GATCF Desktop PC

Log in to a PC or Mac by the JCU issued user name and your password - remember to change your password regularly.

The side-mounted USB Type-C allows fast data transfer rates, while the USB Type-A (USB 3) with PowerShare port enables you to conveniently charge other devices, even when the system is shut down. And the Standard Media Card Reader SD4.0 allows fast data transfer from a variety of memory cards.

In 2019 Dell Optiplex 7460 all-in-one PCs replaced the earlier versions of desktop PCs in most of the common teaching rooms in Cairns and Townsville. They run on the Windows 10 platform but without the touch screen option.

Windows 10 offers an easy way to toggle the display between four different modes.

While holding down the Windows key on the keyboard (between Ctrl and Alt at the bottom left), press the P-key. The four options will be shown on an overlay which slides onto the PC screen from the right hand side. To change to the next setting, press the P-key again while holding down the Windows key.

1. Computer only
   This shows the desktop on the PC screen only

2. Duplicate
   This shows the desktop on both the PC screen and a projector or flat panel display

3. Extend
   This extends the desktop from the PC screen to a projector or flat panel display and is often used when presenting PowerPoint with notes (notes shown on the PC screen only)

4. Second screen only (projector or wall mounted flat panel displays/TVs)
   This shows the desktop only on the projector or flat panel display

The new Dell 7460 GATCF PCs are not fitted with a drive bay for DVDs. As a short term workaround, VAVS in Cairns and Townsville can provide a portable drive which plugs into the GATCF PC by USB. Longer term, academics are advised to contact their College Desktop Support to get files converted and stored on line.

Assuming you have saved the file to a USB/memory stick:

Play the file by inserting the CD/DVD or USB stick in one of the USB slots spot then launch the VLC Media Player.

VLC can play any video/audio format known to the Internet. Make sure the audio on the computer is turned up and not muted. In lecture theatres fitted with touch screens also make sure the Source or Program Volume is turned up to a pleasant level. If you are in a room fitted with projectors, make sure the audio is routed to the same screen where the video is shown.

Please note a downloaded internet file, which plays perfectly well on your desktop in your office or at home, may not necessarily play as well on the In House Dell PCs due to configuration differences. Owing to the myriad of video and audio codecs on the net, we recommend playing them with the VLC Media Player which is part of the standard software package on the GATCF computers.

Once you have logged into the PC, you will see a Youtube tile on the desktop – click on it to launch a browser which then takes you to the Youtube home on the net. You can either search for the clip in question or if you have the link to the Youtube clip , copy and paste it into the browser window.

The PCs are usually set up to duplicate the screen which means what you see on the computer screen is what you see on the projector screen/flat panel display.

Press the 'Windows-key' and the 'P-key' to toggle the display options – a menu slides in from the right hand side of the screen showing you the options – while holding the down the windows-key, keep pressing the P key until the Extend option is selected then let go of both keys.

Ensure the Use Presenter View box is ticked in the PowerPoint Slide Show Monitor option before starting the slide show (see image below).

Mediasite replaces Techsmith in 2017 and the software has been installed on all Common Teach Room Dell AIO PCs. It uses the inbuilt PC camera and microphone. Some rooms will have the Mediasite hardware recording devices, indicated by the Mediasite control and status light located on the lectern/presenter's desk.

For more information about Mediasite, please visit the Mediasite help page.

Any desktop PC issues should be reported by logging a job with the IT HelpDesk or phone ext. 15500 (Townsville) or ext.21777 (Cairns)

For more information from the manufacturer, click on Dell Website