Recently there has been some discussion around the Division about what the TSU supports in relation to desktop and laboratory computers.
All computers purchased conform to a standard hardware configuration (that changes over time as technology changes and prices drop). The current configuration is Pentium 4 or Macintosh G5, 512MB RAM, Combo Drive (reads and writes CDs, reads DVDs), Flat Panel Display.
Staff desktop computers in the Division are imaged with standard environments, with additional software added for some users with specialist requirements where the additional applications are properly licensed (and usually paid for from the cost centre associated with the end user). Staff can install additional software on their computers (they must ensure they have the legal rights to install the software), but the TSU will not be able to support this additional software. Should the computer require re-imaging, the TSU will apply the current image to the computer: all end-user installed software and locally saved data may be lost during this process.
Images for lab computers are developed after consultation with stakeholders around the Division. Images are built from properly licensed software and tested to ensure all the available applications work together properly. Applications already in the image are normally given precedence to new software if there is a conflict. Applications requested may be rejected for any (or all) of a number of reasons, including but not limited to:
- Lack of compatibility;
- Size and complexity;
- Cost; and
- Support issues.
Further information about the Division's policy on software requests and lab images can be found on the TSU website at http://www.ce.canberra.edu.au/tsu/soft_requests.htm and http://www.ce.canberra.edu.au/tsu/labs.htm.
