Hardware Allocations Cycle

FAQs About Allocations

Will I get a new computer?

Allocations are On-Hold for 2009.  You can see if your department will be up for a renewal in 2010 by clicking here.

If you are a regular employee (administrator, staff, or faculty) and currently have a computer assigned to you, it will be replaced with a new computer.   If you are a temporary employee, or a non-tenure track faculty member, you will receive a recycled computer.

What is a recycled computer?

A recycled computer is one that was previously used by another employee, but has been cleaned of all files, hardware components updated, and up-to-date software installed.  Recycled computers are typically distributed at the end of the allocations process, usually some time in July.

What do the new computers look like?   What are the technical specs?

New hardware specs will be available prior to the 2010 Allocation.

When will I get my new computer?  What if I am out of town when it arrives?

In May department heads will be given dates when the new computers for their department will be delivered and installed.  The dates will range from May through July.  There is no need for you to be present on the day your computer is delivered.

What about printers?

Departmental printers will be replaced if necessary on the same cycle as computers.  Any special requests must be signed and submitted through your Senior Officer.

What software will be installed on my new computer?

New software specs will be available prior to the 2010 Allocation.

If you own specialized software on your current computer that will need to be re-installed on your new machine, you will have an opportunity to alert CIS to this fact as we get closer to your deployment date.  Please note that you must legally own a copy of the software for CIS to install it on your new computer.

Will I be able to run PC software on my new Macintosh computer?

At this time, the new Macintosh computers with Intel chips cannot automatically run Windows-based software. We are currently researching options and hope to have a solution by summer.  Meanwhile, you can run PC software by going to our MetaFrame server at http://vapps.vassar.edu.

Can I get a laptop?

You may request either a laptop or a desktop computer.  Please note that laptops do NOT include peripherals such as a mouse, external monitor, external keyboard or docking station.   They do include wireless cards.

May I keep my old computer in my office? 

No.

May I buy my old computer for personal use?

No. Also, it is unlikely we will have extra recycled computers for a computer sale this year as there is no Allocation, but you can check back by going to the Vassar Purchasing department web site. Computers usually are posted at the end of the summer.

Will you be selling old computer equipment during the summer?

It is unlikely this year. Check the Surplus section of the Purchasing Department web page for more info.

Will my new computer come with speakers?

Yes. Laptops and Macintosh computers come with built-in speakers.  The new IBM (Windows-based) computers come with external speakers.

Do I need to back up my computer before my new one arrives?

There is no need to make a special backup before your new computer arrives.  The Allocations Team will make a backup of your entire hard drive as part of our standard deployment process.  Having stated this, please remember that it is important to regularly back-up your important data.  For help with this please visit our help section.

Will the new Windows computers come with Windows VISTA?

No.  Our new Windows-based computers will use the Windows XP operating system.

What operating system will be on my new Macintosh computer?

Our new Macintosh computers will be equipped with Leopard.

What about Bluetooth?

Bluetooth is included on laptop machines, which allows the use of any Bluetooth-enabled accessories, such as wireless keyboards, mice, and headsets.

Who should I contact with questions about allocations?

Feel free to contact us at allocations@vassar.edu if you have additional questions regarding any aspect of the allocations process.