Computer Acquisitions FAQ


Benefits of Computer Acquisitions include convenience, standard applications included on all computers, support and troubleshooting, upgrades, installation, and more. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about the program. Note: Purchases using externally funded grants are excluded.

Contents


Available Models

What kind of computer can I get?

Many different models, including laptops, are offered. Visit Computer Acquisitions and refer to the Request This Service section to view the available options.

How do I make a computer purchase?

  1. Go to Computer Acquisitions to get the details about purchasing.
  2. Select Request This Service to view the Windows and Apple models' information, make inquiries about purchasing, and ask general questions.
  3. Select the model you want and then select Request this device to fill out and submit the related form. You will be contacted to schedule a time for the equipment to be installed at your desired location. The department will be charged the cost of the purchase once the equipment is installed and deployed.

Coverage and Responsibilities

What is covered under the Computer Acquisitions program?

All purchased equipment is covered by the Computer Acquisitions Department's replacement policy. If you experience a manufacturer hardware problem (that is not caused by the user either directly or indirectly), the defective equipment is replaced or repaired as soon as possible. Please note that in the event of a hardware failure, only those users supported by Desktop Support will be able to retrieve lost files.

When my Service Agreement expires, will I continue to be billed if I have not yet returned the equipment?

At the end of the service agreement, billing will continue at no charge. Departments will continue to see the equipment on their statement, however, a note will be included to inform them when the service agreement has expired. Meaning, the equipment will no longer be serviced by the Computer Acquisitions Department.

If I have a question about billing, expiration dates, or just general questions, how can I contact the Computer Acquisitions Department?

For questions or assistance, fill out the Computer Acquisitions Inquiry form. A Computer Acquisitions representative will follow up with you.

What if a computer or piece of equipment is lost or stolen?

The user or department is responsible for lost or stolen equipment. All equipment needs to be registered with University Risk Management by the respective department.

What if my machine is damaged?

The user/department is responsible for the cost of repair to any damaged equipment. Damage costs may vary due to the nature of the damage to the unit. The Computer Acquisitions Department will provide an estimate or quote if a charge is applicable. Otherwise, the Computer Acquisitions department will service the machine and offer a swap (of a like model) when necessary.

What are my responsibilities?

The user/department is obligated to pay for the purchased equipment after it is deployed, installed or delivered. Billing for the purchased equipment will not be removed until requested by the department. Users are also responsible for backing up their own data unless they are enrolled in Fee-Based Support. The user is also responsible for any fees if the purchased equipment is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Costs and Payment

How much does it cost to purchase a computer?

Purchase costs vary depending on the model. See the list of Windows and Apple Models to view costs.

How do I pay for my computer?

Your departmental account will be charged after the equipment is deployed, installed, or delivered.

Can I return purchased equipment?

Departments have 30 days to return purchased equipment at no cost. After 30 days, no returns will be accepted.

Computer Modifications

Am I allowed to add devices (speakers, webcams, optical drives, etc.) to the purchased computers?

You are allowed to add external devices, however, those devices will be your sole responsibility. Any device that you wish to add to a purchased computer must be external.

Can I have memory added or add it myself?

Adding memory depends on the model. Please contact the Computer Acquisitions Department to see if this is possible.

Can a second monitor be added?

Yes, depending on the model, a second monitor can be added for an additional fee.

Can I purchase a different computer rather than the standard bundle?

Only the standard bundles are available under the purchase program and kept in stock. However, non-standard equipment may be possible to purchase. For questions or assistance, fill out the Computer Acquisitions Inquiry form.

What if I want to upgrade computers before the end of the service agreement period?

Departments are free to purchase new equipment regardless of the service agreement period.

Setup Process

What software is included?

PCs include: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Adobe Reader, Adobe Flash Player, Java, MozyPro, CrowdStrike Falcon, Zoom, Microsoft 365.

Apples include: Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Adobe Reader, Java, MozyPro, CrowdStrike Falcon, Zoom, Microsoft 365.

(Software is subject to change over time).

Can I specify the software to be added to the computers before they are delivered?

Yes, you can specify the software to be added. Please specify those needs in the Comments section of the request form.

Who sets up the computers?

A deployment technician will install your new equipment and modify the necessary settings to ensure network connectivity and access to your printers. The technician can also remove old equipment.

Will you join my computer to my Active Directory (AD) domain?

Yes, our technicians can add the new computers to your AD domain.

Troubleshooting

Who do I contact if something goes wrong with the computer, or if I have a software question?

If you have a question, concern, or problem with your computer, please contact IT Services.

What happens if my hard drive crashes or my operating system gets corrupted, and I haven't subscribed to Fee-Based Support?

Hardware issues are covered under the terms of the purchase, however, without the Fee-Based Support program, the responsibility for data backup rests with the client. In the event of a hard drive failure, Computer Acquisitions will provide a replacement drive with the standard suite of software installed, but there aren't provisions for data recovery or installation of non-standard applications. In the event of an operating system corruption, the client must contact IT Services. Clients will assume responsibility for reinstalling the system.

Purchase End

What happens to the computers at the end of the purchase?

The service agreement on the purchased equipment will expire. No replacements or repairs will be serviced by the Computer Acquisitions department at the end of the term.

Can I purchase my computer at the end of the purchase?

Any purchases will be at the discretion of the department that owns the equipment.