New Computer FAQs
New Computer FAQs
This page provides information for faculty and staff who receive a new computer over the summer. This information is current through May 2009...
- When will I receive my new computer?
- I have a deadline on August 3rd. What should I do if you show up on July 30th?
- How long will it take to install my new computer?
- What are the hardware specifications for my new PC?
- What are the hardware specifications for my new Mac?
- What software will be installed on my new PC?
- What software will be installed on my new Macintosh?
- I have other software installed on my current computer, Can you transfer it too?
- What should I do to get ready for my new machine?
- What will happen to all of my documents?
- Will I get software documentation with my new computer?
- Can I get documentation or training on my new computer?
- What if my computer breaks right after you leave?
- I have a question you haven't answered here. Who should I contact?
1. When will I receive my new computer?
IRT starts the summer replacement cycle at the beginning of June and completes the process by the middle of August. Because of the large quantity of equipment being replaced each year, comprising about a third of the university's computers, we plan the replacements by location: building and floor.
2. I have a deadline on August 3rd. What should I do if you show up on July 30th?
We want to make sure that the computer replacement process goes as smoothly as possible. We are here to work with you, to be sure that this interruption will cause minimal, if any, disruption in your work. Your technical support specialist will be contacting you by May 15th to discuss your needs so that this will be an orderly process. Let us know of any inconvenient days on your schedule and we will blackout" these dates so as to not schedule your replacement during this time.
3. How long will it take to install my new computer?
The replacement process happens in two phases and the interruptions should be minimal, but plan on a couple of hours of downtime for the initial replacement since we have to set up your computer, install the software, connect it to printer(s), test it, etc.
Two Phase Replacement Process:
- First, your entire existing computer will be backed up and copied onto your new computer. All of it! There's no chance of losing data because we're moving everything. Since we're copying everything, you don't need to be present to make sure we get it right. (You can be, but you don't have to be.)
- Second, we will contact you within 30 days to make sure that you can find everything and that it is placed appropriately within the setup on your new computer. Then we will delete the superfluous stuff, including programs and other license-specific software so the university remains compliant with all software vendors.
4. What are the hardware specifications for my new PC?
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Desktop PC |
Desktop Lab |
Laptop |
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Note: All specifications are subject to change without notice.
* Port replicator, external keyboard, mouse and monitor included when PC laptop is used as primary workstation.
5. What are the hardware specifications for my new Mac?
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Desktop Mac |
Desktop Lab |
Laptop |
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Note: All specifications are subject to change without notice.
6. What software will be installed on my new PC?
- Windows XP
- Microsoft Office 2003 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, FrontPage, Image Composer, Project, Visio)
- Microsoft Internet Explorer (including Outlook Express)
- Sophos Anti-virus
- WinZip 11
- RealPlayer Enterprise
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 8
- Mindwrap Optix (imaging software)
- Adobe Shockwave Plug-in
- Adobe Flash Plug-in
- Microsoft Windows Media Player
- Intervideo WinDVD
- Apple iTunes (includes QuickTime Player)
The following software packages are also available by request at no additional cost:
- Mathematica
- SPSS
- Minitab
7. What software will be installed on my new Macintosh?
- Mac OS X 10.X
- Microsoft Office 2008 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Messenger)
- Microsoft Entourage 2008
- Microsoft FrontPage
- Safari and Firefox
- Sophos
- Adobe Acrobat Reader 9
- Apple iMovie
- Apple iTunes
- Apple iDVD
- Apple iPhoto
- Apple iWeb
- Apple Garageband
- Apple iChat
- Apple QuickTime
- Mindwrap Optix
- Macromedia Shockwave Plug-in
- Macromedia Flash Plug-in
- FlipMac WMV plugin (to play Windows Media content)
- Mathematica
- SPSS
- FileMaker Pro
The following software packages are also available at no cost upon request:
8. I have other software installed on my current computer. Can you transfer it, too?
To run, software applications must be installed, not merely copied. We can reinstall any application on your new computer if you provide us with the disks or CD-ROMs and the license information. (There is often a code that must be typed in when software is installed; you will need to provide that code in order for us to complete the installation.)
If you received your software from IRT, beyond what's installed automatically (e.g., Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer), and IRT has the installation media, it should be listed in the email message you received around mid-March. If something is missing from that list, send an email to IRTPurchase@stthomas.edu. If the list is complete, we will bring the installation media and license information with us.
You must have a legal license to use software. (In other words, you need to own a copy of the software -- you can't just borrow the CD-ROM from your neighbor.) Please don't ask us to install software that you don't have the legal right to put on your computer.
If you currently have a software application installed and neither you nor IRT has the licensing information, please contact IRTPurchase@stthomas.edu; we will work with you to purchase (and, if necessary, upgrade) the software. We want you to have legal copies of the software you need.
Note: We will be able to install this software only if it is compatible with your new operating system. New PCs will run Windows XP; new Macintoshes will run Mac X. Compatibility information should be on the original software package.
9. What should I do to get ready for my new machine?
You can make the installation process faster and easier by taking a few steps before we arrive. Clear a space for any new equipment and make sure it's clear where you want things to go. Make sure that we'll have all the information we need: give us the media and licenses for any software you want installed and be sure we have all your passwords, especially power-on passwords or screen-saver passwords. Send this information to IRTHelp@stthomas.edu.
10. What will happen to all of my documents?
If you are a PC user, your files will be placed in the My Documents folder on your hard drive.
- If you are a Macintosh user, your files will be placed in the Documents folder on your hard drive.
- For both platforms, we will also transfer your Outlook address book, Netscape bookmarks, and Internet Explorer favorites, placing them in the appropriate directories.
11. Will I get documentation with my new computer?
Unfortunately, no. Typically, we buy site-licenses for the software packages we install, which means that we get absolutely no documentation for them. However, most manuals are available online under the Help menu. Additionally, third-party books are available for just about everything. If you or your department is willing to spend a little extra money, we recommend that you go to a bookstore and pick out a manual that you will find helpful.
12. Can I get documentation or training on my new computer?
Training is available from the Leadership Academy for many of the software packages on your computer. See http://www.stthomas.edu/hr/leadership for more information, or call the Leadership Academy at (651) 962-6900. (If you are a Macintosh user, be sure to tell them that on the phone.) In addition, our Tech Desk staff does some one-on-one training; you can call the Tech Desk at (651) 962-6230 to request that service and to schedule a time.
13. What if have problems with my computer right after you leave?
If you have any problems after we leave, contact the Tech Desk.
14. I have a question you haven't answered here. Who do I contact?
For any other questions, you can contact the Tech Desk.
