ITS Systems: Workstation and Workgroup Support

ITS Systems provides a range of support for individuals and workgroups in a variety of roles.

Personal Computing

Service includes support for the full life cycle of computing equipment:  specification, purchase, inventory, installation, configuration, maintenance, security, backup, updates, hand-me-down (as appropriate) and disposal at end-of-life.

Acquisition and setup

Systems staff is familiar with the multiple channels for purchasing computing equipment, and can help you select appropriately for your needs and budget.  Any modern operating system can be supported, so long as it's appropriate to meet the needs of the user.

A few technically-oriented users will want to take delivery of (and full responsibility for) their research computers.  In most cases, however, Systems staff will receive new computers and prepare them for deployment.  This includes bringing them into compliance with campus Minimum Security Standards, configuring for network connectivity, and installation of software.  We can also help users with custom work needs, such as remote access, encryption, data syncing, backups, virtualization, multi-boot systems, wireless connectivity, and so on.

Support

For business operations and many other Institute staff, ITS Systems will continue to oversee systems for their useful life.  We're always available for consultation; please contact us early and often if you have concerns regarding any Institute computing equipment.

Retirement

When equipment no longer meets your needs, Systems staff can help with finding a new purpose for the equipment within the Institute, or dispose of it appropriately.  The ITS Systems Unit in 115 McLaughlin has a small inventory of older but serviceable computers which can be deployed for use by graduate students or pressed into service as loaners.

Collaboration

Systems staff are available to help leverage technology within workgroups and with external partners to help colleagues share information, communicate, and work together.  Collaborative tools include:

• E-mail lists
• Shared calendars
• Shared address books
• Web forums
• Desktop-mounted network file shares
• Webcasting
• Secure shared document Web space
• Transfer of large data sets

We can help you navigate the range of recharge and no-direct-charge options available within the Institute, by central campus IST, or, when appropriate, by external vendors.