Will I get a new computer?
Possibly, If this is your department’s year for allocations. See the chart.
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?
Please see our hardware page.
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. If you need a new printer during an out-of-cycle year, you may request one using the out-of-cycle request form.
Please note that all out-of-cycle requests are subject to approval.
What software will be installed on my new computer?
Please see our software page.
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://pmweb.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, but you may be able to purchase one like it by going to the Vassar Purchasing department web site. Computers usually are posted there starting in July.
Will you be selling old computer equipment during the summer?
Probably. 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 your responsibility to have a current backup of all important computer files. For help with this please visit backup our web site.
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.
This page was last updated on 5/16/08.