Over the summer, the Computing Services Department (CSD) have been testing and implementing a range of new tools and services to help and enhance the student experience.
Office 365
New Office 365 apps, namely OneDrive for Business, Sway and Teams, are now available to students to foster more collaborative working across devices and locations, because learning doesn’t only take place in a lecture theatre.
- OneDrive for Business
This app allows you to access your work files anytime, anywhere, from any of your devices. You have control of who can see and edit your files, which means you can also share files with colleagues and work on them simultaneously. Established University spaces such as your M: drive and departmental drives are still available and should be used to store confidential and sensitive information. - Sway
A more visual alternative to PowerPoint and Publisher, Sway helps you create engaging, visual presentations, newsletters, reports and other digital content. You don’t need to request access to these apps. Just visit office.com and log in with your University credentials (in the format username@liverpool.ac.uk). - Teams
Teams is a hub where you can seamlessly share information, work together on documents and projects, and keep each other up to date with informal chat. Students will have access to Teams sites where staff have granted them access.
For more information about the new Office 365 apps, visit our Office 365 webpage.
Don’t forget – all staff and students are entitled to install Microsoft Office on personal computers and tablets for free. You can download and install Office on up to five devices – whether a PC, laptop, Mac, tablet or phone. Your licence will last for as long as you are a member of the University.
LinkedIn Learning
In 2018, CSD made the video learning platform Lynda.com available to all staff and students, for free. In 2019 the service changed its name to LinkedIn Learning, offering users the same extensive collection of learning materials, but with the added benefit of being able to link your courses and certificates to your LinkedIn profile.
Access LinkedIn Learning for free and learn something new today.
Printing costs reduced
In 2017/2018, the University saw a 26% reduction in the number of pages printed on campus. While we are always striving to get that number down further and reduce waste, sometimes, there’s just no digital equivalent for an important piece of paper.
The latest price drop follows a review of print services which led to the introduction of new equipment right across campus. The price of an A4, single-sided black and white print-out has reduced from 2.4p to 2p. A4 colour prints have gone from 6p to 5p. Visit the CSD printing pages for a full list of prices as well as advice on how to top-up your print credit online.
MATLAB Portal
CSD has expanded the University’s access to MATLAB, Simulink and companion products with the introduction of the new MATLAB Portal. It allows faculty, researchers, and students to download and install these products on their personal devices. It also provides access to teaching materials as well as information on getting started with the software.
If you’re not using your own device, remember MATLAB is available on all Teaching Centre PCs and can be installed on any Managed Windows Service (MWS) machine via Install University Applications.
Self-service portal
This one is for anyone who’s new to the University this year. If you’ve got an IT problem that needs sorting, visit our 24/7 self-service portal for fast resolution that keeps you updated every step of the way. Navigate to servicedesk.liverpool.ac.uk and log in with your MWS credentials to get started.
- Something not working the way it should?
Click ‘Support’, fill out the form and one of our team members to get in touch. Alternatively, from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm, you can use the Live Chat located just beneath the Support button. - Want advice on how to do something IT-related?
Click ‘Knowledge’ to browse hundreds of self-help articles available on our portal. - Need to request something?
Maybe it’s a data recovery attempt or an appointment with our Mobile Device Clinic. Click ‘Request’ and navigate to the relevant category to make your request.
CSD are also available on Twitter @liverpoolcsd and have three Service Desks across campus – locate them here.