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IT Help and Support

University Information Services
 

This information is for IT staff working in Colleges, departments and institutions at the University. If you have a new UMD device and want to set it up, you can find information about setting up UMD devices on our new starter pages

 

The University's desktop service

The University Managed Desktop (UMD) is the University's desktop service. It provides secure access to files and easy access to a range of popular productivity, collaboration and teaching applications.  

It is available on both Windows and macOS devices in either a single-user or shared-use configurations. 

 

Key features

  • Windows, macOS and iOS devices are managed using best practices and technologies
  • Managed software installations
  • Integration with Microsoft 365, Office 365 and the University Managed Print service
  • Cloud management of devices
  • A range of configuration options
  • Receive pre-provisioned devices direct from Dell Premier

 

Why use the UMD?

A better experience for your users:

  • Devices arrive preconfigured
  • Users can access their device and software with a single University password
  • Access to a software portal to select applications to be pre-installed or added on demand

Better for IT staff 

  • Hybrid working compatible. Configuration, remediation, and updates can be run anywhere in the world 
  • Over 150 applications 
    • Available for user download without administrator rights 
    • Kept up to date by UIS 
  • Delegated access to Microsoft Intune (Windows UMD) and Jamf (macOS) 
  • Admin rights over your UMD devices 
  • Remote help software to help your users 
  • Buy pre-provisioned devices from Dell Premier (Windows) 

Better for your institution:

  • Integration with IFS means you no longer worry about providing and maintaining storage
  • It takes minutes to re-assign a machine to another user when a member of staff leaves your institution
  • Operating system and BIOS/firmware updates are applied for you

Better for the University:

  • Institutions can use it to provide standardised machines for student or staff use
  • Improved cyber and information security of software and hardware: we automate software and operating system updates as soon as they become available to protect devices and University information against the latest exploits

 

UMD models 

Single user 

  • Device: Set up for a single user. 
  • Operating systems: Windows and macOS 
  • Applications: All the apps a standard user will need, either preinstalled or available for download 
  • Available from: Dell Premier 
  • Use cases: A standard user’s day-to-day device 

Shared use 

  • Device: Set up for multiple users 
  • Applications: Minimal apps preinstalled but all apps available 
  • Operating systems: Windows and macOS 
  • Available from: UIS
  • Use cases:   
    • Lectern/Presentation Devices 
    • ‘Hot’ Spare Devices 
    • Training Devices 

Academic 

  • Device: Set up for multiple users 
  • Applications: Over 50 different academic software pre-installed. For example. MatLab and SPSS 
  • Operating systems: Windows and macOS 
  • Available from: Dell Premier 
  • Use cases:   
    • Replacement for the MCS 
    • Academic/Teaching environments 

System  

  • Device: Set up for system accounts 
  • Applications: No apps preinstalled but all apps available 
  • Operating systems: Windows 
  • Available from: UIS
  • Use cases:   
    • Equipment connected device 
    • Door controller 

  

How do I trial or request the service?

You can request a demonstration or a trial system by contacting the UIS Service Desk.
 

Further information for IT staff

 

Further information for end users 

 

Get help

If you need help using a University Managed Desktop, contact the UIS Service Desk. You can subscribe to receive updates on the status of the service on our IT Service Status site.