If your department is planning to upgrade existing computers, or replace them with new computers, please include us in the planning process. We can help with the following:

• Advice on what brands and operating systems we support.
• Assistance configuring and pricing the new systems, including peripherals.
• Scheduling your installations.
• Advising you of the conversion issues you will face while upgrading.

Planning the purchase
By including us in the planning process, you will find your computer installation will be better integrated with the University systems, you will save money and time, and get the best equipment for your budget. The more involvment we have, the smoother the process will go. Computer purchase funding varies by department in Arts and Sciences. For answers to budgeting and funding questions, request a consultation with CSG director Jeff Pitt or one of the staff. Faculty members may be eligible for additional funding subsidy through the office of Ben Ware, Director of Research computing.

Upgrades
Upgrades are usually limited to additional memory, newer operating systems (provided your computer can run it), or installation of a zip drive, CD recorder or other such device. Computers within the College are expected to be replaced on roughly a 3-year cycle to keep currrent with software requirements. It is not recommended to upgrade computer processors and motherboards, as they are generally not cost-effective enhancements.

Hardware
The majority of computers in use in the College are Dells (Windows OS) and Apple (Macintosh OS). If you choose to purchase a model of computer other than one we recommend, we reserve the right to limit our support to your computer. At this time, we do not install or troubleshoot unix installations (including linux). Persons wishing to run a unix-type system should plan on acquiring outside support if necessary. It is possible to order a number of Dell models, including laptops, with linux installed.

Software
Please go to our software page for details on new licenses and upgrades.

Funding options:
Administrative offices and department staff:
Computer replacements are assumed to be on a 3-4 year cycle. The College makes available funds to each department based on historical costs. For more information contact Jeff Pitt, Director of CSG.

Funded through grants:
Computers for Faculty in Sciences are grant-funded, unless otherwise specified. Fully endowed chairs and faculty fellows are designated as FT Faculty Grants. Keep in mind that even though you are able to purchase several computers using research funds, the College's computing staff resources are limited. Keep this in mind for research areas where many computers are in use. You may need to hire a lab assistant to manage your computing environment.

Exceptions to grant funding:
Chairs in Sciences are included in non-grant faculty (The College will fund an
office computer for department chairs). Computer for Faculty Fellows and Endowed Chairs will be fully covered by The College.

Not funded:
Emeritus Faculty, Part-time faculty and staff are not covered in The College's computing budget.
Student-use computers are not included in the budget. There are several department-managed labs which receive partial funding from The College and also partial funding from CMS. In most cases, departments wishing to provide computers for students are able to purchase reallocated systems. Our support for a computer designated for use by students is very limited.

Subsidy from Ben Ware's office:
The budget assumes that faculty will use the Research and Computing $600 subsidy each time they are eligible. The cycle is based on a 3-year replacement plan.

Use of and Return of old equipment:
When replacement computers are purchased using funds from The College, the old computer must be returned to the Computing Services Group for reallocation or disposal.