near the system clock and right-click on the “Cisco VPN Access” icon. On the pop-up menu, click “Connect“.
  1. If this is the first time connecting to VPN service please enter the text below as shown into the VPN field and click “Connect“.
  1. Enter your full NetID information and click “Ok“.
  1. Once a successful connection is made a prompt will appear and the icon for the Cisco VPN Access in the system try will appear with a lock.
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CrashPlan Tutorial

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CrashPlan is a backup agent that will back up all data on a university device under the primary owner’s profile. The backup sets can be used for restoring data to a machine, whether it has been reformatted, replaced, or compromised. This document will outline the steps needed to install, activate, and restore data to a new or existing device.

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Index

About CrashPlan

CrashPlan Policy

CrashPlan is required on all University provided desktops and laptops to backup all University Business data to prevent data loss.

Who Can use CrashPlan?

CrashPlan is presently licensed for full-time faculty and full-time staff only. The University mandates CrashPlan for proper data security practices. If a user has personal data that they wish to exclude from being backed up, a folder labeled “Personal Documents” can be found and utilized in your “Documents” folder. This folder and its contents will be ignored by CrashPlan when your system is being backed up.

Personal Documents folder locations:

Windows PCC:\users\username\Documents\Personal Documents\
macOS/users/username/documents/Personal Documents/

Tip

If the Personal Documents folder does not exist in your Documents folder, you can manually create it and the folder will be automatically ignored by CrashPlan.

Is My Data Secure?

CrashPlan uses AES-256 encryption is used when storing your backups and can only be accessed by the CrashPlan account owner and administrators.

What is Backed Up?

All data found in a user profile will be backed up by CrashPlan.

Location of User Profile:

Windows PCC:\users\UserName\
macOS/users/username/

Warning Warning

Any data not stored in the user profile will NOT be backed up by CrashPlan. It is highly encouraged to store university business data within your user profile.

How to Install on a Windows PC

To install CrashPlan on your Windows PC, please follow the instructions below.

Note

CrashPlan is being automatically deployed to all systems owned by Faileigh Dickinson University.

Before Installing CrashPlan, you must be logged in as the owner of the machine using your NetID Credentials.

  1. Open FDU Self Service Portal for Software on your University PC
  2. Click on CrashPlan Backup and then click “Install” on the right-hand side

Note

It could take several minutes for the client to make the first connection and start the first backup.

The entire process will take approximately 5-7 minutes, depending on your internet speed. Once CrashPlan is installed, your account is automatically provisioned in the CrashPlan system, and your backup will begin shortly.

How to Install on macOS

To install CrashPlan on your macOS device, please follow the instructions below.

Note

CrashPlan is being automatically deployed to all systems owned by Faileigh Dickinson University.

  1. Locate the FDU Self Service Portal in your applications folder or locating the icon on your dock
  2. Locate CrashPlan Backup and click “Enroll”
  1. After the package installs, you will be prompted to enter your FDU email address and then click “OK

Note

It could take several minutes for the client to make the first connection and start the first backup.

The entire process will take approximately 5-7 minutes, depending on your internet speed. Once CrashPlan is installed, your account is automatically provisioned in the CrashPlan system, and your backup will begin shortly.

How to Replace or Add a Second Device

This process is used when someone will be assigned a second device and wishes to have it backed up or if the CrashPlan needs to be re-installed on the same device. Because an account already exists, it cannot be provisioned automatically. It must be manually setup either to replace an existing device or create a new backup set on the second computer.

Note

In order to proceed, CrashPlan must be installed prior to continuing, please refer back to the Install instructions for your operating system from the CrashPlan User Guide. A link is found at the bottom of this page.

Tip

A backup set is CrashPlan’s way of describing the backup configuration and what files are being backed up.

  1. Click on the CrashPlan app in the system tray (PC) or Menu bar (macOS) and then click “Setup Device
  1. If prompted, log in to the FDU NetID Portal and proceed through the FDU single sign-on process
  2. Click “Replace Existing
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  1. Click “Start” to continue with the replace existing device process
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-a-Second-Device-or-Replace-an-Exisiting-Device-Figure-3.png
  1. Select the device from the list you are replacing and click “Continue
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  1. Click “Select Files” on the following window
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  1. Select and Choose which files you wish to replace by placing a checkmark next to each. When finished, click “Restore Files
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-a-Second-Device-or-Replace-an-Exisiting-Device-Figure-6.png
  1. The next window will allow you to select how you wish to restore your files. Make your selections and click “Go
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-a-Second-Device-or-Replace-an-Exisiting-Device-Figure-7.png
  1. The next window will display download progress for the restore process. You can continue forward by clicking “Continue” at the bottom
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-a-Second-Device-or-Replace-an-Exisiting-Device-Figure-8.png
  1. The next window Downloads the Files to your device. When the transfer is completed, click “Next
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-a-Second-Device-or-Replace-an-Exisiting-Device-Figure-9.png

Tip

You can close this window and continue working or you can click transfer more files and repeat the steps for additional files. This will extend the time it needs to restore.

  1. Your Transfer is now complete, click “Finish
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Verifying a Backup Instructions

If you are unsure if you have CrashPlan installed and backing up your system, this quick guide will help give you some comfort.

  1. Click on the CrashPlan icon from the system tray on Windows and the menu bar on macOS

CrashPlan Icon

  1. The Progress will be displayed like in the Figure below
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-Verifying-Backup-Progress-Figure-2.png

Note

Depending on your backup size, this could take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. CrashPlan will continue to run and backup in the background. After the first successful backup, incremental backups will occur.

How to Manage Backups

CrashPlan allows you to manage your backup sets. If you want to review your backup set or request assistance, please contact the Fairleigh Dickinson University Technical Assistance Center (UTAC) to initiate a service request.

How to Restore Files

Accidentally deleted or unable to find a file? CrashPlan can help. Please follow the following guidelines in restoring lost or previous versions of files.

  1. Click the CrashPlan System Tray or macOS menu bar Icon

CrashPlan Icon

  1. Left-click on the gear symbol and left-click on “Open CrashPlan….
  1. If prompted, log in to the FDU Single sign-on Portal and proceed through the FDU DUO Multifactor authentication procedures
  2. Click “Restore Files
  3. Select the device you wish to restore from
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Restore-Files-Figure-2.png

Note

If you have more than one backup device, please select the device from where you want to restore the file from.

  1. You can select a date range from when you wish to restore from on the right-hand side
  2. Navigate to the folder(s) and/or file(s) you wish to restore and place a check next to each one
  3. Click “Restore Files
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Restore-Files-Figure-3.png
  1. Select how CrashPlan will restore your files. Click “Go” when finished
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Restore-Files-Figure-4.png

Note

Above are the recommended options for restoring files, this will help you find them more easily.

The time it takes to restore your files will depend on how much data is being restored, available system resources, and available bandwidth.

How to Add Backup Sets

Using CrashPlan you can create backup sets that will back up your data to additional devices utilizing a schedule. This is useful to have immediate access to critical files in the event of data loss.

This guide is only needed if you wish to have a local backup of your data.

Note

If you schedule multiple backup sets to run at specific times and the backup sets go to the same destination, ensure that these times do not overlap. This ensures good backup performance.

  1. Click the CrashPlan System Tray or macOS menu bar Icon

CrashPlan Icon

  1. Left-click on the gear symbol and left-click on “Open CrashPlan….
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code-42-How-to-Add-Backup-Sets-Figure-1.png
  1. If prompted, log in to the FDU Single Sign-on Portal and proceed through the FDU DUO Multi-factor authentication procedures
  2. From the CrashPlan console window, click the “Dropdown Arrow” symbol next to your device name to drop down a menu, then click “Add Backup Set…
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  • The next window will be the Add Backup Set configuration window.
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-Backup-Sets-Figure-3.png

Note

The “Add Set” button will be un-clickable until it is completely configured.

  1. Click “Rename” to label your backup set
  2. Changing Selected Files, click “Change”, and select the files and folders you wish to backup to a local destination
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-Backup-Sets-Figure-4.png
  1. When finished click “Save
  2. Click “Change” to set your destination for your backup
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-Backup-Sets-Figure-5.png
  1. Select your destination by clicking “Add Local Destination (usually an external hard drive) and click “Save
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-Backup-Sets-Figure-6.png
  1. Click “Add Set” to finalize the setup and start backing up to a local location
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-Backup-Sets-Figure-7.png

Your new back upset is finished and will begin backing up as configured.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Code42-How-to-Add-Backup-Sets-Figure-8.png

Backup Alert Email Notifications

CrashPlan will send users an email alert notifying of any incomplete backups of their devices.

  • The CrashPlan email alert will be sent from CrashPlan for Enterprise <noreply@crashplan.com>
  • The Subject line of the email will be labeled with: Critical: [Name of Device] not backed up

Backup Alert

You will receive an alert when your computer hasn’t backed up to CrashPlan for 5 calendar days. The email will look like the example below:

CrashPlan Backup Alert Email Notification

What to do if you get a backup alert

After receiving a CrashPlan backup alert email, you should locate the device the email specifies in need of backup. The CrashPlan device name will be listed in the Subject: line and Computer Name: line of the CrashPlan backup alert email. To locate the name of a CrashPlan device, left-click the CrashPlan “C” symbol icon in the Windows System Tray, also referred to as the notification area.

Tip

The Windows System Tray or notification area is usually located on the bottom right of the Windows taskbar, next to the displayed digital clock.

For macOS users left-click CrashPlan symbol icon on the macOS icon menu bar. The CrashPlan device name will be displayed in the console. Ensure the CrashPlan application displays the same name as the CrashPlan backup alert email you received.

CrashPlan Symbol Icon

CrashPlan Device Name

After locating the correct specified device stated in the CrashPlan backup alert email, force a backup of the device by performing the following:

  1. Left-click the “CrashPlan” System Tray or macOS menu bar Icon

CrashPlan Icon

  1. Left-click “Run backup now

Note

The backup may take some time to complete. This depends on the length of time since CrashPlan’s last complete backup and the amount of new data needed to be backed up.

Getting Support

For additional support, contact the Fairleigh Dickinson University Technical Assistance Center (UTAC) to initiate a service request.

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FDU Self Service Portal for Software

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The FDU (Fairleigh Dickinson University) Self-Service Portal for Software is a a tool designed to enhance our community’s access to software and desktop related information. With the Self-Service Portal for Software, our Faculty and Staff can easily locate and install pre-loaded software onto FDU owned computers. Simply launch the portal and you will be presented with a variety of applications, each sanctioned and supplied by FDU. This portal will provide an easily searchable way to view all new applications made available to the user community, including Microsoft Teams, Cisco Jabber, the FDU VPN, and many more.

FDU Self Service Portal Icon

How to Use and Access the FDU Self Service Portal for Software

Windows
  1. Locate the FDU Self-Service Portal for Software icon on the desktop and double-click it to launch the application or…
    1. Select the ‘Windows’ logo/start button on the bottom left of the desktop
    2. Type ‘FDU Self Service Portal for Software’ into the search bar
    3. Left click ‘FDU Self Service Portal for Software’ app to launch
FDU Self-Service Portal for Software on Windows Devices
  1. To install a program, click on the name of the application, then click on the “Install” button to the right
  1. A progress window will provide updates as the program is installed on your system. When complete, the Status column should indicate “Complete
  1. After the selected application finished downloading, it will automatically install and when completed, the status will show as “Completed
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macOS
  1. Open the ‘Applications’ folder and locate and click the ‘FDU Self Service Portal’ icon or…
  • Select the ‘Launchpad’ icon from the dock

Launchpad Icon

  • Type ‘FDU Self Service Portal
  • Click the ‘FDU Self Service Portal’ icon to launch
FDU Self-Service Portal for macOS Devices
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iOS & iPadOS
  1. Find the ‘Self Service Portal’ app icon and tap to launch
FDU Self Service Portal App on iPadOS

FDU Self Service Portal App on iOS

  1. Click ‘Install’ to install the requested item onto your device

Note:

The Android version of the FDU Self Service Portal will be available in the future.

Once the FDU Self-Service Portal application is open, you may then continue to select and install your desired software application. You may also access and use any self-service troubleshooting solutions that are available to you from within the FDU Self-Service Portal as well.

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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 privileged 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 (google.com/chrome).

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

Windows

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

C:\users\yourusername\downloads\

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
  1. Click on “Jamf Connect” in the menu bar app (where you log in to sync your password) and click “Request Admin Privileges
  1. Select the reason from the dialog box: Install App, Change Setting, or Other for the elevation, and click “Continue
  1. You will be notified when you are elevated and can begin installing a new application or making changes to your settings
  1. A countdown will appear in your menu bar, showing how much time remains for your administrator access. Complete the installation before the countdown ends
  1. You will return to your normal permissions when the countdown reaches zero

Special-use elevations will still be handled through the existing workflow.

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Operating System Support Lifecycle

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Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Acceptable Use Policy for Computer Usage states, “All computers and mobile devices accessing any FDU resource must run an operating system and configuration that is supported by its vendor with regard to security patches and updates.”

This guide defines the lifecycle of our support for different operating systems.

Note

Apple does not publish official End of Life dates, but typically provides security updates for the current release of macOS, as well as the previous two releases.

Support Status Descriptions

Active (Default) This platform is supported by FDU Computer Services & University Systems and Networking and new machines will be built with this platform unless otherwise requested.
Active This platform is supported by FDU Computer Services & University Systems and Networking and will be installed on request.
Containment This platform is currently supported by FDU Computer Services & University Systems and Networking but no new machines will be built with this platform. Platforms in containment will receive security updates and patches for the FDU supported software components. FDU Computer Services & University Systems and Networking Facilities will not provide new software or major revisions to existing software for these platforms.
Phasing Out FDU Computer Services & University Systems and Networking is actively working to migrate assets away from this platform. Platforms go in to this status automatically 6 months before the FDU End of Support Date. Platforms may be placed in this status before that time.
EOL This platform is no longer supported by FDU Computer Services & University Systems and Networking. Software support will be dropped from any asset running this platform. Other levels of support may be dropped as circumstances warrant. A valid reason is required to maintain an asset running this platform past the End of FDU Support date. All exceptions must be logged and periodically reviewed.

Supported Operating Systems

OS Family Operating System Latest Release FDU Support Status Vendor Release Date Start of FDU Support End of FDU Support Latest Vendor EOL Date
Windows Desktop Windows 11 23H2 Active (Default) Oct-2023 Jul-2024 Oct-2026 Nov-2026
22H2 Phasing Out Sep-2022 Jul-2023 Jul-2024 Oct-2025
Windows 10 22H2 Containment Oct-2022 Dec-2022 May-2025 Oct-2025
21H2 Phasing Out Nov-2021 Jan-2022 May-2024 Jun-2024
Apple
Devices
macOS Sonoma 14 Active (Default) Sep-2023 Nov-2023 Jun-2026 ~2026
macOS Ventura 13 Containment Oct-2022 Dec-2022 Jun-2025 ~2025
macOS Monterey 12 Phasing Out Oct-2021 Dec-2021 Jun-2024 ~2024

Latest Release

The latest release for desktop operating systems includes all minor and incremental updates.

End of Life

Any operating system not listed above is considered EOL (End of Life) and will not be supported. Examples of EOL Operating Systems include:

Windows: 95,98, XP, ME, VISTA, 7 & 8
macOS: Yosemite, El Capitan, Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina, & Big Sur

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