Your Faculty Computer

The university provides a desktop computer for faculty members who have been assigned office space.  The exact model and operating system varies from year to year, depending on our current vendor affiliations.  As of Fall, 2007, the majority of our faculty systems are Dell workstations running Windows XP.

What about other operating systems?
The university provides Microsoft operating systems for the machines we deploy.  In some cases, with the approval of a dean, another system compatible with the hardware may be supported, but these exceptions should be discussed in advance with CPIT to determine the level of support we can offer.

What about personal computers?
Faculty are welcome to bring personal computers to campus.  Depending on the operating system and hardware type, you may have only limited access to network resources (e.g., you may not be able to print).

What if my dean/chair purchases a different computer for me?
Please check in advance with CPIT for the amount of support that we can offer specialized computers.  In most cases, network resources can be accessed from specialized machines, but many non-Microsoft machines cannot take full advantage of our network.

Can I get a laptop instead of a desktop?
If your chair or dean supplies the funds, we can recommend models that are fully compatible with our network.

My CUA-issued machine is old; can I get an upgrade?
CPIT attempts to rotate faculty machines every three years.  If your machine has not been upgraded in that time, you may be eligible for a replacement.

What about computer peripherals?
CPIT will attempt to assist with the connection of local devices such as scanners, printers, and USB drives that you or your department provide.  It is always best to ask CPIT before purchasing new equipment; we may be able to give advice about which models will work best with your computer and our network.

How can I print?
CPIT provides a number of quality network printers around campus; most departments have their own printers.  You can browse for these printers from your Add Printer dialog; they are attached to NTSRVA.  Look on the printer for a label indicating its name.

Additional Resources