Do I need updates on my university managed laptop?

 

Do I need updates on my university managed laptop?

Every computer will need updates eventually but when should you go looking for them? 

                This is a common question and sometimes it’s not clear if it’s you or your computer having the problems.  The biggest indicator that your computer might need some updates is when something that worked before just stops working.   Most of the time if it worked on another computer but doesn’t work on your computer then it’s not the site you are on or the hardware you are using but it’s probably the computer.

If you are having any problems with wired network slowness, USB’s not working or audio delay/not connecting then you might be related to non-critical Windows updates that need to be manually run. To check for Windows updates, you can type “Windows Update Settings” in the windows search and click on the link to “Check online for updates from Microsoft Update”. This will automatically search and install known updates. You might be required to reboot to finish installing some updates, if so then search for Windows Updates again and click the link to “View optional updates”, under the Driver section you may have more updates, and these may also require a reboot. Please do not run any “Feature update to Windows 10,” if they are listed, the university computer management team will push those when they have been tested.

What if my docking station stops working like it used to?

                This can happen over time or all at once.  First thing to check is power!  If the docking station power supply has a blue ring around the plugin, then it should be working!  The next thing to check is if the device you are trying to use works with another docking station or when it’s plugged directly into your laptop.  If not, then it’s probably the device!

                After ruling out the laptop and the devices then you will need to call 1-HELP (612-301-4357) and ask the help desk to update the firmware on your docking station.  If you have one of the original WD-15 (square style, see image) docking station, then Dell has updates available for it.  Some of the newer WD-19s docking stations also have updates but not as many.  Once the help desk connects to your laptop and determines it’s not a laptop problem then they will initiate the firmware update process from Dell.com.  This should take between 20-30 min and shouldn’t require a call back.  If the help desk is unable to remote into your laptop for this process they will transfer your ticket to the Desktop Support group and you will need to setup an appointment window for them to contact you.