Laptops, desktop computers, tablets, smartphones... there's a range of devices out there you might be using. These devices use operating systems, which is the interface you see when you use them. This page looks at the practicalities of using different devices and operating systems, and shares tips for using them effectively.
Often when working in the university you will used shared devices, whether in an office, a teaching room, or an IT classroom. If you're a member of staff, you may also share devices with other members of your team or department. There are some things to consider when using shared devices to keep your information and account safe.
If you have access to multiple devices, you will need to consider which device is best for which task. For example, a small laptop or tablet would be more suitable out of the office, whereas you may want a multi-screen setup at a desk for more complex tasks.
Lots of applications can be used across different devices. For example, Google has a range of apps that sync across your devices using an internet connection.
IT Services has guidance on using a variety of desktop and mobile devices with university services on the Mobile Devices page.
If you've got a multi-screen setup with your desktop or laptop, here are some tips to get the most out of all that extra screen space:
N.B.1 You could also create this kind of setup if you have multiple devices, such as a phone, laptop and/or tablet, each displaying different apps/information.
N.B.2 Get beautiful, free dual-monitor wallpapers for your computer from Unsplash.
Keyboard shortcuts are keys or key combinations that provide an alternative - and often quicker - way to something on your computer that you would usually do with a mouse. This Microsoft support page provides all Windows keyboard shortcuts. Likewise, if you use a Mac, Apple has listed all of their shortcuts on this support page. Why not try a few?
For more information on Windows 10 keys and shortcuts, see our Windows 10 tips page.
What does it do? | Windows shortcut | Mac shortcut |
---|---|---|
Copy an item to the clipboard | Ctrl + C | Command + C |
Paste an item that has been copied | Ctrl + V | Command + V |
Undo an action | Ctrl + Z | Command + Z |
Switch between open applications | Alt + Tab | Command + Tab |
Lock your screen (will require user password to unlock) | Windows key + L | Option + Shift + Command + Q (see note below) |
Note: The Mac shortcut for locking your computer actually logs you out of your user account. You can also set a Mac to require a password after it is 'woken up' (e.g. when you reopen a Macbook after closing it without turning it off).
Taking a picture of all or part of your screen can be handy for a variety of reasons. How to take a screenshot varies across devices and operating systems.
On a Windows computer:
On a Mac:
On an Android device:
On a iOS device (iPhone, iPad):
There are various ways of recreating elements of working on campus when you are off campus. IT Services has a guide to working off campus which covers the options.
The virtual desktop service (VDS) allows you to log in as though you were on a University managed office computer, when on a home device.
When accessing key York services online, you will be prompted to log in using your York credentials which is known as single sign-on (SSO). You can replicate this same SSO experience off-campus on different devices using the VPN (Virtual Private Network). This may be necessary to access certain University web services off campus, as well as accessing your filestore remotely.