Software installs, updates and computer restarts for Faculty/staff are managed using a self-service application already installed on UNF-managed Windows and Mac computers. Faculty/staff can install programs without administrative rights and control when their computer will restart to apply required software updates. If software update notifications are ignored, a computer will automatically restart about four-hours after a user logs in to it. Warnings will be displayed so the user will have plenty of time to save their work.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the easiest way for me to install updates?
A: You will receive notification in the bottom right task tray that Software changes are required. The Microsoft notification typically appears on the second Wednesday of each month as updates become available from the vendor.
- Q: What if I am working and I get prompted to reboot?
A: You will receive notifications starting at 4 hours before any pending reboot. An on screen timer will begin at 30 minutes with a countdown of when the computer will reboot. A 10 minute reminder will also be sent. Be sure to save any work before then. Many of our enterprise applications like Microsoft Office (Word/Excel) have auto saving features built in that could recover work where you left off if you ignore the warnings, but are not guaranteed.
- Q: What if I ignore the Software changes notification and leave my computer on?
A: If software update notifications are ignored and your computer is powered on, it will restart automatically during the maintenance window.
- Q: What if I restart/shutdown my computer at the end of the day?
A. Before you shut down, be sure to access the Software Center. Under the Updates menu select the Install All button. The notification typically appears on the second Wednesday of each month as updates become available from the vendor. When you restart/shutdown at the end of the day the updates are completely installed.
- Q: I wasn’t in the office for an extended amount of time. Do I still get 4 days to install?
A: No, updates work on a deadline schedule per update. This means that each update has a 4 day deadline set. If you come into the office a week after an update is released, the update will be beyond that day. Updates that are required and not installed before their deadline are installed right away and you have 4 hours to reboot your computer. (Typically during lunch/end of day)
- Q: Is it better to turn my computer off on the weekends?
A: Leaving your computer running and locked for the weekend will install all updates and reboot automatically. If you turn off your computer, you will need to get into the habit of clicking install updates in software center before shutting down for the weekend. Failing to do so will mean the updates will be automatically installed and you will be forced to reboot within 4 hours of turning on your computer when you return.