Supported Hardware Policy

I. Need for Policy

In order to more efficiently and effectively utilize resources and to ensure security of the campus network, Information Technology Services is establishing clear expectations regarding the level of support available for networked personal computer systems.

II. Definitions

Networked Personal Computer System - Any Truman-owned computer system that connects to the campus network. This includes systems that are always connected to the campus network (such as most desktops or towers) as well as systems that may only occasionally connect to the campus network (such as laptops).

III. Statement of Policy

This policy covers the main components necessary for a personal computer system to function. Included are the processor, memory (RAM), hard disk drive(s), and the operating system. Currently, the approved hardware vendors are as follows: Apple and Dell. This policy establishes the following expectations for support from ITS:

Levels of Support (See Attachment for Specifications)

Full Support – ITS will provide help for the integration of these systems with other supported campus technology resources, including services such as installation, training, maintenance, troubleshooting, and upgrades. ITS will maintain sufficient expertise on staff to deliver a high level of service for these products. ITS will provide support for the latest appropriate software images to be available for these systems at no cost for the included software. In addition, where appropriate for these products, ITS will negotiate favorable pricing from vendors for these systems. Cost for any necessary repairs (not caused by abuse) for systems in this category will be paid for by ITS.

Limited Support –ITS will provide troubleshooting services for these systems on a best-effort basis. This means that expertise to help with these systems may reside on staff; however, third party agreements may be necessary to provide continued support for these products. ITS cannot guarantee that the latest appropriate software images will function on these systems. Repairs to these systems will be at the discretion of ITS and the appropriate division/department head. Any cost for repairs will be the sole responsibility of the division/department which owns the equipment. ITS recommends replacement of this equipment within the current budget cycle.

Obsolete –Due to the potential unavailability of compatible replacement parts and the security risks associated with vendor software patches possibly not being available, ITS strongly recommends that divisions and departments surplus this equipment (and replace it if a system is still needed). To ensure network security, ITS may request that this equipment be disconnected from the campus network. ITS may be unable to provide any assistance with the repairs or troubleshooting of this equipment.

IV. Procedures

A. ITS will annually submit updated specifications for ITAC approval.
These specifications (unless otherwise noted) will be an attachment to
this policy and will be in effect for the upcoming July 01 – June 30
fiscal cycle.

V. Exceptions

Computer systems that never connect to the campus network are not included in this policy. In most cases, ITS will be unable to provide support for these special-use systems that are not on the campus network. Personally owned computers that are used on the campus network are not supported by ITS but may be subject to other policies (such as the Network Connections policy).

VI. Interpretation Contact

Director of Client Services, ITS

VII. Attachments

(Effective Period July 1, 2006 – June 30, 2007)
In order to achieve the level of support indicated, the listed components and OS must meet the minimum requirements as indicated in the table below.

IBM PC or Compatibles

Apple Macintosh

Support Level

Desktop

Laptop

Desktop

Laptop

Component

Full Support

2.3 GHz

1.4 GHz

G5 or Intel

G4 or Intel

Processor

512 MB

512 MB

512 MB

512 MB

RAM

40 GB

20 GB

40 GB

40 GB

Hard Drive

Windows XP SP2

Mac OS X

Operating System

Limited Support

1.6 GHz

1.3 GHz

G4

N/A

Processor

256 MB

256 MB

256 MB

256 MB

RAM

20 GB

10 GB

20 GB

20 GB

Hard Drive

Windows XP

Mac OS 9.2.2

Operating System

Obsolete

≤1.5 GHz

≤1.2 GHz

≤ G3

≤ G3

Processor

<256 MB

<256 MB

<256 MB

<256 MB

RAM

< 20 GB

< 10 GB

< 20 GB

< 20 GB

Hard Drive

Windows 2000, Windows NT 4, Windows ME, 98, 95, WFW, DOS

Less than Mac OS 9.2.2

Operating System

VIII. Approvals

Originated by: ITS
Policy Approved by ITAC: June 06, 2005
Attachment/Specifications Last Approved by: June 06, 2005