Technology Guidelines & Procedures
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Overview
Technology and Operational Guidelines
Technology Review & Purchase Process
Cascading/Disposal of Systems
Network Connections
Technology Configuration Guidelines
Desktop and Notebook Windows Based System Guidelines
Macintosh Desktop and Notebook Guidelines
PC Printer Guidelines
Portable/Fixed Projection System
Document Cameras/Video Visualizers
Windows Based Software
Macintosh Software
Overview
This document provides the guidelines and procedures for the purchase of new computers, replacement computers, other technology-related equipment, software, and the disposal of old computers and other technology-related equipment by the college departments. They are to be followed by all college departments.

They are designed to ensure the purchase/acquisition of appropriate technology that addresses the requesting department's current and future needs while adhering to college-wide technology standards.

The anticipated results include: protection of the college's investment in technology by purchasing products that integrate with current systems and match the future direction as defined in the Information Technology Plan; improved efficient use and support of technology by minimizing down-time and providing more timely solutions, improved cost effectiveness by obtaining the best price for bulk purchases and using realistic estimates for budget purposes.

The guidelines and procedures were established in cooperation with the Information Technology Advisory Council, Faculty Technology Advisory Committee, the Administrative Technology Advisory Committee and the Office of Information Technology. They will be reviewed quarterly and appropriate changes/recommendations will be published.

Technology and Operational Guidelines
The guidelines recommend specific computer equipment configurations with appropriate capabilities to connect to the campus Enterprise Network, to run necessary operating systems, application programs and client software in use today and anticipated over the next 36 - 48 months.

The College of DuPage has initiated a cyclic Technology Replacement Plan to ensure that all technology on campus is kept up-to-date. Previously, only computers in academic labs and a small portion of administrative areas were updated on a regular cycle. Many computers on campus were not under any formal replacement plan. The result was a wide variance in the capabilities of computers within a department, time consuming ordering process and a costly cascading process. To address these issues, most computers, networked printers and projections systems on campus have been placed on a replacement cycle.

The recommended productivity software runs on both Macintosh and PC platforms, making it possible to readily share documents between these platforms. Because the Macintosh and PC versions of these programs are so similar, training and support will be simplified.

The college standard for internal building networking to the desktop is Ethernet 10/100/1000 BaseT. The recommended network software resources are available to the College of DuPage community free of charge from Information Technology.

Note: The guidelines do not preclude the purchase of equipment to meet the specialized needs of an individual or department. Information Technology will work with areas to determine technology-based requirements as long as appropriate justification is provided. Certain software applications will be prohibited from use when they compromise the operation.

When selecting products the price, performance, dependability, serviceability, adherence to industry standards, ease of use and integration influence the decision to recommend one product over another.


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Technology Review & Purchase Process
Requests for technology-based equipment must be reviewed by Information Technology prior to purchase or acquisition. Technology-based equipment is defined as any microcomputers, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and all equipment/ instrumentation that is interfaced to the enterprise network or any computer type. Examples are computer peripherals, printers, communication equipment, projection systems, document cameras, digital cameras, and scanners.

All technology-based equipment with a value of $1000 and greater will be purchased during the two purchasing cycles, August and January, each fiscal year. All computer equipment under $1000 may be purchased at anytime with completion of an "Computer Equipment/Software Request" form.

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Upgraded vs. New Systems
The decision to upgrade or replace a system is part of the Information Technology review process. IT reviews existing equipment needs within any area including student labs, faculty offices, and administrative departments, and the most cost effective solution is recommended.

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Administrative Areas - Technology-based Department Capital
As part of a yearly initiative to replace technologically aging computer equipment on a regular basis, Information Technology will implement a college-wide project to replace all existing administrative computer workstations with new replacements or fully functional cascaded units on a four-year cycle.

In any given year, areas with less than adequate computer systems will be replaced with cascaded systems of higher capabilities. Administrative areas and departments should not use the department capital budgeting process to fund replacement computer workstations including networked printers and projection systems.

The budgeting for additional new administrative workstations, networked and personal printers, scanners, projection systems, etc. needed for your area should be requested through the department capital process. Any areas receiving new staff will need to budget for computer equipment, network cabling and port equipment.

When equipment for new staff is received, the administrative area should schedule installation via the IT HELP DESK. Installation of replacement administrative workstations, networked and personal printers, scanners, projection systems, etc. will be scheduled by IT staff.

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Technology Enhanced Classrooms and Student Computer Labs
All technology equipment for academic computer labs is included in the Information Technology Plan. Planning meetings are held with each academic division, Information Technology staff, and faculty from varying disciplines to discuss current and future programmatic needs. Through this process, a schedule is developed for the replacement and upgrade of technology in the labs. The student computer labs and technology enhanced classrooms are on a four-year replacement cycle. Some high-end computer labs such as CAD, and some notebook computers are on a three-year cycle of replacement.

New or replacement equipment will be purchased during the August or January purchasing cycles. In preparation, Information Technology completes a "Technology Equipment Review" for each academic lab and includes the identifying Information Technology Plan item number.

Once the equipment arrives on campus, it is inventoried, and released by Receiving for installation which is scheduled at a time that minimizes disruption of the instructional process.

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Faculty Systems
Information Technology and the Faculty Technology Advisory Committee, as part of the Information Technology Planning Process, recommend a replacement schedule for faculty computer systems. Funds have been allocated to replace all full-time faculty computers on a four-year cycle.

Faculty members submit a Faculty Office System Mini-grant form to request an upgraded or replacement computer system. Information Technology reviews each request to determine the appropriate level of use. The requests undergo a peer review by the Faculty Technology Advisory Committee (FTAC) and are awarded in May of each fiscal year. Information Technology then prepares a single detailed written "Technology Review " for all faculty units.

Information Technology adheres to the same cut off dates for requests of mid May for the August purchasing cycle and mid November for the January cycle in order to prepare the detailed reviews. A copy of the review memo accompanies the requisition initiated by Information Technology.

Once the purchased technology equipment is delivered, has been inventoried and released by the Receiving Department, faculty are contacted for installation of the equipment.

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Cascading/Disposal of Systems
In an effort to maximize the life cycle of technology equipment, Information Technology utilizes a method of cascading. When a computer system or piece of technology equipment can no longer perform specific tasks needed in an administrative or academic area, all attempts are made to place working equipment in an area where it can perform productive tasks. The priorities for cascaded systems are as follows: continued use within the department, installation in an academic lab, other uses. If it has reached the end of its usable life, it is deemed surplus and sold at public auction.

Refer to the Technology-based Equipment Replacement/Disposal Procedure for the Computer Equipment Replacement/Disposal Procedure.

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Network Connections
Initial connections to the Enterprise Network, (either a new purchase or cascaded system) may require both wiring and closet hub equipment. Currently, the average cost of running data cabling from the nearest data closet to a user location is $500.00 per connection.  For example, in a new lab with 20 computers, it would cost $500 per unit or $10,000 to network the lab. These costs are to be budgeted by the user.

No connection costs are anticipated for a computer system (either a new purchase or cascaded) that replaces a unit currently connected to the Enterprise Network.

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Technology Configuration Guidelines
The recommended technology-based equipment configurations include specific hardware manufacturers and indicate estimated prices. The identified manufacturers offer quality computer hardware. However, due to the rapidly changing computer field, the strength of the manufacturers will be taken into consideration at the time of actual purchase. In addition, pricing changes constantly; while current at this writing, the prices shown are for budgeting purposes only.

Note: In deciding which platform to purchase, PC or Macintosh, one must consider the type of computers already used in a department, if the administrative applications are platform-specific, and if particular job duties are dominated by one platform or another.

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Desktop and Notebook Windows Based System Guidelines
The following computer hardware configurations will remain productive for the purposes indicated for approximately 48 months, after which time they could be employed in less demanding applications.

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Windows Based Desktop System
Intended usage: Standard configuration for Administrative areas that will be using the computer to access multiple applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail, WWW browsing, and Mainframe Access.

Specifications:

MPC/Gateway E-4620N Desktop

  • Case: 3 Bay Small Form Factor Case

  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 (2.33GHz, 1333MHz FSB 4MB Cache)

  • Memory: 4096MB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-2048MB modules)

  • Hard Drive: 80GB 7200rpm Serial ATA II/300 hard drive w/ 8MB cache

  • Controller Card: Integrated Serial ATA Controller Trusted Platform Module

  • Cd Rom Drive:16x Super Multi-format DVD Writer DVD+/R+RW/CD-R/RW

  • Video Card: DVI Adapter (PCIe x 16 ADD2 Card) Works with Integrated Graphics to Provide DVI Out (DVI)

  • Keyboard: Gateway 104+ Key USB Keyboard (US) Keyboard with Vista

  • Mouse: Soft-touch USB Optical Wheel Mouse

  • Oem Software: Gateway System Manager Client v. 3.2, Cyberlink CDRW & PowerDVD Solution 2-Channel w/Media (for Windows XP), TPM & Security Infineon Platform Solution v3.0

  • Software Driver: Gateway E-4620 Drivers & Applications DVD (for Windows XP)

  • Operating System Software: genuine Windows(r) XP Professional, Microsoft Windows XP Professional Back-up Media (CD version)

  • Power Supply: Integrated 275 Watt Power Supply

  • Network Card Option:IEEE 1394 (Firewire) PCI Card (half height)

  • Warranty: DT.1st-3rd Yr.Manufacturers Ltd.Warranty.Tech Support & Parts

  • Warranty/Services: DT.1st-3rd Yr.NBD On-Site

Budget estimate: $865.00
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Windows Based Notebook
Intended usage: Portable notebook computer to be used to supplement a desktop unit for telecommuting or for multimedia classroom presentation use.

Specifications:

 

MPC/Gateway M295C Convertible Notebook

  • Processor Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.20GHz, 800MHz, 4MB L2 Cache)

  • Operating System Genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP Tablet Edition

  • Hard Drive 160GB 5400rpm Serial ATA hard drive

  • Memory 4096MB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (2-2048MB modules)

  • Optical Drive 8x Multi-Format Dual Layer DVD-RW with DVD-RAM

  • Chassis Chassis w/ Integrated Intel® GMA X3100 Graphics (with up to 384MB Shared Memory*)

  • Backup Media Cyberlink CDRW and PowerDVD Solution (2-Channel) w/ Media (for Windows® XP)

  • Backup Media Gateway E-295 Drivers & Applications CD (for Windows® XP)

  • TPM Hardware Trusted Platform Module ver. 1.2.3.11

  • Operating System Backup Media Genuine Microsoft® Windows® Tablet Back-up Media (CD version)

  • Battery Primary 8-Cell Lithium Ion battery w/ 1 Yr. limited battery warranty

  • Wireless Network Integrated Intel® 3945 802.11a/b/g wireless networking

  • Adapter 65 Watt AC Adapter

  • Extended Service Plan 3 Yr. Business Mobile Primary

  • Battery Replacement Service Plan (requires 3 Yr. or greater limited warranty)

  • Additional Software Microsoft® Education Pack, Microsoft® Experience Pack, Microsoft® OneNote 2007 Tablet & Media

  • Warranty Notebook Total Protection Plan -- 3 year part/labor/NBD on-site/3 year technical support w/ 3 year ADP

  • Professional Services NSP RTI College of DuPage color engraving

  • Additional Parts Additional Gateway Executive Stylus (for Viper-SR)

  • NO Carrying Case

Budget estimate: $2,044.00

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Macintosh Desktop and Notebook Guidelines
The following computer hardware configurations will remain productive for the purposes indicated for approximately 48 months, after which time they could be employed in less demanding applications.

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Desktop Macintosh
Intended usage: Academic Lab or faculty utilizing the Macintosh Operating System.
Specifications:

Power Macintosh iMAC Core Duo Intel

  • 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

  • 4GB 800MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x2GB

  • 320GB Serial ATA drive

  • ATI Radeon HD2600 PRO w/256MB memory

  • SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)

  • Keyboard & Mighty Mouse + Mac OS X - U.S. English

  • Accessory kit

  • AppleCare Protection Plan for iMac - Auto-enroll

  • 20-inch glossy widescreen LCD

  • AirPort Extreme

  • Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR
Budget estimate: $1,698.00
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Notebook Macintosh
Intended usage: Macintosh Based Notebook computer to be used as primary computer.
Specifications:

MacBook Pro 15”

  • 2.5GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

  • 6MB shared L2 cache

  • 4GB 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM - 2x2GB

  • 250GB Serial ATA Drive @ 5400 rpm

  • SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)

  • MacBook Pro 15-inch Widescreen Display

  • Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English

  • Accessory Kit

  • AppleCare 3 Year Protection Plan for MacBook Pro/PowerBook (w/or w/o Display) - Auto-enroll
Budget estimate: $2,718.00
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PC Printer Guidelines
Information Technology generally recommends laser printers as network printers. Experience shows that in the long run laser printers are more cost-effective than inkjet printers. The cost of a laser printer is generally higher than that of an inkjet printer, but the per-page cost of consumables is higher for inkjet printers. Laser printers also tend to have networking capabilities built into them, whereas only high-end inkjet printers tend to be networkable.

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Color Network Laser
Intended usage: Color laser printer capable of 42 pages per minute in black and color, up to 2400 x 600 dpi, to be used in a departmental workgroup environment.

Specifications:

Xerox Phaser 6360DN Color Laser Printer

  • Print speed: Up to 42 ppm color/black-and-white
     First page out: As fast as 9 seconds color

  • Processor: 1 GHz

  • Recommended monthly volume: up to 100,000 pages per month

  • Input capacity: 700 sheets

  • Output capacity: std. 250 sheets

  • Media type: Paper (plain, glossy, film, recycled), envelopes, transparencies, labels, cardstock

  • Media weight: 20 lb. to 24 lb. bond (75-90 gsm), letter, legal, US folio, A4

  • Memory (Std./Max.) 256 MB / 1 GB

  • Automatic 2-Sided Printing: Standard

  • Print languages: Adobe® PostScript® 3™, PCL 5c

  • Connectivity: USB 2.0, 10/100BaseTX Ethernet

  • Macintosh: compatible Yes

  • Dimensions: Width: 17.2 x 22.8 x 20.2 in.

  • Weight: 77 lbs.

  • Warranty: One Year Onsite warranty, Xerox Total Satisfaction Guarantee
Budget estimate: $1,299.00
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Departmental Network Laser
Intended usage: Laser printer capable of 45 pages per minute to be used in a departmental workgroup environment.
Specifications:

Xerox Phaser 4510N Network Printer

  • Performance: Print speed 45 pages per minute (ppm)
  • First page out: <8 seconds
  • Memory (Std / Max): 128 MB / 512 MB RAM
    Processor: 533 MHz RISC processor, PostScript Level 3, PCL6
  • Maximum duty cycle: Up to 200,000 pages/month
  • Print Quality: Print resolution 1200 dpi Image Quality
  • Networking: Parallel, USB 2.0, 10/100Base-TX Ethernet
  • Paper Handling: Standard 550-sheet tray and 150-sheet multi-purpose tray
    Optional 550-sheet feeder; 150-sheets paper, 20 transparencies, 25 labels, 10 envelopes: 16 lb. bond to 43 lb. card stock (60-163 gsm), letter, legal, US folio, executive, statement, US postcard, index card, A4, B5-JIS, ISO-B5, A5, A6 postcard, custom sizes ranging from 3.0 in. - 8.5 in. x 5.0 in. - 14 in., envelopes (monarch, com- 10, C5, C6, DL)
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  • Productivity: Standard features Watermark, N-Up Printing, Booklet Printing, Separation Pages, Cover Sheets, Auto Tray Select Embedded Web Server, Status Monitor
  • Warranty:One year depot warranty, Xerox Total Satisfaction Guarantee
Budget estimate: $820.00
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Small Workgroup Network Laser
Intended usage: Laser printer capable of 25 pages per minute to be used in a small (2 to 4 person) workgroup environment.
Specifications:

Xerox Phaser 3500N Network Printer

  • Performance: print speed up to 35 ppm
  • First page out: As fast as 10 seconds
  • Memory (Std / Max): 32 MB + 4 MB Flash ROM / 228 MB RAM
  • Processor: 400 MHz
  • Maximum duty cycle: 100,000 images / month
  • Print Quality: Print resolution 1200 dpi Image Quality
  • Networking: Bi-directional parallel, USB 2.0, 10/100Base-TX Ethernet
  • Paper Handling: Standard: 100-sheet multipurpose tray, 500-sheet tray
  • Standard Features:100-sheets paper, 20 transparencies, 25 labels, 10 envelopes: 16 lb. bond to 43 lb. card stock (60-163 gsm), letter, legal, US folio, executive, statement, US postcard, index card, A4, B5-JIS, ISO-B5, A5, A6 postcard, custom sizes ranging from 3.0 in. - 8.5 in. x 5.0 in. - 14 in., envelopes (monarch, com- 10, C5, C6, DL)
  • Productivity Standard features Watermark, N-Up Printing, Booklet Printing, Separation Pages, Cover Sheets, Auto Tray Select Embedded Web Server, Status Monitor
  • Warranty:One year depot warranty, Xerox Total Satisfaction Guarantee
Budget estimate: $671.00
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Portable/Fixed Projection System

Intended usage:The use of a portable data/video projection system transforms a lecture space or lab into a multimedia capable display space. These units allow for the projection of multiple data sources, VCR output, video visualizer output, or any NTSC video signal.

Specifications: Sharp XG-C435X

  • 4000 ANSI lumens
  • Display Resolution XGA (1024 x768)
  • Resolution Capability SXGA with ImageACE Resizing
  • Compatibility PC, MAC and Workstation
  • Frequency Range: fH 15-70 kHz / fV 43- 85 Hz
  • Weight / Dimensions: 10.8 Ibs./12.8" x 4.0" x 11.6"
  • Unique Feature(s): Power Save Mode
  • Panel Type: 3 -.08" Polysilicon TFT LCD with Micro lens array
  • Dot Clock:  up to 108 MHz
  • PC Compatibility XGA (VGA to sXGA with Image ACE Resizing)
  • Mac Compatibility 21” up to 1152 x 870 with Image ACE Resizing)
  • WS Compatibility 1280 x 1024 (various modes with Image ACE Resizing)
  • Video System NTSC/PAL/SECAM -Interlaced or Progressive Scan
  • HD Compatibility 480i/540i/480p/576i/576p/720P/1035i/1080i  
  • Video Circuitry 3D Y/C Circuitry, interlaced/progressive scan
  • Resizing: Advanced Image ACE Resizing -up to SXGA
  • Center to Corner Ratio: 90% Contrast Ratio: 450: 1
  • Lens Type:  Recessed 1.2 :1 Manual Zoom and Focus
  • PC Control RS-232C -9 pin D-Sub In/Out
  • Remote Control IR Remote
  • RF Carrier Frequency 38 MHz
  • Wired Remote 3.5 mm minijack
  • Audio System 2 Watt  Monaural
  • Lamp AC 275 Watt, User-replaceable
  • Fan Noise 36dB (Standard) 31dB (low power mode)
  • Power Source 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
  • Power Consumption 360 Watts (Standard) / 320 Watts (low power mode)
  • Limited Warranty 3 Years Parts/labor & Sharp Express Repair,lamp 90 Days
  • Computer Inputs 2- Computer / RGB / Component Inputs
  • Video Input [Composite (RCA); S-Video (4 pin DIN)]
  • Outputs 1 -Audio Output (3.5mm Stereo Minijack), 1 -Computer / RGB Output [15pin HD]
  • Min/Max Screen Size 40" to 500" (Diagonal)
  • Min/Max Projection Distance 4'8" to 36’
  • Other – Changeable start up Image
  • CV-IC System II processing with superior colorimetry and image quality
Budget estimate: $3,000.00 plus cart
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Document Cameras/Video Visualizers
A document camera and a projection system can replace an overhead and/or opaque projector. These units allow for the display of paper, transparencies, individual slides, and three-dimensional objects.
Intended Usage: An analog document camera when used in conjunction with a video projector will allow the display of opaque, transparent, and three dimensional objects.
Specifications:

Canon RE-455X Visualizer

  • Features and Optical Specifications

  • 1/3" 850,000 pixel CCD (805,000 effective)

  • Extended range of object viewing from 12 3/4" x 9 8/16" to 1 5/16" x 31 /32"

  • One-push auto/manual focusing

  • Backlight panel and 6Wx2 fluorescent upper light arms

  • 520 TV lines horizontal and 450 TV lines vertical resolution , (XGA)

  • 1/15 and 1/10,000 sec. electronic shutter Dimensions

  • In use: 28 2/5" (W) x 20 3/5" (D) x 21 4/5" (H)

  • Stored: 191/8" (W) x 203/5" (D) x 71/5" (H)

  • Light box: 8 1/4" x 11 3/4"

  •  Weight 22 lbs (approx.) Warranty

  • 1 Year Parts & Labor

 
Budget estimate: $1,400.00
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Windows Based Software
Information Technology orders and supports a core software suite that is installed as a base set of applications and utilities on all Windows Based systems on campus.
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • Microsoft Office Professional
    • PowerPoint
    • Word
    • Excel
    • Access
    • Outlook
  • MS SharePoint Designer
  • MS Project
  • MS Publisher
  • MS Visio
  • MS OneNote
  • Trend Micro Anti-Virus
  • Firefox
  • MS Internet Explorer
  • Real Player Basic
  • QuickTime
  • Chime 2.x
  • Hummingbird Telnet
  • MS Explorer FTP
  • MS Media Player
  • Mainframe Access
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader
  • Adobe Flash Player
  • Adobe Shockwave Player
  • Sun Java Runtime Environment
  • MS .NET Framework
  • DVD Player
  • CD/DVD Burning Software
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Macintosh Software
Information Technology orders and supports a core software suite that is installed as a base set of applications and utilities on all Macintosh systems on campus.
  • Mac OS
  • MS Office
  • Outlook
  • TN3270
  • NCSA Telnet 2.6
  • Virex
  • Safari
  • Firefox
  • QuickTime
  • Stuffit expander
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rathke@cdnet.cod.edu