University Managed Desktop (UMD) and changes to the Clinical School "Computer Support" service
From May 2024, The Clinical Computing Service (CSCS) is making changes to the “Computer Support” service. We will no longer be offering “medschl” devices, instead the service will utilise the new University Managed Desktop (UMD) solution as a way for all laptop and desktop computers to securely reconnect to the University network, systems, files, and applications to safeguard functionality and to keep everyone’s data secure, as well as lowering the risk of future cyber incidents,
So what is the University Managed Desktop (UMD)?
The University Managed Desktop (UMD) is provided by UIS & provides a secure and managed platform for devices to connect to University services, keeping them more secure too.
Not only can operating system security updates be managed and installed, any applications pre-installed, or installed via the macOS Self Service or Windows Company Portal, will be periodically updated to ensure security is maintained too.
Given CSCS customers have now moved to Exchange Online, the UMD service is a great solution as it allows you to login onto any UMD device using your “Raven”/Office365 credentials & it will set up Outlook, MS Teams, OneDrive, MS Office etc.. using seamless-sign-on (SSO) which makes set up and access to Office365 services much easier.
UIS provide the platform, support is provided by the local institution, i.e. CSCS.
So what laptop or desktop can I have?
UMD is available for both Windows & macOS devices, and at this time Feb 1, 2025 we are issuing devices running Windows 11 & macOS 15/Sequoia.
As at Feb 1, 2025, there is currently no UMD solution for Linux, however, this is being worked on by both CSCS & UIS teams
To be able to run UMD there is a minimum hardware requirement, so if your device is very very old, it may need replacing. Under “recovery” we are offering like-for-like replacement devices, i.e. if you have a Windows desktop, you will receive a replacement Windows desktop. However, if you state on the audit form you would like to move from a desktop to a laptop, you will receive a Windows laptop; the operating system will remain unchanged.
We shall not be able to match the specifications however, so for details on what laptops and desktops are available via recovery, see which models are available:
Windows devices - https://cscs-itsupport.atlassian.net/l/cp/J1tU6CsP
macOS devices -