Hardware and Software Purchasing
All hardware and software should be purchased through CSBS Computing. Purchases can be made either by selecting a recommended configuration from our Buy page, or by submitting a helpdesk request. When submitting your request, try to 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 warranty we order as a default is much better than the standard warranty that most systems ship with; a 5 year warranty is standard. For laptops we include the equivalent of an “Accidental Damage Protection” (different vendors have different names for this). Laptops with this coverage can be repaired at no cost regardless of the cause of the damage (during the coverage period).
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
Will the computer be able to support future applications and operating systems? Hardware that is only able to support the current operating system, or previous in the case of Windows 7, will require upgrades 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.
Be wary of cheap computers; even though the initial purchase price looks good, it doesn’t mean that the computer will be inexpensive to the University when the Total System Cost is considered.
Minimum Laptop/Desktop System Configuration
Operating System: See Supported OS’s below
Processor: Processor architectures (Intel/AMD) introduced
more than 5 years ago may not be supported.
RAM: 8 GB
Hard drive: 100 GB SSD
Recommended Desktop System Configuration
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise
Proccesor: Intel i7 6700 Processor or newer
RAM: 16 GB
Hard drive: 250 GB SSD
Warranty: 5yr (w/advance shipping)
Recommended Laptop System Configuration
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 or 11 Enterprise
Proccesor: Intel i7 6600 Processor or newer
RAM: 16 GB
Hard drive: 250 GB SSD
Warranty: 3yr (w/advance shipping) + Accidental damage coverage
Operating System Standard
- Windows 10 Enterprise
- Windows 11 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 10 Enterprise. When compared to other supported operating systems, Windows 10 will provide the end-user with the fastest resolutions to support cases and better access to application updates, upgrades, and installations.
Operating Systems Supported
- Window 10 or 11 Enterprise (see current standard above)
- macOS 12 and up
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 can 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 or many upgrades can make a computer so different from its original state that it may become difficult to support.
Upgrades to motherboards, video adapters, network interfaces, optical drives, can slow the setup of the computer.
Upgrades to peripherals (monitors, keyboards, speakers, and mice) are generally benign. Your own purchase decision would likely not affect the support you receive.
Upgrades to RAM should be selected carefully to match your hardware.
Upgrades to hard disks generally do not affect your compatibility with our software images, but their replacement is more time consuming and involved.