Hardware and Software Purchasing

Reference CSBS Technology and Software Procurement and Lifecycle Management policy before making a purchase.

All hardware and software must be purchased through CSBS Computing. Purchases are to be made either by selecting a recommended configuration from our Buy page, or by submitting a helpdesk request. When submitting your request, include desired specifications, software requirements, price range, and/or purpose of the computer. This information will help us obtain price quotes in the event that our recommended configuration does not meet your needs.

N.B. Price should not be the only consideration when purchasing new hardware.

Purchasing Considerations

Professional Support and Support Escalation

Due to volume purchasing, we have support contracts with some vendors and are able to quickly and effectively get replacement parts and escalated support when needed. 

Driver & Software Compatibility 

We have experience with the recommended systems and are familiar with the needed drivers and support software to make these systems run properly. This results in less time spent supporting your computer.

Warranty & Accidental Damage Protection

The default warranty included with our systems provides enhanced protection compared to standard manufacturer warranties.

• Desktops: 5-year warranty
• Laptops: 3-year warranty

For laptops, this coverage includes comprehensive repair services at no cost to the user during the warranty period, regardless of the cause of damage.

Downtime/Turnaround

For certain vendors, CSBS Computing professionals are that vendor’s “on-site” support. In many repair cases we do not need to ship the computer to the manufacturer; we can replace/repair parts in house.

Current and Projected System Requirements

The computer will need to be able to support future applications and operating systems throughout it's lifecycle. Hardware that cannot support the current vendor supported operating systems will require replacement prior to the end of its projected life.

Total System Cost

The Total System Cost includes the purchase price, the amount of productivity lost due to the system being offline for repairs, support costs -- including shipping costs for replacement parts, out of warranty repairs, time spent by computing staff supporting non-standard hardware, and the costs of later upgrades to support future software/operating systems.

 

Minimum Laptop/Desktop System Configuration

Operating System: See Supported OS’s below
Processor:  Processor architectures (Intel/AMD) introduced
more than 5 years ago will not be supported.
RAM: 16 GB
Hard drive: 256 GB SSD

 

Recommended Desktop System Configuration

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Enterprise
Proccesor: Current Intel Core Ultra7 Processor or newer 
RAM: 16 GB+
Hard drive: 256 GB SSD
Warranty: 5yr (w/ on-site support)

 

Recommended Laptop System Configuration

Operating System: Microsoft Windows Enterprise
Proccesor: Current Intel Core Ultra7 Processor or newer
RAM: 16 GB+
Hard drive: 256 GB SSD
Warranty: 3yr (w/ on-site support)

Operating System Standard

• Windows Enterprise

In order to streamline support and to take advantage of volume discounts on software licensing and system management tools, we have standardized on Microsoft Windows Enterprise. When compared to other supported operating systems, Windows will provide the end-user with the fastest resolutions to support cases and better access to application updates, upgrades, and installations.

Operating Systems Supported

• Current Windows Enterprise
• Current supported macOS version

These operating systems are currently supported with vendor-supplied security patches and updates. Due to reduced vendor support, earlier operating systems may pose a security risk to other users of the network and are generally not supported by the College. 

Operating System Upgrades

We do not regularly upgrade operating systems on workstations that are functioning with a supported operating system. Special circumstances will be considered, but our current strategy for upgrading is aligned with the replacement cycle of computers.

Hardware Recommendations

We have negotiated volume discounted pricing for our recommended configurations. You can view and purchase these selections at https://support.csbs.utah.edu/buy (unid login required). The computers were chosen based upon multiple criteria including, but not limited to: the reputation of the vendor, the vendor's hardware choices in this product line, the terms of the warranty, and the excellent pricing available to the University.

Limiting the diversity of computers reduces the quantity of drivers that must be maintained and allows the Computing staff to solve a problem on one computer and apply that knowledge to similar models. Users electing to purchase computers outside of the recommended hardware list generally will receive slower turnaround time on hardware and software repairs. This is also part of the Total Cost of the computer.

Hardware Upgrade considerations 

We facilitate the purchase of all types of hardware upgrades. Submit your quote or your requirements to the help desk if you would like recommendations from our staff.

Some hardware upgrades can make a computer so different from its original state that it may become difficult to support.