Purchasing Equipment

Office of Business Affairs Computer System Purchases

Desktop System Recommendations

The minimum desktop system recommendations are based on 2 tiers of users:

TIER I: Standard Configuration
For clients who use network resources, access shared and personal drives, need network printing, perform general tasks such as Web browsing and related applications, and use general desktop applications such as email, PeopleSoft, SharePoint, Microsoft Office, SAS, SPSS, AUTOCAD, MATLAB, etc.

TIER II: Research Configuration
For clients who perform Tier-1 tasks and in addition run customized programs and scripts, handle large data sets, use virtualization, or perform heavier work with more advanced application usage of programs such as SAS, SPSS, AUTOCAD, MATLAB, etc.

The following specifications detail Tier I and Tier II desktops and laptops minimum configurations. IT has worked with popular vendors to establish best pricing agreements based on annual quantity purchase of systems. In some cases these prices may be higher than local or online specialty shops, but the state requires a 5 year warranty and business grade components that most of these shops would not offer. Ready to use quotes (Dell and HP) for each of the systems are included next to the specifications. Recommendations are also provided for printers and other peripheral devices.

Non-Standard Configurations
If you need a computer configured outside of these recommended standard configurations, you will need to obtain a quote and submit it along with a business case. Your business case will need to provide significant reasoning as to why you need to deviate from the standards. A quote of the requested equipment needs to be provided along with an explanation of the differences between the machines. Please send this information to the IT Projects Group at desktopsupport@uno.edu. If approved, a copy of IT approved business case will need to be attached to the purchase requisition.

Non-State contract
All laptops/notebooks and workstations outside state contract will need to be reviewed by IT before being purchased to verify they meet the published minimum standards. Dell or HP systems are recommended for State contract purchases. IT staff is certified for Dell and HP systems and will assist with their warranties; however, the customer is responsible for all other vendor warranties.

Desktop and Laptop Recommendations

*Please read Data Security note

Printer Recommendations

We recommend Multi-Function Printers (MFPs) from vendors such as Multitech , Dell or HP as they tend to offer savings for the University . If you purchase/lease a printer from Multitech they have a warranty system based on the purchase of toner. Please make sure you read and follow their requirements. For all other printers, IT recommends against the purchase of refilled (remanufactured) toners as their use violates the warranty of a printer and any service contracts.

Data Security

Data security is important to the University. If you are traveling with University related sensitive data, please make sure you are meeting the data security requirements and recommendations stated in the referenced documents below. IT can assist you in securing data if you must take it off campus.

UNO AP-AA-24.3 | State IT POL 1-22

Microsoft License and Anti-Virus

UNO's Microsoft site license for OS’s is for upgrades of existing Windows licenses only. You must order your computer with a copy of Windows to use our upgrade license. All laptops/notebooks and desktop computers are required to be on the domain and to have updated virus protection. The University has a site license antivirus program, so you do not have to buy an anti-virus program.

Surge Protectors and UPS

We advise the purchase of a Surge protector (UL 1449 approved, 330V rating) for all non-mission critical computer systems. A Surge protector will protect your computer equipment from variations in electrical current, such as surges and spikes. We recommend the purchase of an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) for every mission critical computer system. A UPS will protect against power drops or temporary outages. Though more costly, a UPS has an internal battery that will allow equipment plugged into it to continue to run until power is restored (depending on battery life).

Since the size of a UPS for your needs depends on your equipment and how long you want to keep it up after power goes out. Please visit APC’s UPS selector to find the right device for your needs. You can take the model information recommended and contact any of our State Contract suppliers or IT for assistance.

Laptop/Notebook Computer

Notebook computers typically weigh less than 6 pounds and are small enough to fit easily in a briefcase. Aside from size and portability, the principal difference between a notebook computer and a personal computer is the display screen is built in.

In terms of computing power, modern notebook computers are nearly equivalent to personal computers. They have the same CPUs, memory capacity, and disk drives. However, all this power in a small package is more expensive. Notebook computers come with battery packs that enable you to run them without plugging them in. However, the batteries need to be recharged every few hours.

Tablets

A tablet device is a mobile computer with everything built in to one case suitable for general purposes. They are similar to modern smart phones, except tablets generally have more computing power. Tablets have a touch-screen display, computer and battery in a single unit. Tablets can come equipped with sensors, including cameras, a microphone, an accelerometer and a touchscreen, and are operated by fingers or a stylus. To keep the devices small and compact, tablets do not have a CD or DVD drive, and most use solid-state disks (SSD) for storage. Tablets commonly run Macintosh, Linux, Windows, Chrome, or Android operating systems. Some examples of tablets are Apple iPad, Amazon Kindle. The tablet device is considered a personal (non-business) system such as an Apple iPad and Amazon Kindle, which cannot run Windows 8.1 Professional or Enterprise. Faculty and staff should not access or store sensitive data on these devices.

Tablets PC

A tablet PC is a computer/laptop replacement which is similar to a laptop with the look and feel of a tablet device. It can run Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise (business class) plus join the domain. Faculty and staff can access or store sensitive data on these devices if they follow our data security procedures. An example of a tablet PC is a Microsoft Surface Pro. A tablet PC must follow the Purchasing directive guidelines as specified by Business Affairs in a memo dated 6/26/2014 Computer System Purchases.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

A solid-state drive (SSD) is similar to a flash drive in that it does not contain spinning or moving parts such as a HD (Hard Disk). They are generally faster than a standard HD to access data.

Additional Notes

• If you purchase a smartphone, we recommend getting a device with built-in support for Microsoft Exchange. Phones with Active Sync are encouraged.
• Personal devices such as iPads, digital cameras, and graphic tablets receive limited support. End-users assume responsibility for learning how to operate and install these devices.
• Sound cards are standard on nearly every computer, but you cannot hear the audio from your computer without speakers. In many cases, they must be purchased at an additional cost.
• Many HP products (scanners, printers) require cables that must be purchased separately.
• CD-ROMs can only read CDs. If you need to create CDs, you must purchase a CD-RW drive. Since CD-RW drives can read and write CDs, you will rarely need to purchase separate CD-ROM and CD-RW drives on the same computer system. DVD-RW drives can read and write DVDs and CDs. DVD drives can read CDs and DVDs. If you need to create DVDs, you must purchase a DVD-R or DVD+R drive. A CD-RW/DVD-R or a CD-RW/DVD+R drive can read and write both CDs and DVDs.

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