Supported Systems
Basic Standards- Support Timetable
- Desktop Computer Standards for New Purchases
- Printer Standards for New Purchases
- Laptop Guidelines
- Transferring Computers
Introduction
The Information and Telecommunications Services (ITS) will publish (every six months) required standards for new and existing desktop computers for administrative use, as well as guidelines for desktop computers for academic use. The standards will help to minimize training and support costs and make it possible for people across campus to work together using common technology. These standards will also guide departments when making new computing technology purchases and assist in the planning for equipment life cycles.
Some of the key support standards that ITS will enact immediately include the following:
- ITS personnel are available at anytime during normal working hours to assist the campus community with their computing needs.
- New purchase standards and minimum system standards will be posted on the Western Web site and updated on a regular (2-3 months) basis.
- Apple computers will no longer be purchased for Administrative desktop computing environment. Although efforts will be made to continue support for Apple computers in administrative offices, they must be replaced as soon as funding permits
- Computers not purchased according to approved standards will receive limited support.
- Local desktop printers (those connected directly to a computer) may be installed by ITS personnel but will not be supported.
- Computers that do not meet minimum standards will not be connected to the campus network.
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Basic Standards
Basic standards, both for new purchases and network compatible minimum systems will include the Administrative and Academic/student environments. The two standards outlined will enable for more effective implementation and support of the following scenarios:
- Administrative desktop computers and printers for administrative systems. Applications on these systems include Banner Student, Banner Human Resources (HR), and Banner Financial Services (FRS).
- Academic and student desktop computers for general-purpose computing. Applications on these systems include Email, word processors, and spreadsheets.
ITS will update desktop computing technology standards after researching campus needs and changes in the industry. Factors such as comparative cost of initial investment, compatibility with existing network operating system, and support costs will dictate what systems to recommend and support.
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Support Timetable
ITS will fully support desktop computers purchased using the approved system standards for at least 5 years. ITS support includes diagnosis, maintainance, and repair of hardware/software problems (excluding local desktop printers). Full support systems will receive priority attention.
Computing systems that do not meet standards will receive partial hardware and software support on an 'as time permits' basis. Partial support only includes those configuration settings necessary for network connectivity.
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Desktop Computer Standards for New Purchases
Intel-based computers (Dell Optiplex Models ONLY)
Minimum Requirements:
- Processor: 2.8GHz Intel® Core 2 Duo +
- Memory: 1GB RAM
- Monitor: 17" Flat Panel Monitor
- Video: Intel Integrated or better
- Mouse: PS/2 or USB Wheel Mouse
- Hard Drive: 80GB
- Floppy Drive: 3.5" 1.44MB
- CD/DVD: 20X min./48X max.
- Sound System: Integrated audio
- Operating System: Microsoft® Windows XP Professional w/SP 2
- Network Card: Ethernet 10/100
- Warranty: 3 Year Parts & Labor Limited Warranty with 3 Years On-Site Service, Limited Hardware & Software Tech Support for life of system
MAC Computers (limited desktop support)
- Processor: Intel
- Chassis: Imac
- Monitor: Audio Studio 17" display
- Network Card: Ethernet 10/100
- Operating System: MAC OS X
- Warranty: AppleCare protection plan
Supported Software
- Windows XP Pro (SP2) for connection to campus network
- Mac OS X
- Eudora (Version 7.1)
- Microsoft Office XP/2003
- Foxit Reader (PDF Reader)
- Internet Explorer 6 and above
- F-Prot Antivirus
Hardware/Software Supported by ITS
Note: If you are going to purchase a computer that will be connected to the campus network, please contact ITS first to ensure compatibility. ITS does not support computers with Windows 95, 98, or ME on the campus network
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Printer Standards for New Purchases
ITS recommends that rather than purchase individual low-cost printers for each desktop computer, departments purchase Hewlett Packard (HP) laser printers that can be shared by the department personnel via the campus network. Buying these higher-quality printers usually pays off in extra years of uninterrupted use and better support from repair companies or the manufacturer.
ITS will install most standard types of printers (HP printers are recommended) either connected directly to the desktop computer or in a direct network connected environment. ITS will provide full application and limited hardware support of printers that are directly connected to the network and configured as a shared resource. ITS does not provide support for printers that are connected directly to a computer.
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Laptop Guidelines
ITS only recommends laptop computers in limited situations where desktop systems are not portable enough. Generally, laptop computers pose the following limitations:
- Cost more than a similarly equipped desktop computer
- Lag at least one generation behind in computing technology
- Contain Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components that are costly to service or replace.
- Are more readily stolen.
- Have a greater chance of being damaged.
If you plan to buy a laptop to use as your primary desktop computer, it should comply with the appropriate new purchase standards. Support for laptop computers is limited to network connection and configuration. ITS will support replacement/repair of components that are easily accessed and do not require special manufacturer's instructions. The following represents ITS recommendations for laptop computers:
- Dell Latitude D series Models where:
- Screen: 14.1" - 15" XGA TFT Display
- Processor: Mobile Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor or better
- Memory: 1GB RAM
- Operating System: Microsoft® Windows XP Pro (SP2)
- Anti-Virus Software: F-Prot Antivirus
- Warranty: 3 Years Parts & Labor Limited Warranty, Limited Hardware & Software Tech Support for life of system
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Transferring Computers
The transfer of computing resources connected to the campus network, either Administrative or Academic/Student, from one location to another must be coordinated by ITS. Cycling old computers to new users as new systems are purchased will be overseen by ITS with guidelines being established by either the Equipment Fee Committee or Computer Fee Committee.
Outdated computing resources that do not meet the current minimum requirements standards can be used for general-purpose computing but will NOT have access to the campus network including email or Internet applications. If these systems no longer are cost effective to update or maintain, ITS will dispose of them per state Property & Supply guidelines.
