Setting Up a Standard Device
University of Pittsburgh laptops are autoconfigured right out of the box with minimal work by you. Just plug it in, connect to Wi-fi, log in with your Pitt credentials, let the start-up process complete, and begin using it from any location. The device will automatically be configured for the Pitt environment and will be loaded with, including Office 365, Zoom, Pitt Password Manager, anti-virus protection, PittNet VPN, and more.
Departmental IT support/Pitt IT does not need to set up your laptop, though if you experience a technical difficulty, the Pitt IT Help Desk can assist. If you need additional software, you may contact Pitt IT Help Desk or install software yourself.
The computer will automatically be registered with Pitt IT’s enterprise device management service, so when updates and patches are deployed, your device will be updated automatically.
IMPORTANT: When you unbox your computer, make certain it is plugged into an outlet for the entire setup process. Also, it is vital that the machine is located at a place that gets a decent Internet signal!
How to Setup Your Device
Benefits
Standard Software Applications
The following software applications are installed on devices purchased through the Standard Computer Purchasing Program.
IT Management
Enterprise Device Management (EDM) is a Pitt Information Technology service that supports departments in the standardization of machine settings, software installation, remote administration, and dynamic reporting of Windows and Apple devices.
One benefit is the ability to access University recommended software. Download software from Software Center (Windows) or Self Service (Mac OS).
Endpoint Security and Protection Settings
The following security and windows settings are configured on devices purchased through the Standard Computer Purchasing Program.
- Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection with Antivirus: Microsoft Defender Advanced Threat Protection with Antivirus is enabled.
- Disk Encryption: Microsoft BitLocker full disk encryption (Windows) and MacOS FileVault (Mac) is enabled.
- Firewall: Firewall is automatically enabled.
- Additional Security: Customers are informed of the appropriate use of University computer services and user account control is enabled to prevent harmful programs from making changes to the computer.
Other Settings
- Operating System: Every computer is automatically upgraded to the latest OS Version (ex. Windows 11 or MacOS Sonoma).
- Preinstalled Applications: The start menu has quick access to Microsoft Office 365 and web browser applications.
- Microsoft OneDrive in Windows: Microsoft OneDrive is enabled and automatically configured to save documents, desktops, and pictures.
- Certificates: Several certificates are installed, such as InCommon for Wireless, University's Root for Client Communication to resources such as Microsoft SCCM (Windows) or Jamf (MacOS).