Technology purchases of computer software and equipment should be discussed with Computer Services before an order is placed. This is to ensure that the purchase is compatible with other University software and equipment and meets pre-established minimum hardware configuration and quality requirements. Computer Services may not be able to support items of either hardware or software that does not meet standards.
If you are not sure whether or not your intended purchase is a technology purchase, please call Computer Services before purchasing. The following are always considered technology purchases:
- Computers, printers, scanners, flat screens, projectors, PDAs, etc.
- Software
- Most electronic equipment, audio recording equipment, digital cameras, etc.
- Any wireless device
- Any peripheral that attaches to a computer
By discussing and coordinating your intended purchase with Computer Services, you are assured the best:
- price. Computer Services has special contracts with suppliers, for example, Dell computers, Hewlett Packard printers, and recycled toner.
- compatibility. Computer Services can assure you that your purchase will work with existing and future purchases. (For example, some models of PDAs work better with UMA’s network and software than others.)
- software license contracts. Computer Services has multiple licensing contracts and may already have the software you are looking for or can obtain the software at an extremely reduced cost, for example, Microsoft, Adobe, Macromedia, Symantec, Novell.
- installation. Computer Services will be able to schedule installation of your new equipment and can prepare special wiring or network connections prior to the arrival of the equipment, for example, a fax machine or an additional printer.
- warranties. Computer Services maintains warranties and can schedule warranty service; for example, Dell is three years, on-site.
- maintenance and service of hardware. Computer Services has contracts with various vendors for service and maintenance of equipment.
- maintenance of software licenses. Computer Services maintains maintenance contracts on most software and obtains the latest software version when it is released, for example, all the Microsoft software.
- adopting specific software for student use. Computer Services maintains the student computer lab and the classroom computers. If you want students to use specific software, contact Computer Services to discuss your options.
Reviewed and approved by the Technology Advisory and Planning Committee on October 13, 2005
