Staff Buying a Computer
Introduction
If you are purchasing IT equipment for a department or research group please consult your Faculty IT Co-ordinator (www.lboro.ac.uk/faculty/fitcs/). They will help you ensure correct technical standards and that the University's substantial purchasing power is used to obtain the best value for money.
Vista Hardware Requirements
IT Services are currently working towards producing a Vista Service similar to the existing XP Staff Desktop Service. People purchasing new machines need to be aware of the minimum hardware requirements for computers that will eventually be used on this new Vista Service. This will help to extend the life of machines currently being purchased. Please see Vista Hardware Requirements at www.lboro.ac.uk/it/purchase/vista-hardware.html for full details.
University P.C. Purchases
Staff requiring information about P.C. purchase should consult the following links as appropriate:
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Compusys (for desktop computers) http://www.lboro.ac.uk/service/purchasing/catalog/computers-compusys.html
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Viglen (for desktop computers) www.lboro.ac.uk/service/purchasing/catalog/computers-viglen.html
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Notebook supplier www.lboro.ac.uk/service/purchasing/catalog/computers-notebooks.html and
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Apple computer supplier www.lboro.ac.uk/service/purchasing/catalog/computers-apple.html.
Please note that not all models offered by the suppliers are supported on the Staff Desktop or Labs Services. If you are in any doubt, please check with IT Services.
These suppliers have been vetted by us, we have more influence over them, they provide computers with the Staff Desktop Service pre-installed, and they provide three years free on-site maintenance. If you buy from one of our recommended suppliers, please mark your purchase "Campus Agreement" to ensure that you receive the full discount.
If you buy from one of our recommended suppliers, please mark your purchase "Campus Agreement" to ensure that you receive the full discount.
Printers and Peripherals
For Printers www.lboro.ac.uk/service/purchasing/catalog/printers.html and other items www.lboro.ac.uk/cgi-bin/purchase? such as Scanners, Disk drives etc., our Purchasing Office maintains lists of recommended suppliers. Please read the advice on buying a new printer at www.lboro.ac.uk/it/purchase/buyprinter.html before ordering a printer.
Hardware Maintenance
For P.C. maintenance, you should first check with the suppliers (above).
Alternatively you should use the maintenance contracts www.lboro.ac.uk/service/purchasing/catalog/computer-hardware-maintenance.html negotiated by the Purchasing Office.
Escalating a problem
www.lboro.ac.uk/service/purchasing/computer/escalatingproblem.html
USB Devices - Digital cameras and Memory pens / sticks / card readers
If you wish to use a USB device in our computer labs, the device must support the "USB SCSI Mass Storage System". This seems to cover all memory devices except secure devices, and some (but not all) digital cameras. There are so many devices, manufacturers, and models that we cannot keep a list of what works and what doesn't - you must consult your supplier. We cannot allow users of lab computers to install drivers for any additional devices, as this may cause problems.
All P.C. lab computers have USB ports on the front of the computer.
See also Staff Purchasing Software
www.lboro.ac.uk/it/software/
Policy on Computer Disposal
www.lboro.ac.uk/it/policies/disposal.html