Automatic computer updates – working the night shift

19 Sep 2013

Log off to save work during regular system updates by IT Services

To keep your computer and information as secure as possible, IT Services runs regular system updates and virus scans on University computers (both desktop PCs and laptops) with the managed Staff Desktop. These updates and scans happen at night to avoid inconveniencing you during the day.

In order to be green, and to keep the electricity bill as small as possible, IT Services automatically wakes up your computer to receive updates and perform a virus scan every weekend. Your computer will also automatically restart at 4.30am on Sundays.

What do staff need to do?

Before you leave at the end of the day, please log out, but do not shutdown or power off the machine. The power management software will automatically deal with saving energy.

If you have a University laptop, it is good practice to bring this in and plug it into the University network regularly, to ensure it is able to download and install updates.

What happens if a computer is unplugged?

Don’t worry; your computer will still receive updates and perform a virus scan when you turn it on, but it may run slowly when you first log in. It may also need to restart after the updates have finished.

What happens if I don't log out?

The computer may automatically log you out if it needs to, so make sure you have saved any work before you leave.