Desktop Management Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
UM-Flint faculty, staff and students have submitted the following questions:
- What operating system will we be using?
- Does this affect MAC users?
- Will we be able to change options such as desktop appearance, folder appearance or will a standard generic set of preferences be imposed on all?
- Will individually owned and installed software be permitted?
- Must I uninstall all personal applications immediately?
- Will everyone have to use MS Office applications from the server?
- This means we cannot do any work when the network is down, whereas if we have the MS Office on our own desktop (as I do) then we can do quite a lot of work even without the network.
- Will this have any effect on those using the wireless network?
- What effect will this have on personal PC's used by students on the Wireless Network? For instance my laptop which I use on the wireless network and at home, what will happen to my system? Perhaps this email should be sent to Students as well, as some may not be aware of this.
- Can you please tell me exactly what Altris does? Is it similar to spy-ware in any way? Does it collect information at any time unsolicited or without approval?
What operating system will we be using?
The installation of Altiris will not change your operating system.
Does this affect MAC users?
Will we be able to change options such as desktop appearance, folder appearance or will a standard generic set of preferences be imposed on all?
Altiris does not affect this. It is not being used to modify your computer.
Will individually owned and installed software be permitted?
Yes, it will be permitted.
Must I uninstall all personal applications immediately?
Will everyone have to use MS Office applications from the server?
No, it will remain the same.
This means we cannot do any work when the network is down, whereas if we have the MS Office on our own desktop (as I do) then we can do quite a lot of work even without the network.
You will still be able to do this.
Will this have any effect on those using the wireless network?
It will install on all student employee, faculty, and staff computers using the UM-Flint wireless network.
What effect will this have on personal PC's used by students on the Wireless Network? For instance my laptop which I use on the wireless network and at home, what will happen to my system? Perhaps this email should be sent to Students as well, as some may not be aware of this.
Nothing will happen to students using their own laptops on our network with the exception of those with Novell client installed and a student employee account. Therefore this message does not need to be sent to all students. Basically, all faculty/staff and student employees that use their personal laptops (or pc’s) on our campus will get Altiris installed. If faculty, staff or student employees wish to uninstall Altiris client from their personal laptops, they may contact the Helpdesk during working hours, and an ITS staff member will uninstall the Altiris client. However, please keep in mind that it is the personal pc's that brought the last major virus onto our campus and infected our network. Also, should you decide to uninstall, you will not receive the Windows updates that we deliver through Altiris to protect your personal pc.