Effective Jan 1, 2020*
In an attempt to maintain network security, reduce user frustration and avoid wasting resources maintaining decrepit systems, minimum standards have been established for computer hardware. The established standards will help minimize security risks and problems with unreliable hardware, and will keep systems in step with the requirements of current software. The standards are updated annually.
Because budgeting must be done nearly a year in advance, we have also included what the minimum requirements will change to next Jan 1. You are encouraged to plan to meet the standards so that we have ample time to configure your new system before the standards take effect. The following are our current and future minimum requirements for a reliable machine supported by Forestry Computing Resources in accordance with the Workstation Policy:
| Current Minimum | Recommnded Requirements | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10 | Windows 10 |
| CPU | Intel iSeries Processor (4th generation or later) | Intel iSeries Processor (6th generation or later) |
| RAM | 8 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| HD | 200 GB min. 20 GB or 10% free space (whichever is greater) | 500 GB min. SSD 20 GB or 10% free space (whichever is greater) |
If your system does not meet (or will shortly fail to meet) these minimum hardware requirements, then the system is probably overdue for an upgrade. If you are in need of an upgrade, please consult the Computer Buying Guide in order to familiarize yourself with our recommendedations for new system specifications. After you have consulted the guide, Please feel free to contact the Helpdesk for assistance in configuring the system and placing your order. It is important to consult the Heldpesk in order to make ensure the system you select is supportable and that the installed software is compatible with the campus licensing agreements. Please do not place computer orders without working through Helpdesk!
Regardless of whether you can afford a full system upgrade at this time or not, please do not hesitate to contact Helpdesk If your system is below minimum standards. We are happy to work with you to upgrade components of your system so that it continues to meet your needs for as long as possible.
If circumstances dictate that it is impossible to upgrade a system which is below minimum standards, you can keep the machine on the network as long as:
You take responsibility (with Helpdesk staff assistance as needed) for maintaining the machine with the most current security patches. Older machines sometimes have problems with the latest security patches. If that is the case and the machine is no longer securable, we will need to remove it from the network and from Forestry Computing Resources support.
You understand that Helpdesk staff will only be able to spend a limited amount of time diagnosing or resolving a problem. If the problem cannot be resolved within an hour, continued work will only be done if the estimated cost of repairs, in time and materials, does not exceed the value of the system.
You understand that if the system develops problems, it is often less expensive to upgrade the hardware/software than to try to find patches or updates for the older items. Computing Resources will declare a problem as unfixable if it is determined that the cost of repairs would exceed the value of the system.
If you have a system that falls below minimum system requirements and you do not have it connected to the network we will not request that you replace it. If the system is running properly and is operating as a stand alone machine, then the helpdesk will not perform any routine maintenance on the computer.
Thank you for working with us to help ensure that your computing needs are met in a satisfactory and cost effective manner. Please contact a member of the Helpdesk staff if you have any questions.
*Updated annually -- Last updated: August 1, 2019