GATCF Desktop PC
Dell 9030 All-in-one PC
Introduction
In 2015 Dell Optiplex 9030 all-in-one PCs replaced the earliker versions of desktop PCs in many of the common teaching rooms in Cairns and Townsville. They run on the Windows 8.1 platform but without the touch screen option.
Logging on
Click the OK button on the Copyright screen
Click anywhere on the screen
Enter your normal JCU username and password to log in.
Guest lecturers may log in using avvisitor for both username and password
The preceeding .\ (dot back-slash) are no longer required
Show installed software
Press the Windows key to show commonly used programs
Techsmith Relay recordings
The inbuilt camera is fine however the inbuilt microphone is not of a quality to produce acceptable Techsmith Relay recordings or for Skype sessions. We recommend a BYO microphonefor recording purposes in thecommon teaching rooms where a lectern/wireless microphone is not provided. It is recommended a test recording be conducted prior to recording Techsmith.
A DVD drive is located on the outside frame on the right hand side with its release mechanism a small button on the rear.
All Dell PCs in the VAVS venues run the Windows 8.1 Enterprise Operating System. A DVD drive is located along the outer frame on the right hand side of the PC. An open/shut button is located on the drive but not clearly visible.
Toggle Display Function
Windows 8 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.
Computer only
(This shows the desktop on the PC screen)Duplicate
(This shows the desktop on both the PC screen and a projector or flat panel display)Extend
(This extends the desktop from the PC screen to a projector and is often used when presenting PowerPoint with notes)Projector only
(This shows the desktop only on the projector or flat panel display)
How to play a DVD
The DVD drive is located on the outer frame of the screen, roughly halfway up on the right hand side.
Press the eject button on the drive, insert the DVD and push the drive back into the frame.
The associated player (VLC) will automatically launch.
How to play a downloaded file
Assuming you have either burnt the downloaded content to a CD/DVD or saved it to a USB/memory stick:
Play the file by inserting the CD/DVD or USB stick in the appropriate 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 not muted and turned up. In lecture theatres fitted with touch screens also make sure the Source 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 packet on the GATCF computers.
How to present Powerpoint slide with notes
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).
Desktop Support
Any desktop PC issues should be reported by logging a job with the IT HelpDesk or phone ext. 15500 (Townsville) or ext.21777 (Cairns)