Computing

CAS Research and Facilities helps to coordinate desktop computer support for Arts and Sciences departments and programs. If you have a computer problem or need assistance with software installation, please contact Customer Engagement & Support Service Center (tel: 29800), part of DoIT, the Division of Information Technology. Expect a turnaround of 1-2 weeks. Computers are available for use in the University’s SINC sites.

Subject to available funds, the Arts and Sciences Dean’s office supplies standard computers to faculty and academic staff on an as-needed/as-available basis. ALL requests for computers MUST be routed through the appropriate departmental Chair or program Director; otherwise, they will not be considered. CAS Operations prefers that computer requests be made by May 15 for the academic year beginning in the fall semester. Doing so will increase the probability of (but not guarantee) receiving a new computer.

Client Support endeavors to set up computers in a way that minimizes the occurrence of future problems. This includes their installing legal copies of the current versions of "normal" software packages that we all use and their reserving administrative rights to the machine. This means that they have the administrative password needed to access the rights to add/delete software on the machine. The end user "out in the field" does not have this password and, therefore, is unable to add/delete software packages. For the typical user, this causes no or few problems because (s)he uses just the normal software packages that get installed. The set up of the machine is thereby "standardized" and makes it easier for Client Support to service when problems occur.

For the atypical user who anticipates adding and deleting special software packages or even hardware in laboratory situations, this procedure causes problems: without the administrative password (s)he cannot make such changes to the machine. Client Support must be involved, which necessarily involves a time delay.

We recognize that some faculty or staff will want and need administrative rights to their machines. This requires that they be sufficiently technically savvy to add/delete software packages legally and correctly. As is explained next, it also means that they accept the responsibility to maintain and service their own computer. This includes installation and maintenance of anti-virus software and proper use of the University network.

For computer(s) that require both individualized/specialized setups and prompt changes or maintenance, an end user needs to have administrative rights. To gain such administrative rights the end user must agree that these computers will then fall outside the normal, routine support offered by Client Support. Having administrative rights means that the end user accepts the responsibility and necessity for "local" support of these computers, i.e., from within his/her own department or program. Normal, routine support of such specially set up computers will no longer vest in Client Support or the CAS Dean's office. If in such a specially set up machine a problem occurs that requires technical experience/ability beyond that of the local support person, Client Support will do what they can to help, but this will be outside their normal support function, at a lower priority, and will likely involve significant time delays. Their finite resources -- time and personnel -- demands focusing their support on machines that they set up and for which they reserve administrative rights.

If you have difficulty getting your computer fixed or software installed, please contact the Asst. Dean for Research and Facilities, Edward J. McFadden.