Making Departmental Computer Purchases

 

We often get asked how to purchase new computers for employees.  Below is information related to purchasing campus standardized configurations and custom configurations.

Standard Configurations

Every spring/summer, CTS standardizes on both Mac and PC desktop and laptop models that become the preferred models for the campus to use.  A combination of processor speed, memory, hard drive size and speed, size, weight as well as price are factored into the selection.  In general, we choose hardware requirements with a 4.5 year life cycle in mind.  Once these models are selected, CTS staff review them for functionality with various campus software and configuration tools.  

Once the models are finalized, we publish quotes for them on our Computer Equipment web page.  In addition to the Mac and PC models, you will see quotes for the campus standardized iPad and Chromebook.

These quotes can then be used by departments to attach to requisitions which then go to the Purchasing Department for official purchase.  All equipment is shipped to CTS so it can be configured and inventoried.  We then communicate with departments/individuals for installation.

Custom Configurations

Sometimes the campus configurations might not meet the needs of specific programs.  For example, the use of the AutoCAD software for technology drawings generally needs higher end graphics cards.  In other situations, more drive space, memory, or a larger screen might be needed.  In these cases, a custom quote needs to be requested and generated by one of our staff.  This can be accomplished by the following:

  1. Go to https://www.oswego.edu/cts/

  2. Click the "Self Service Portal" icon on the left side of the page

  3. Login with your Laker NetID

  4. Select "Employee Service Requests" from the middle box

  5. Select "Hardware Quote Request Form"

  6. Select the appropriate hardware and proceed with filling out the form

The above method can also be used to request printers, monitors, and tablets.