E-mail this pageFrequently Asked Questions About Computer Placement & Upgrade
Here are answers to questions that we most frequently hear. If you have others, please do not hesitate to contact us at helpdesk@plattsburgh.edu.
- How do I get a computer?
- When will my computer be upgraded to a new model?
- What would be the new model computer hardware configuration?
- How do I get minor upgrades, such as increases in RAM and hard disk space?
- Can I get my machine's operating system upgraded?
- Should I upgrade my machine myself?
- If my machine breaks, where do I take it?
- What if my department wants to buy their own machines?
- Is there a standard machine or vendor from which I should buy computing hardware
- Do I get a printer with my computer?
- What standard software is loaded on my machine?
- How do I get upgrades to standard packages?
- Should I just upgrade standard packages on my own?
- Can I load other software packages?
- Does the campus have a site license for Microsoft Office?
- Does the campus have a site license for any software?
How do I get a computer?
All faculty and staff are assigned a computer when they arrive on campus. The computer you are assigned will not necessarily be a new one as assignment depends a couple of factors: full-time/part-time/temporary status, equipment assigned to a predecessor or incumbent, and resource availability.
When will my computer be upgraded to a new model?
In general, we try to replace all machines assigned to full-time staff at least once every 4-5 years. We start with the oldest models on campus and simply work through them. Our schedule may be adjusted due to special projects, mandates, or changes in resource configurations. Where possible, we will try to upgrade a department at a time and/or adjust assignments within the department such that members have the same or similar configurations. For more information, please find our complete plan here.
What would be the new model computer hardware configuration?
It changes at least yearly and sometimes more frequently than that. Contact the Helpdesk for specifics.
How do I get minor upgrades, such as increases in RAM and hard disk space?
Computing and Media Services (CMS) tries to maintain a budget for "necessary," minor upgrades. If you are interested, contact CMS at 564-4433 or at helpdesk@plattsburgh.edu to arrange to have a technician assess your needs.
Can I get my machine's operating system upgraded?
Upgrading to a new version of an operating system is not a simple not task, no matter what vendors may want you to believe. We strongly advise against operating system upgrades without proper consultation and backup. Computing and Media Services (CMS) will gladly review your needs with you and will handled the upgrade, if needed. Contact CMS at 564-4433 or at helpdesk@plattsburgh.edu .
Should I upgrade my operating system or hardware myself?
This is rarely advisable. The interdependencies and idiosyncracies of a desktop units are such that it is always a better idea to contact Computing and Media Services (CMS) prior to making significant changes such as these to your system. This is particularly true of operating systems and hardware components. Even if a vendor or colleague strongly recommends an upgrade, contact CMS first. An organization's or individual's configuration of a unit can be different, so not even a vendor can say for sure that an upgrade will not negatively impact your configuration. You can contact CMS at 564-4433 or at helpdesk@plattsburgh.edu .
What if my department wants to buy their own machines?
Your department is free to supplement centrally distributed hardware with items purchased using departmental funds. We just ask that you coordinate such purchases Computing and Media Services (CMS) so they can review space, inventory, and support issues with you.
Is there a standard vendor from whom I should buy computing hardware?
There are a number of vendors on NYS state contract, but we can only support the ones with whom we have repair and parts contracts. Please contact Computing and Media Services (CMS) at 564-4433 or at helpdesk@plattsburgh.edu so they can review your options. If you purchase machines from vendors other than the ones we support, CMS will not be able to offer much help in terms of repair or system configuration issues.
If my machine breaks, where do I take it?
Computing and Media Services (CMS) maintains a full-service Helpdesk that can answer many questions about your machine. They can also fix computers and printers manufactured by vendors with whom they have repair and parts contracts. Contact CMS at 564-4433 or at helpdesk@plattsburgh.edu for more information.
Do I get a printer with my computer?
Small, desktop inkjet printers are assigned based on need. If your office already has a workgroup size priinter (such as a laser) and the geography of your office lends itself to you sharing that printer, your machine will be configured to print to that common printer. Failing this or if other circumstances leave you without printing capabilities, an inkjet printer will be assigned to you. Laser printers are not assigned by this method. Departments must fund such purchases themselves.
What standard software is loaded on my machine?
All campus systems come loaded with a version of Microsoft Office and some other basic desktop software. In addition, desktop shortcuts for webmail, banweb, password changes, and other common services are created.
How do I get upgrades to standard packages?
Contact Computing and Media Services (CMS) to see if an upgrade is available or advisable for your system. You can contact CMS at 564-4433 or at helpdesk@plattsburgh.edu .
Should I just upgrade standard packages on my own?
This is rarely advisable. Even if it is a standard package, upgrades often come with increased resource demands that exceed your system's configuration. Upgrades can also change the behavior of the application by altering menus, adding new features, dropping old ones, or changing workflow. While upgrades are sometimes bug fixes, they can also introduce new problems. The old saying "if ain't broke, don't fix it" applies well here. In short, there are a great many things to consider when upgrading and CMS can help you sort out the pros and cons. You can contact CMS at 564-4433 or at helpdesk@plattsburgh.edu .
Can I load other software packages?
Like operating system upgrades, loading other software on your system is not always a simple process. Loading non-standard software is one of the most common ways to infect your machine with a virus. In addition, not all packages "play well with others." The introduction of a new package can impact the performance of existing ones.
One should first be aware of the campus' policy on software copyright . One should also consider the reputation of the software creator/vendor, its version level, and prevalence in the market. In short anything below version 1.0 is only for the adventurous soul with good backups. Please consult Computing and Media Services (CMS) before loading any non-standard packages.
Does the campus have a site license for Microsoft Office?
Yes, but for MS Office only. All licenses for other Microsoft products are purchased individually and assigned to a machine. One should be aware of the campus' policy on software copyright . One should also not attempt to transfer such licenses without checking with Computing and Media Services (CMS) first.
Microsoft does offer Work-At-Home rights for Microsoft Office under certain conditions. For more information, please go here .
Does the campus have a site license for any software?
Yes, sort of. The campus has licenses for certain packages that allow a number of users to make use of them. The terms vary: some are true site licenses, some have work-at-home rights, some allow students to use them at home, etc. For more information, click on the names of the packages below: