Standard Computer Configurations
We identify Windows and Mac standard computer configurations to adequately function in the Texas State computing environment. These enterprise level computers are expected to remain in service a minimum of four years. Quantity discount pricing is negotiated with respective vendors and reflected in the TSUS Marketplace. These computers are available via the CRP program and through department funded purchases. Here are the general computer classifications:
- Business Essentials Workstation with web conferencing monitor - An inexpensive desktop workstation with a web conferencing monitor included, speakers, microphone, and web cam built into the monitor, that meets basic needs.
- Mobile Essentials Laptop - A basic, inexpensive laptop to keep you connected and working while traveling.
- Flexible Use Workstation - Meets the needs of most people. This configuration provides the best performance for the price point in desktops.
- Flexible Use Laptop - A basic laptop that meets most people's needs on the go.
- Power-User Workstation - A large, powerful workstation for those who need increased CPU and GPU processing, memory, and drive space. Not for the everyday user.
- Mobile Power-User Workstation - A more powerful mobile workstation for those who need increased CPU and GPU processing, memory, and drive space while away from the office.
CRP Allocations
CRP funds are used to allocate computers each fiscal year to colleges and divisions proportional to the numbers used above to determine the base replacement program HEF budget. Annual college and divisional allocations are divided into three components: Eligible, Partially Eligible, and Not Eligible.
CRP Funding
Base funding for CRP comes from annual Higher Education Funding (HEF) allocations. Computers for faculty and staff funded from auxiliary, grant, or other designated accounts must be funded from an appropriate grant, auxiliary, or other designated fund account. For all E&G and method of finance (certain designated fund accounts determined by the Budget Office) funded faculty positions, a TXST standard computer will be provided at no cost to the college or division from the CRP budget.
Eligibility
Faculty and staff who are full-time employees and paid from HEF-eligible accounts as noted above are eligible for CRP funds. The portion of the faculty or staff member’s salary that is paid from a HEF-eligible account directly impacts the proportion of funding received by the CRP budget for a CRP computer allocation.
Example: A full-time employee's salary is funded 80% from a HEF-eligible account and the remaining 20% is funded from a non-HEF-eligible account. The CRP program will fund 80% of a Business Essential model computer and the employee's department will fund the remaining 20%. Should a higher tier computer model be selected, 80% of the annual IT contribution will be funded, and the department is responsible for the remaining balance.
Business Essential computer model = $1,500
Annual IT contribution = up to 100% of a Business Essential model
IT contribution based on % HEF eligibility (80%) = $1,200
Department cost = $300
Flexible Use computer model = $2,000
Annual IT contribution = $1,000
IT contribution based on % HEF eligibility (80%) = $800
Department cost = $1,200 the Business Essentials option.
Deployment / Delivery Schedule
Each fiscal year, CRP Division Managers and Department Contacts are notified of the amount of allocations they will receive from CRP. They are asked to select eligible and partially eligible faculty and staff to receive the new computers. IT Division staff orders and delivers the computers.
During the ordering process, CRP Department Contacts are prompted to provide information and details regarding each order. This information is critical to a successful delivery. Once this information is submitted, the computer is delivered to the designated office.
Re-imaging and Re-distribution of Existing Computers
ITAC has established minimum hardware configurations for computers to be eligible for hardware and software support. Computers that do not meet these standards will not be supported by IT. Departments should keep this in mind when considering whether or not to leave old computers in service.
For computers that do not meet the minimum hardware configurations, the department may choose to have ITAC upgrade the old computer to the minimum configuration or better at departmental expense, if possible.
If an old computer meets or exceeds the minimum hardware configuration, ITAC can re-image the old computer which includes formatting the hard drive and installing the most current operating system the hardware will support and some general productivity software including Microsoft Office, anti-virus, and encryption software.
Software Copyright Compliance
New CRP computers come with Texas State standard image software.
Faculty and staff who request software currently installed on their old computer to be installed on their new computer must provide the license information required to install the software unless the software was acquired through IT Business Services. Additionally they will be required to sign a form certifying that the software is (1) required for them to complete their assigned work responsibilities and (2) has been legally purchased and licensed for their use. Deployment staff are not permitted to install any software unless the end-user is willing to certify that they meet these requirements.
NOTE: Not all older software will run with newer operating systems.