Policy on the Purchase of Personal Computers
The need for a computer purchasing policy
There is sometimes confusion in Departments or Divisions wishing to purchase a single computer, or small numbers of computers, as to where such computers may be purchased.
Computers purchased with central funds
Personal computers (PCs) purchased using central University funds will be bought by the University purchasing officer from approved suppliers.
As a guideline, basic specifications for the components of such PCs will be published from time to time after testing and recommendations by the Electronic Services and the Support sections of the IT Division, and by the Department of Computer Science.
Approved suppliers may change from time to time and are subject to periodic investigations by the Finance Division as to their financial viability and by the IT Division as to their capacity for supporting hardware warranties over extended time periods.
Computers purchased with other funds
Personal computers purchased using research or other funds need not match the basic specifications, and may be purchased by the University purchasing officer from other than approved University suppliers.
When, after discussion with the IT Division, equipment that does not match the basic specifications is purchased from either an approved or a non-approved supplier, the Electronic Services section of the IT Division reserves the right not to support the hardware, and the Support section of the IT Division reserves the right not to install or configure or maintain software on the device.
accesses since 2003/05/12
