Computer Purchasing & System Requirements
Purchasing Assistance and Procedures
Our systems administrators can help you purchase hardware, software, and IT services. We leverage services from across the campus and the world to best-assist ECE personnel. Fill out this online form to start the computer and/or monitor purchase process.
Enterprise Models
Q: Why do most businesses and university IT departments buy enterprise desktops/laptops, which sometimes cost more than consumer versions?
A: Most enterprise models come with these benefits, which are usually worth the additional initial cost:
Components are more thoroughly tested before delivery
All machines come with full on board testing/diagnostics
Machines come with minimum 24/7 availability, 3 year warranty, which may be optionally extended
Warranty replacement time is overnight
Components meet business standards for computer safety, reliability, and compatibility (components are higher-quality)
Manufacturer technicians are available for on-site calls if needed
Computers have longer expected lifecycles than consumer models
Non-scripted service RMA requesting, which means significantly faster parts dispatch/repair
Laptop, desktop, and mobile enterprise devices are built to be physically stronger than many consumer models.
Consumer models often take 3-5 days longer to fix than enterprise models, often due to poor warranty exchanges and non-standardized or unavailable diagnostic tools
The additional money spent on an enterprise model almost always is recuperated in long-term reliability and systems that last much longer
Most enterprise machines have a lower total cost of ownership, even if the initial cost is higher
System Requirements
The ECE Department requires that systems comply with all University policies and local policies to ensure that our network is safe and effective.
Wired network access requires:
RHEL, Ubuntu LTS, or Windows 10
Machines professionally installed by our staff
Machine must meet patching, login, and domain control requirements, including the SCCM client (for Windows) or QAS software (for Linux)
Machine must have approved anti-virus software in most cases
Machine must exist on an appropriate network subnet behind an appropriate firewall
Individual circumstances will dictate how we connect and manage various departmental machines. Please email ece-support@umn.edu for more information.