Services

Microcomputers
We try to provide assistance in all areas of microcomputers; the following is a limited list of the services we may be able to provide: (Note: Computer Services does not provide computer support to privately owned student computers or equipment.)

Troubleshooting - If you are having trouble with your computer we will call or come by your location and try to assist you in determining the problem with your computer. If we find something wrong with the computer we will try to fix it but if we are unable to fix it and we can determine the problem (such as a bad part) we will advise you on what you need to buy to fix the computer. The exception is with Dell Systems, their warranty is handled through Computer Services and all orders and repair request will be initiated by Computer Services Personnel.

Replacing Parts - It is the owner’s responsibility to order, pay for and receive the replacement part. Once the new part is on site, we will assist you in replacing the defective part and reconfiguring as required. The exception is with Dell Systems, their warranty is handled through Computer Services and all orders and repair request will be initiated by Computer Services Personnel.

Upgrades - If you decided you may want to upgrade your computer we will assist you in making a decision to get the best upgrade for the amount of money you have to spend. Once the appropriate parts have been ordered and arrive, we will assist you in upgrading the computer and reconfiguring as necessary.

New Computers - The University has established Dell as the official provider of PC based computers for both Administrative and Academic departments. Purchase of other brands of computers should be made with care and the realization that if a non-Dell pc is purchased that support for that PC will be limited and the warranty work or repair will be scheduled by the purchasing department. When you decide that you need a new computer, coordination should be made with Computer Services to  assist you in making the decision to get the best computer that suits your needs and budget and that complies with the minimum set standards for PCs (PC Minimum Standards). Once the new computer has arrived we will assist you in setting up the new computer and moving data from your old computer to the new one as appropriate. Computers must also meet the policies and requirements set forth in the Network Access portion of this document. The procedures set forth in Bringing a Computer System Online at TECH must be followed.

Note - All of these services (labor on our part) are provided at no cost to the user and are available as limited by our other duties and time constraints.

Printers and Other Output Devices
We try to provide diagnostic services for printers and other devices such as modems, scanners, plotters, etc..

Troubleshooting - If you are having trouble with your printer or other output device we will call or come by your location and try to assist you in determining the problem with the device. If we find something wrong with the device we will try to fix it but if we are unable to fix it and we can determine the problem (such as a bad part) we will advise you on who you need to send the device to for repair or what you need to buy to fix the device.

Replacing Parts - It is the owner’s responsibility to order, pay for and receive the replacement part or repair service. Once the new or repaired part is on site, we will assist you in replacing the defective part or reconfiguring the device for use as required. We do not pickup or deliver devices for repair or replacement.

Upgrades - If you decided that you may want to upgrade your printer or other device we will assist you in making a decision to get the best upgrade for the amount of money you have to spend. Once the appropriate parts have been ordered and arrive we will assist you in upgrading and reconfiguring as necessary.

New Printers or Other Devices - The University has established HP as the recommend provider of Inkjet and laser based printers for both Administrative and Academic departments. Purchase of other brands of printers should be made with care and compatibility with your software and hardware must be maintained and the warranty work or repair will be scheduled by the purchasing department. If you decide that you need a new printer or other device coordination with Computer Services should be made to assist you in making the decision to get the best printer or device that suits your needs and budget and that Network requirements are meet for your particular need. Once the new one has arrived we will assist you in setting up the new device and reconfiguring it as appropriate. Network printers must meet the policies and requirements as set forth in the Network Access portion of this document.

Note - All of these services (labor on our part) are provided at no cost to the user and are available as limited by our other duties and time constraints

Software
The Computer Services department carries site licenses for most of the software used on campus, but by no means is everything being used on campus under a site license. The following are some of the services we provide concerning software:

New Purchase  / Installation - We will install any site license software that we control where there is a need shown for the software, but please remember that these are under a site license and rules and quantities apply. We assist in the installation of new software bought by individual users or departments to support their job functions, after a reasonable effort has been made by the user. You are the expert on software you buy or decide to use. We do not have the time to learn all the different software packages available to you as a user. Major software purchases should be coordinated with Computer Services, especially when they are Network versions. Many times purchases can be combined to maximize savings on licenses and to prevent the purchase of incompatible versions or non compliant network or systems issues.

Upgrades  - We are responsible for the upgrades of site license software under our control. It is not always necessary to upgrade to a newer version if what you are using suits your needs, but sometimes it will be necessary to force this upgrade due to installation constraints of new software (old and new versions coexisting). We will assist in upgrading software owned by the user or department after a reasonable attempt has been made by them to complete the upgrade. Remember, you are the expert on your software.

Operating Systems - Currently we support the following operating systems on micro computers:

Windows 95
Windows 98
Windows XP
Windows NT 4.0 (Workstation and Server)
Windows 2000 (Workstation and Server)
Linux (Limited Workstation/Server Installations)
Windows 3.1, 3.11, WFW 3.11 (No Longer after DEC 1999)
DOS versions 6.0 - 6.22 (No Longer after DEC 1999)

It is not advisable to change operating systems without first contacting computer services and let us help you determine what system may be best for your needs. A change in your system may stop your connections to the network, mainframe, printers, etc.. It is no small task to reconfigure your computer to work as it is supposed to with all of your connections.

Training - Computer Services provides training only on programs and equipment it is directly responsible for, such as terminal emulation programs (QWS3270,PCPLUS, Telnet, Mail and FTP), programs to support mainframe information distribution ( VSE) and other programs that we distribute for our support purposes. Training on common applications such as the WWW browsers (Netscape and IE), Windows OSes, DOS, WordPerfect, MS Word, Quattro Pro, MS Excel, MS Access, MS Works and Lotus need to be scheduled through staff and faculty development.

Note - All of these services (labor on our part) are provided at no cost to the user and are available as limited by our other duties and time constraints