DeSales University is committed to supporting up-to-date hardware and software for faculty and staff use at the University. The Information Technology Department develops a standard configuration Personal Computer (PC), in desktop and laptop model each year. PCs are replaced on a 4 year cycle. Computer labs or individual users may have enhanced needs for specific applications. The DeSales University standard configuration is a Microsoft Windows desktop PC. Windows Laptop PCs are provided when the need is supported by the user's direct supervisor and the department's budget officer.
The PC Replacement Program will be evaluated annually and revised as necessary. This evaluation is accomplished through information collected through administration of the program, feedback from program participants, external vendor and industry sources, and institutional priorities.
Goals:
The overall goal of the program is to ensure that computing resources on campus are up-to-date and available to all staff, faculty and students (in public classrooms/labs). The goals of the PC Replacement Program are to:
- Assure that each faculty and staff member who uses computing resources in their position has access to a computer of sufficient capability to support basic computing needs in fulfillment of their work responsibilities.
- Assure that appropriate computing resources are available in departmental computing facilities and university offices in support of the mission of the institution.
- Implement minimum standards for computing resources on campus, increasing the supportability of the institution's installed base of equipment.
- Streamline the specification, acquisition, and deployment of new equipment and re-deployment or disposal of old equipment.
- "Basic Computing Needs" include university enterprise application access, Microsoft Office product usage, email and electronic messaging, Library access, Internet (web) access, and basic institutional data access. Other specialized needs, such as secondary computers, advanced hardware, or research needs, and other specialized needs must be funded from departmental budgets.
PC Replacement Program Guidelines
Computer Resource Standards
The specifications for standard computing resources are developed each year by the Information Technology Department. All faculty and staff will be given a standard configuration desktop. Faculty or staff needing a laptop due to travel or other considerations must receive approval from his/her supervisor.
Standard Configurations
The following specifications will be developed and will be published each year:
- Windows Desktop PC
- Windows Laptop PC
Configuration Enhancements (Upgrades)
Beginning with the standard configurations, departments may select (at their expense) enhancements to the standard configuration.
These upgrades must be specified when a configuration is selected, and are funded by the department. Because computers with configuration enhancements deviate from the standard models, hardware repairs may result in a greater than normal turn-around time, since like hardware may not be available for system exchanges.
Exception Provision
In the event that standard equipment does not meet a specific computer resource requirement, such as in the requirement for a specific hardware platform or a required LCD display, the department may request an exception to the standard. Exceptions must be funded by the department, and are granted on an as-needed basis at the discretion of the department head.
PC Replacement Process
The program seeks to provide adequate technology for employees. It is generally expected that equipment will be replaced once every four years. The volatility of the computer industry and system prices may require lengthening this lifecycle. As such, it is difficult to say definitively that a four-year cycle will be strictly observed.
Placement Notification
Once the computers that will be replaced have been identified, department heads responsible for those areas and individual users will be notified that equipment has been targeted for replacement.
Configuration Selection
Individuals whose PC will be replaced will be contacted regarding the standard configurations available. The user should select the configuration that will most effectively meet the department's business needs. Any additional computing needs should be reported by the user at that time. The department budget line to be charged for any additional needs beyond the current configuration must be identified. Please note, should a user or department require a Mac computer (desktop or laptop), this choice will represent both additional cost and a different level of services. DeSales University runs on a Windows server network; therefore, Windows PCs are more integrated and easily supported.
Equipment Selection
The standard configurations include both desktop and laptop models. While desktop computers have higher performance, laptop models are highly portable. The Information Technology Department provides full support for both. The following guidelines should be used to assist in the choice of equipment:
- The standard desktop is intended for general office productivity, such as word processing, spreadsheets, electronic messaging, and web browsing, making it suitable for most office needs.
- The laptop configuration combines basic office productivity with portability. The standard laptop configuration is suitable for employees who frequently travel for the university.
Resource Procurement
Computers are purchased by the Information Technology Department. They are charged against the IT area budget. Enhancements are charged to departmental budgets. The computers are delivered to the IT department. IT installs the standard image and processes the computers for campus use.
At their own expense, departments may purchase additional accessories. These fall into two categories, consumer-level or IT level accessories.
Consumer-level accessories
These may be purchased through WB Mason or DeSales' Amazon Accounts, and charged to the department's budget. These include the following:
- Speakers
- Laptop Case
- Microphone
- Headset
- Webcam (for desktop option)
- Other consumer-level peripherals (wireless mouse, trackball, USB hub, etc.)
IT-level accessories
IT will order for you and charge your department's account:
- Docking Station
- External Hard Drive
- Larger or additional monitor(s)
Direct any questions about purchasing of accessories to the IT Department.
Resource Deployment
Computing resources placed through the PC Replacement Program are installed by the IT Department on a priority basis. Every effort will be made to provide a flexible installation schedule that causes minimal workflow interruption.
Redeployment and Disposal
Computers that have been replaced will be disposed of by the IT Department. They are either redeployed, donated, or recycled.