Windows desktop: students

Overview

Eligibility

The Windows desktop can be accessed by all students and staff at the University.

When you log on to a PC in an IT Services classroom or study area, you will see the student Windows desktop.

Your desktop gives you access to the IT facilities you will need as a student at York, such as:

• internet
• software
• printers
• your personal filestore, known as the H: drive or "Documents", where you can save your work

Your Windows desktop is automatically updated with the latest patches and anti virus software.

Logging on

Use your IT Services username and password to log on.

The domain you should use is ITSYORK - the PC will normally set itself to use this automatically.

The first time you log onto Windows, a new profile will be created for you. It may take up to five minutes to log on for the first time, but the next time you log on it will be much faster.

Using Windows 10

Here are a few handy hints and tips for using Windows 10:

The Taskbar & Start Menu

• The Taskbar is unrestricted for staff and students. Pin frequently used applications to it by right-clicking the application shortcut and selecting Pin to Taskbar.
• When you use an application it will be added to your Start menu, but will disappear if you don't use it for a while - unless you pin it: right-click on the application and select Pin to Start Menu.
• The Taskbar groups open files together by program.
• At the right hand side of the Taskbar the little arrow shows any hidden icons, such as the volume control.
• The box at the far right of the Taskbar can either be hovered over or clicked to show the desktop.

Quick access to recently opened files

Jump Lists are lists of recently opened items, organized by the program that you use to open them.

You can use a Jump List to open items, and you can also pin favourites to a Jump List, so you can quickly get to the items that you use every day.

Jump Lists are available from the Start menu and the Taskbar.

Managing open windows

Use the mouse pointer to select an open window and Shake it. This minimises all other windows, giving you a clutter free workspace. Shaking it again will maximise all the other windows.

Use the Snap feature to dock your window to the left and right sides of the desktop so you can easily have two documents open for comparison. Drag one window off the left of the screen, and the other off the right.

Drag a window by the title bar to the top of the screen to maximise it.

Sticky Notes on the desktop

Add post-it notes to your desktop.

Go to Start | All Programs | Apps | Sticky Notes.

• More information about Sticky Notes

Screen shot tool

Use the Snipping Tool to take screen shots of all or part of your screen.

Go to Start | All Programs | Accessories | Snipping Tool.

•  More information about the Snipping Tool 

Speech recognition

The Speech Recognition facility allows you to dictate text and control your computer.

Go to Start | All Programs | Windows Ease of Access | Windows Speech Recognition.

• More information about Speech Recognition

Help & troubleshooting

Library & IT Help Desk

If you're having problems using the Windows desktop, get in touch with the IT Support.

Our commitments

Your responsibilities

Please familiarise yourself with the following pages:

• Conduct in classrooms
• Regulation 11: Use of computing facilities