Laptops

Laptops are usually provided with little more than an operating system installed; different group members use their laptops in different ways, and so it is up to you to install the software that you need. You will find information about common applications, including Microsoft Office, in the software section of this site, and PPE IT support can also help if needed.

It is your responsibility to ensure that your laptop is kept secure and up-to-date. In particular, you should consider the following points:

• The operating system and applications must be updated regularly. Automatic updates should be enabled where possible.
• Your laptop should have working anti-virus software, which should be kept up-to-date.
• You must take care to ensure that personal and confidential data is protected. If you have personal data on your laptop (e.g. correspondence with or information about students you teach, or lists of contact details for research collaborators) you should be using full disk encryption.
• You must ensure that important files are backed-up appropriately.

PPE IT support will be happy to advise on any of these topics.

Support

Laptops provide great flexibility, running a wide range of applications and being easily moved from one location to another, but this flexibility comes with increased support complexity. PPE IT support will provide support for laptops and other mobile devices where possible, which will focus on resolving hardware issues and ensuring core applications work correctly.

Users of Mac laptops should note that investigations and warranty repairs for hardware and software faults will be completed by Apple UK at a local Apple Store. If your laptop requires to be returned to an Apple Store, it is usually quicker and more convenient if you are able to take it in yourself. The closest Apple Stores are in Buchanan Street and at Braehead.

It will not always be possible to support users attempting to use personal devices on the university network, or university-owned devices on their own home networks.