Laptop Best Practices

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Your laptop needs to be connected to the Central Piedmont network at least once a month. This could mean either through Wi-Fi on any campus or plugged into the docking station. If this doesn’t occur the laptop will lose its connection and will have to be wiped and re-setup.
Restarting your laptop routinely is the best way to keep updates current.
When changing your password, make sure you use the Account Management Portal. If you’re away from campus when changing your password, the laptop won’t recognize your new password the next time you login. You’ll have to use your old password until you connect the laptop to the Central Piedmont network.

When in your office, the docking station will keep the laptop charged. Keeping the charger provided in your laptop bag will ensure you have a charger with you anywhere you need to go.
Some other tips to maximize your battery life when your lapotp is not plugged in to power include:
- Power off your device before placing it in a laptop bag or other enclosed area.
- Reduce the brightness of the screen.
- Reduce the amount of open software.
- Disconnect external devices when not in use.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. If the computer is exposed to extreme cold or hot temperatures, allow it to reach normal temperature before use and before charging.
- Use the Windows Performance Management Tool.

In Windows 10, it's a slider accessed from the battery icon in the task bar.
In Windows 11, you'll find it in Settings > System > Power & Battery > Power Mode.

If you received an ultra-wide conferencing monitor with your laptop. Review the Dell C3422WE Monitor User’s Guide to understand:
- How to operate or hide the webcam
- How to operate the built-in speakers
- How to locate additional usb-A, usb-c ports, and a headphone jack.
Snap your windows - review this Microsoft support article to understand how to use the built-in Windows feature to display multiple applications side-by-side on your ultra-wide monitor.
If you are experiencing any issues with your monitors, please ensure all your cables are completely connected to the docking station, then ensure the docking station is plugged in to a power source and the power cable on the back is completely plugged in. Sometimes unplugging the docking cable and waiting a few seconds before plugging it back in will resolve most monitor not displaying issues.