Technology Options
The College of Education has a managed computer network that supports many types of technology equipment to help faculty and staff meet their needs.
For their primary computer, faculty can select either a desktop or a notebook computer. Auburn University currently has a contract with Dell for desktops and notebooks and an education discount agreement with Apple for Macintosh desktop and notebook computers.
Desktop
Both Dell Optiplex and the Macintosh iMac offer the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors with ample memory and hard drive space to handle tasks common for faculty at a research institution. The computers come with a 19" (Dell) or 20" (Apple) LCD flat-panel display. The Dell computers run Microsoft Windows XP. The Apple iMac runs Macintosh OS X Leopard (10.5). The College of Education plans on upgrading from Microsoft Windows XP to Microsoft Windows 7 during the 2009-2010 school year.
Notebook
There are various options available for notebook computers depending on the use a faculty member estimates. All notebook computers have wireless Internet capability (Wi-Fi), ability to connect to an external mouse and printers, and capability to connect to the projectors in our technology-enhanced classrooms. Wi-Fi allows users to connect to wireless access points where Internet connections may be available. The IT staff recommends users to call hotels and conferences ahead of time to determine what kind of wireless access is available so adequate steps can be taken to ensure connectivity.
Both Dell and Apple offer ultra light-weight options. The Dell Latitude E4300 has a 13" LCD display and weighs typically around 2.5 lbs. The MacBook Air has a 13" LCD display and typically weighs 3 lbs. Both are designed to maximize battery life, so they do not generally have the fastest processors or large hard drives. For this reason, they do not make good primary computers. The MacBook Air does not have an on-board optical (CD or DVD) drive. The Dell Latitude E4300 has an on-board CD and DVD burner and player. Both computers are good for travel.
The standard notebook computer options include the Dell Latitude E6400 or Dell Latitude E6500 for Windows-based computers, and the MacBook or MacBook Pro for Macintosh-based computers. All four models weigh between five to seven pounds. In addition to adequate memory and hard drive space, standard notebooks come with CD and DVD burners among other useful features. A standard notebook computer can typically run three hours on battery with average use before it will need recharging. The Dell Latitude E6400 has a 14" display, and the Latitude E6500 has a 15.4" display. The MacBook has a 13" display and the MacBook Pro comes with either a 13" or 15.4" ultra-bright display.
Desktop Replacement notebooks, or DTRs, offer 17" LCD screens. They typically weigh between seven to nine pounds and can offer the premium processing power generally reserved for desktop computers. Due to advancements in technology, many of the features once only available on large desktops are now easily available on standard notebooks and DTRs. Features such as DVD burners and dedicated video memory are common to notebooks now. The IT staff typically does not recommend 17" DTR laptops due to their size and weight, and lower return on investment.
A docking station option is typically available for notebook computers. Docking solutions allow the notebook to connect to a pre-wired external monitor, printer, keyboard and mouse.
Software
All computers managed by the College of Education IT unit come with Sophos Anti-Virus software. Additionally, many software titles are available via a site license at Auburn University. A majority of the software is restricted to AU-owned computers only, with a few exceptions. If there is a particular software title that you are interested in using, please contact us.
Cellphone/PDA
Auburn University currently has a contract with Verizon Wireless that benefits both the university-held accounts and personal accounts used by university employees. Auburn University also manages a Blackberry Enterprise Server that can enable you to keep up with your email, contacts, calendar events, tasks and notes on your Blackberry device. This service has to be approved by the department.
Printers
Auburn University uses Hewlett-Packard laser or inkjet printers. The most common and cost-effective option is a black & white laser printer. Users who may need easy access to color printing have the option of an HP color inkjet printer. Many departments also have color laser printers available for faculty and staff use. The College of Education IT staff does not recommend all-in-one inkjet solutions.
Accessories
As new technology advancements are made, there are many exciting new accessories and gadgets available for use by faculty and staff. If you have an interest in a new product, please discuss your need with the college's IT support staff and we'll be happy to help you.
Data Backup
Auburn University manages an IBM Tivoli server that allows nightly, automated incremental backups. This software works well on computers that are connected on-campus to the wired Ethernet connection. Tivoli is also able to make on-demand backups. For assistance in configuring and using Tivoli Storage Manager, please review the instructions available at the following link.
All users have unique expectations and uses for their technology. Please contact Asim Ali via the tech support e-mail to obtain information and assistance in putting together quotes and configurations for technology items that will meet your needs.Technology Blog
The College of Education Information Technology staff maintains a blog with tips, news and other information that you may find helpful. The blog is accessible at: http://blog.auburn.edu/aliasim/wordpress/.
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