Managed desktop
Managed desktops are PCs which have their software set up and maintained in the background using automated processes run by IT Services.
Software installs and updates, security settings and antivirus updates, user permissions, P: Drive and shared area connections are just some of the standard settings we apply to thousands of managed desktop PCs remotely.
There are several versions of managed desktop, including:
- Windows 7 desktops, which are available in all open-access PC Clusters and is currently being rolled out to staff colleagues
- Media centre desktops
- Lecture theatre desktops
In addition to the above there are various faculty-maintained desktop images available, including Linux desktops.
Managed desktops can be easily recovered to a working configuration, including all the required software and data stored in the managed locations, in the event of a severe problem.
PCs bought via IT Services will have a managed desktop installed by default.
The 'Your desktop computer' section contains more information on managed desktops:
In order to preserve the secure configuration of the PC, administrator rights are often not provided to users of a managed desktop. Special dispensation is made for staff who, under special circumstances, may require elevated privileges to perform their work.
Students cannot install software on PCs in computer clusters.
Updates to a managed desktop version are usually managed automatically by IT Services. If a PC or laptop requires a version of a managed desktop installing, or for any other queries regarding the managed desktop, please contact the IT Support Centre.
