Desktop Computer Deployment
Desktop Deployment Quick-menu
The basic steps for desktop computer deployment are...
(Details for each of these steps are outlined below)
- Regsiter for and attend a Windows 7 Overview training session
- After this training, a service ticket will be generated with the Helpdesk to get your computer ready for you
- Download our worksheet for listing your mapped printers and drives, fill it out, and have it ready when your new computer arrives; Helpdesk will be able to help you remap these devices if you need them to
- The Helpdesk will contact you to schedule an appointment to backup files from your computer and ask about any additional software you may need
- Your computer will then be delivered to you with all of your files and required software installed
Windows 7 Operating System Overview Training
Your new computer will come loaded with Microsoft’s latest operating system, Windows 7. Radford University recognizes that as updated software becomes available it can be difficult, at first, for users to make the transition to the newest versions. This overview class will help familiarize you with the major features and enhancements of the new operating system. We will introduce Windows 7’s new look and feel, explore the desktop and taskbar, explain the use of tools such as jump lists and gadgets, and show you how to work with files and folders so that you can feel confident and prepared using the new operating system on your computer.
We have scheduled several Windows 7 Overview classes throughout the summer for your convenience. To register and find out more about these classes, as well as other training opportunities, please visit the Training & Development Support System (TDSS) and select the Summer Training 2010 category.
Although this overview class is scheduled to last 1.5 hours, the trainer will remain on hand for an additional half-hour to help answer any questions or concerns, as well as offer some sneak peeks at Office 2010 to show you some of the important changes.
Office 2010 Replaces Office 2007
All new computers deployed by RU this summer will have the latest Office Suite software, which is now version 2010, replacing version 2007. This suite is comprised of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Visio, et al. The differences between Office 2007 and Office 2010 are not as great as the differences were between Office 2007 and all previous versions of the Office Suite, so there will be no
mandatory training you need to attend before receiving your new computer.
Most of you will be able to figure out where the new things are on your own. We will, however,offer trainings this summer and into the next school year, so please check the TDSS registration site to see if and when these trainings are offered. The Office 2010 training will focus on the differences from Office 2007.
Requesting Additional Software for your New Computer
After attending a
Windows 7 Overview training session you will receive a follow-up call from the Helpdesk asking for your software requests that are in addition to the software already installed on the computer. RU computers aready include much of the software most of us use every day, for example:
- The Office 2010 Suite (NOTE: Not Office 2007)
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- Access
- Visio
- etc.
- Internet Explorer and Firefox (Mozilla) browsers
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Web-VPN Client
- iTunes
- WPS (Wireless Projection System)
If you need any additional software that you use on a regular basis (e.g. Maple, SAS, SPSS, Dreamweaver), please have a list of this software ready when Helpdesk calls.
"Mapped Printers and Drives" pdf Form
Your computer is connected to at least one, but likely several different networked printers and drives (departmental shares, etc.), and you may also have a local printer at your desk that only you can print to. You will need to list these as they appear on your present computer and then re-map these devices on your new computer.
To help in this process we have created a pdf form for you to print out, fill in, and keep with you; you may access the form here. The form has all the directions on it that you will need, but if you run into any difficulty then you can call the Helpdesk. Preparing this step will help assure that your desktop deployment session will go quicker and smoother, so please be prepared. Additionally, by going through the process yourself you will become familiar with how to map networked printers and drives so that you will have the personal ability to do so in the future, as your needs change.
When will my desktop be delivered?
Desktop computers will be delivered as soon as we can possibly get to them. Summer is our busiest time, so please be patient and refrain from calling to inquire about delivery. If far too much time has gone by please call Academic Technologies and we will investigate. Thanks for your patience and understanding.