Desktop Services

CIS manages a number of desktop services in the University:

Networked PC Service(NPCS)

The main PC-based service available throughout the University in open access areas, computer classrooms, college computer rooms and several departmental computer rooms. The current version of the NPCS is based on Windows XP and a has a large range of installed software, including personal productivity applications and teaching & learning applications. Networked PC Service

Managed Desktop Service (MDS)

The Managed Desktop Service is a new development for managed Windows desktops, built on the experience gained in supporting the Networked PC Service, but with extra functionality and features. MDS is built on Microsoft's Active Directory architecture and is designed as a replacement system for staff and admin personnel, and for other users currently running individual PCs in a networked fashion.

Unix and Linux Service

Many core services are hosted on Unix and Linux servers. In addition CIS provides time-sharing services and workstations for both these operating systems as part of the general service. See Unix Service and Linux Service for more details.

Mac Service

A managed desktop is now available for Apple computers running the Mac OS X operating systems. This service is available to MDS users and provides an equivalent to the MDS provided for the Windows platform (as outlined above) for Mac users. Full details are available via the link on the left of this page. CIS also provides limited support for ‘standalone’ Mac users (i.e. those who maintain their own Mac PCs. This support is available to staff and students through these web pages and the IT Service Desk. Assistance and advice will be offered for a core set of services. These are focussed on connecting to the Durham University network via wired and wireless connections, browsing the web, connecting to email and accessing file stores and printers.