ITS has adopted a minimum hardware configuration for Windows and MAC computers.  The decision came about because computers falling below the minimum typically have lower performance, both from a hardware functionality & reliability standpoint as well as from the application/software standpoint.  The lack of, or dropping of, support by vendors for both hardware and software also factored into the decision. The minimum requirement will be evaluated on a regular basis based on vendor hardware support availability, software support, and overall reliability of the hardware based on age.

The current minimum requirement for Windows PCs:

• Hawk PCs & Non-Hawk computers: P IV processor, 256MG RAM, 20GB HDD, Win2000

The current minimum requirements for MAC PCs: 

• G4 processors, 256MG RAM, 20GB HDD and OS X

• Windows PCs upgrade to Win XP is:              P IV, 256MB RAM, 20GB HDD

• MAC PCs upgrade to OS X is:                             G4 processor, 512MG RAM, 20GB HDD

[Click here for definition of terms]

Operating Systems: 

• Windows 2000, XP, MAC OS X

Microsoft Office Suite:

• 2000 Pro, XP(2002) Pro, 2003 Pro, MAC Office X & 2004

Browsers: 

Email Client:

• Windows Outlook Express 6.0, MAC OS X Mail

• Windows Outlook 2000, 2002, 2003, MAC Entourage

Anti-Virus:

• Corporate Edition Norton Anti-virus - MAC & Windows platforms

Remote support:

• Windows Remotely Anywhere - on-campus only, MAC  Apple Remote Desktop

File Transfer Protocol:

• Windows WS-FTP, MAC Cyberduck

Terminal Emulator:

• Windows QVT Term, MAC Terminal

Zip Program:

• Windows & MAC Unstuffit

Viewer:

• Window & MAC Adobe Acrobat 6.0

There should be no non-work related software on university issued computers.  This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

NOTE:  ITS reserves the right to remove these, and others in this category, from the offending  computer.

Hawk PC Desktop model - ITS will provide hardware repairs during warranty period and labor only for two additional years. ITS will help facilitate acquisition of parts - cost of parts is paid by department by PCard/PO#.

Hawk PC Laptop model - ITS will provide hardware repairs during warranty period and labor only for one additional year. ITS will help facilitate acquisition of parts or repair service - cost is paid by department by PCard/PO#.

Pre-Hawk PC - no hardware or software support, purchase new computer.

Non-Hawk PC - will not provide warranty or non-warranty diagnoses or repair assistance. Will provide vendor referral contact information, if known, for departments to facilitate repair.

Hewlett-Packard (HP) Printers - ITS will facilitate warranty hardware repair during warranty period only.  ITS will facilitate vendor repair for two additional years - cost of both labor & parts paid by department. 

Note: Service contracts available through Purchasing Dept.  If Service contract acquired, ITS is not the contact, deal with contracted vendor directly.

Non-HP Printers - Support for warranty & out-of-warranty not available through ITS, we will provide vendor repair contact information, if known.

Note: Service contracts available through Purchasing Dept.  If Service contract acquired, ITS is not the contact, deal with contracted vendor directly.

Peripherals - ITS will provide warranty on those items purchased in conjunction with Hawk PCs.  Peripherals acquired other than through ITS Hawk PC Program are the responsibility of the department to contact the vendor for support and facilitate warranty/non-warranty repairs/replacements.

Servers housed in ITS and purchased by ITS for end-user; ITS will provide warranty repair only.  Non-warranty repairs are up to the end-user. 

Servers housed in ITS and purchased by end-user; ITS is not facilitating warranty or non-warranty repairs, it is the responsibility of the end-user.

Personal Home Computers - NO ITS SUPPORT AVAILABLE.  Do not call ITS for problems encountered on a home Machine, unless it is a dial-up issue to the University's modems or configuring Outlook Express to read your UofH Email.  If it is university issued computer via the Hawk PC program and is still considered a University Asset, ITS will provide support as if this were a HawkPC, following the above requirements.  The computer must be brought in to the ITS offices, there are no house calls.

Note:  Dial Up instructions available online  http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/www/index_howto.html or hardcopy in the Computer Support Center, CC113.

ITS WILL:

• Install/Setup a new Hawk PC with current or new peripherals provided appropriate drivers are still available and it is compatible with the Hawk PC.

•  Install/Setup a new MAC computer with current or new peripherals provided appropriate drivers are still available and it is compatible with the computer.

•  Install/Setup new peripherals with existing computers only if compatible with current system configuration.

•  Install any properly licensed work related software only if current system configuration is compatible.

•  Reset a Hawk PC to its default standard configuration when appropriate/necessary

•  Provide Priority Service response to Hawk PCs and new MAC purchases over any non-hawk equipment.

• Provide reasonable effort to respond to requests for help with Non-Hawks

[Back to Home Page]