Classroom Computers
A standardized podium computer is available in ALL centrally-managed classrooms at VCU. These computers may be used by ALL users with an active VCU eID / email address for official teaching/learning purposes, employee and student organizations affiliated with VCU, and for VCU sponsored events.
Computer Support
Support for all podium computers and student lab computers (both hardware AND software) in centrally-managed classroom spaces is provided by the Instructional Computing Services team who work alongside the Media Support Services team (both teams are part of Academic Technologies). If you have any questions, would like to submit a request, or if you need to report an issue, please reach out to us by emailing classroomtech@vcu.edu or by submitting a ticket at go.vcu.edu/ramscentral.
Limitations and Restrictions
Due to the inherent nature of computers that must be used by multiple people throughout each day, our computers are configured to ensure a secure environment that complies with all relevant VCU university policies and security baselines. This means some functionality, features, and access to certain data storage platforms have been intentionally disabled, limited, or restricted for usage only by certain groups (IT). Below are some frequently asked questions we've received related to these limitations and restrictions.
Note: Every computer in a centrally-managed classroom requires VCU eID credentials to sign-in. The VCU Instructional Computing Services team cannot and will not provide guest access or generic accounts. VCU students and employees should not sign-in on behalf of guests. ALL activities may be monitored on VCU computers ALL individuals receiving a university computing account and/or using VCU computer and network resources, are expected to comply with VCU Computer and Network Resources Use Policy.
Recent Updates to Classroom Computers
Instructional Computing Services has upgraded all centrally-managed classroom computers to Windows 11. With this new operating system comes a few subtle changes. We've listed a few of the most notable changes below.
- When at the lock screen, you cannot simply "switch users". Instead, you'll need to restart the computer if another user is already signed-in and didn't sign-out. Remember to click "sign-out" before you leave the room.
- With changes to the way Windows and app updates work, you may see updates attempt to install when manually restarting the computer. If this takes more than a few minutes, call the support number in the room for assistance. A laptop may need to be dispatched for temporary usage.
- Web browser policy changes now restrict the ability to download files from some websites which may be known for unsafe files, you may not be able to maintain a browser session for more than 60 minutes, and you will not be able to sign-in to save and/or sync your VCU user profile. While not all web browsers have all of these limitations and restrictions, these configuration changes are intentional and designed to limit the ability of personally-identifiable data being stored permanently on classroom computers. Closing all windows of any web browser should clear any sessions and delete any profile data automatically.
You may request additional software be installed at any time by emailing classroomtech@vcu.edu (do NOT copy additional people/email addresses) with the title of the software you'd like installed, the building name(s), and room number(s). For more details, see the "requests" section at the end of this page.
Note: All software requests may take up to 15 business days to review, approve/deny, and if approved deploy to the computer(s) listed in your ticket.
This happens when the last person who used the computer did not sign-out before walking away. The easiest way to resolve this is by restarting the computer. Use your credentials when the login screen appears.
Additionally, it is imperative that all users of a multi-user computer sign-out when they are finished using the computer. Your account may have access to data storage platforms, websites, and other items you've downloaded to the computer. Although certain time-out policies have been implemented to assist with ensuring account/data security, there will always be a potential for unintended access if you walk away from a computer without signing-out of your account first.
Logout of the computer before you leave the room!
This can happen from time to time if the computer was recently rebooted and hasn't had enough time to finish updating the background overlay program (Rainmeter). The simplest solution is to sign-out and sign-in again.
All user data stored on the classroom computer (i.e. downloaded documents and files, user-profile settings/preferences, and web browser sessions) will be deleted at the next reboot. On each computer in a centrally-managed classroom, our background overlay notice clearly states this policy. You and only you, are responsible for your data! We strongly recommend that you backup any work you need to save/keep using your VCU Google Drive account and/or a USB storage device.
Pre-Installed Software
All computers in centrally-supported spaces are imaged with the same base software listed below.
- 7-Zip
- Cisco AnyConnect VPN
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Office 2021
- VLC Media Player
- Visual Studio Code
- Zoom Workspace
Instructor Requests for Software
For software that is not listed above, instructors may request any software title from the VCU Software Center that is available for localized deployment to classroom computers.
Email your request to classroomtech@vcu.edu (do not copy other people/email addresses). Be sure to include the name and version of the software as well as the building name(s) and room number(s) where you are teaching.
Note: Requests for additional software may take up to 15 business days to be deployed.
Some software requests may not be be fulfilled, such as:
- Some software in the VCU Software Center is ONLY available via the App2Go service. We cannot deploy any proprietary software that has not been reviewed by the IT Governance Committee and the VCU Office of Procurement Services. This includes trials of any non-free software.
- If the software you've requested is considered "open-source" and is freely available:
- We will review the terms and conditions, EULA (end-user license agreement), and/or other agreement language to ensure educational use is permitted.
- Some devices such as Wacom writing/drawing tablets and Logitech presenter remotes may be considered for exception, however these requests will be considered only on a case-by-case basis.