Overview
As of Fall 2017, all Penn State Information Technology (Penn State IT) classroom and lab computers part of Cooperative Lab Management (CLM) have been upgraded to Windows 10.
Contact your local IT staff, or visit our Lab Locations and Our Rooms pages for a complete listing of upgraded computers.
On this page:
- Why Windows 10
- Which Edition of Windows 10
- What's Different in Windows 10
- Training & Resources
- Support Information
Why Windows 10
Windows 10 is Microsoft's current version of Windows, combining several features from Windows 7 and Windows 8.1, as well as offering several of its own, including the following:
- Flexible, modern user interface
- Enhanced enterprise and end-user security
- Improved search capabilities
- Better performance and resource management
- Expanded compatibility with devices
For more information on Windows 10 features, click here.
Which Edition of Windows 10
There are several editions of Windows 10. We're using Windows 10 Enterprise Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB), which may be slightly different from what you're used to at home or in your office.
Key Difference in Our Labs vs. Your Home or Office
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB excludes personal Windows features like Windows Store, Cortana, and most bundled Windows Apps (including Microsoft Edge).
Why This Edition
There are several benefits to using Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB in a classroom and lab environment:
- Stability: large feature updates, which can break course-specific applications and result in mid-semester interface-changes, are deferred until they're tried, tested, and readied.
- Security: security updates and bug fixes only (as opposed to feature enhancements) ensure that systems remain stable and secure, protecting you and Penn State's environment.
- Smaller footprint: less overhead allows Windows to run faster on more hardware, and still gives the ability to utilize Roaming Profiles and the UDrive.
- 64-bit: allows 64-bit applications to take full advantage of a computer's resources.
- Enterprise feature set: all of the traditional features of Windows Enterprise are available, allowing Penn State IT to effectively deliver a secure and flexible teaching and learning environment.
What's Different in Windows 10
Windows 10 combines the look & feel of Windows 7 with Windows 8.1 for a more flexible, modern user interface. Some things you might've been familiar with in older versions of Windows have changed:
- "Log Off" is Now "Sign Out"
- Search for Applications Using the Start Menu
- Find Software by Category with the Desktop Applications Folder
"Log Off" is Now "Sign Out"
To sign out of a Windows 10 computer, perform the following steps:
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In University Park general purpose classrooms and labs:
Note: This shortcut may not be available at all campus locations. |
Search for Applications Using the Start Menu
The Start Menu has been updated to more effectively search for installed applications rather than navigate through nested folders.
To search for an application, perform the following steps:
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Find Software by Category with the Desktop Applications Folder
If you're used to a more traditional (i.e., nested folder) listing of software by category, try the Applications folder on the desktop, which categorizes installed software:
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Training And Resources
Penn State IT provides several Windows 10-based training and tutorials:
- Windows 10: An Introduction (via Zoom) - This demonstration will explore the changes that users will experience as they migrate from Windows 7 to Windows 10. We will focus on Windows 10 Desktop Mode.
- Windows 10: Essential Training (via Lynda.com) - Learn all the essential features of Windows 10. This comprehensive course covers everything you need to know to install Windows, customize it to your liking, and start working with files and applications.
- Windows 10: New Features (via Lynda.com) - Explore the core new features and improvements in Microsoft's newest operating system.
- Windows 10: Tips and Tricks (via Lynda.com) - Tips and shortcuts for working more efficiently in Windows 10.
Personalized, Face-to-Face Help
- Tech Tutors - personalized technology training.
Support
Need assistance? Have a question? Penn State IT is here to help:
- LabChat - live chat support, available from all of our lab and classroom computers.
- Lab Consulting - in-person support at University Park.
- Local IT support - in-person and remote IT resources at our Commonwealth Campus or College locations. (map | database)
- Penn State Help Request Portal - submit information technology (IT) requests and report incidents.
- CLM Service Portal - CLM-related issues and requests (IT staff only).
Last Updated August 18, 2017