SUNY Potdam

Hardware Support

CTS has developed a policies in regards to the "trickledown" of older computers as well as the purchase of new items. Visit the links to the right for the policies. Check in the list below to see if your hardware meets the minimum requirements for redeployment.

Recommended Hardware

Our recommend hardware for new purchases closely matches the configurations for the Faculty Computer Lifecycle.  Click that links to the right to learn more about the procedures for the Faculty Computer Lifecycle.

CTS provides the following recommendations for your department trickledowns of older computer equipment. Please review this information and contact the CTS Helpdesk (x2083, helpdesk@potsdam.edu) if you have any questions or are uncertain of the specifications of a system. NOTE: The below information is updated on a regular basis!

Below are the minimum recommended specifications for old/trickledown computer hardware:

Software Support

We are recommending that as departments purchase new computers as the older systems be retired, or that you consult with the CTS Helpdesk (x2083) to find out if they are capable of supporting a newer operating system such as Windows XP or Mac OS X.

Both Microsoft and Apple have announced that there will be no further development, support, or security patches for Windows 3.x/95/98/NT and all Mac operating systems prior to OS X 10.4. What this means to the college is that these systems are vulnerable to a malicious attack should any exploits be found in the operating system. These unsupported operating systems could be used by a malicious party to disrupt the campus network or even gain access to confidential information. Upgrading older computers to supported operating systems minimizes this risk.

Another concern is software compatibility. Already companies such as Adobe and Microsoft are producing software that will not run on the older versions of these operating systems. Campus resources such as the web Content Management System no longer support these operating systems.

CTS has developed a policy in regards to the "trickledown" of older computers with operating systems. Visit the link to the right for the policy.

Windows Vista

Windows Vista represents a significant change in the Windows Operating System. After testing and deliberation, CTS has decided to forego the switch to Vista. Windows XP will continue to be deployed on all new Windows computers. Microsoft will continue its support of Windows XP until 2014. 

By skipping Vista we avoid introducing two new operating systems in as many years. Windows 7 is Microsoft's newest Operating System. It's based upon Vista with many improvements. All reviews show it to be a much better product than it's predecessor. Evaluation and testing Windows 7 is under way. Check back for further updates.

Consultation

CTS offers consultation with departments, faculty and staff concerning the purchase of new equipment. Contact the CTS Helpdesk (x2083, helpdesk@potsdam.edu)

Requirements

• All computers must have a minimum of Windows XP Professional or Mac OS X.
• All computers must be purchased with a current license of Microsoft Office. 
• All computers will be automatically delivered to Kellas Hall for setup and installation by CTS. 
• All computers must have, at all times, current anti-virus software (provided by CTS.) 
• All the latest OS patches to provide both security and stability for the campus network. 

Review

New computer purchase requisitions are automatically sent to CTS to be reviewed before the order is placed. This is to ensure that:

• They meet the above requirements for the operating system. 
• They include an order for an updated version of Microsoft Office. 
• They are from a reputable/preferred vendor. 
• Contain a minimum level of technology. 
• Contain the best value for the College by taking full advantage of State Contract pricing. 

Locally Shared Printers

CTS does not support "local sharing" of a printer. Local sharing is where one desktop is attached directly to a printer via a USB or Parallel cable and the printer is shared via the computer's network connection.

Personally Owned Computers

CTS does not provide support for personally owned computers or any peripherals attached to them.