Acquiring Computing Hardware
The vast majority of newer computers are capable of accessing and using UW services without any extra equipment or software.
- The University Bookstore Tech Center offers competitive and, in some cases, significantly discounted prices for faculty, staff, and students on hardware and software.
- When purchasing a computer, ask the vendor to be sure it has all operating system updates and has anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to help protect the computer against viruses, worms, trojans, and other malware attacks.
- UW staff and faculty should check with their department or project computer support staff before acquiring hardware. They may have specific recommendations on what to buy, how to buy it, or where to buy it. The UW Purchasing Web site has detailed information on the proper purchasing process.
- The minimum specifications table provides rough guidelines for capabilities and components computers at the UW should at least have.
Older Computers
Older computers (more than about three years old) may be cheap to acquire but they are likely to be relatively slow, not compatible with new software, and difficult to find service for.
Maintenance
The UW Computer Maintenance Group can repair, install, rebuild, and move computers. Services are also available from many companies off-campus.
