Laptop Rollout FAQ
What is the laptop rollout?
The rollout program is providing a laptop computer for eligible faculty and staff members. This new focus addresses the need for some employees to have a laptop computer in addition to a desktop computer.
Who is eligible?
Currently laptops are available to full-time faculty and some approved staff members.
Am I required to get a laptop?
The laptop is an optional augmentation to desktop computers for eligible users. If it isn’t necessary to help facilitate your university work, you are not required to take one.
How do I sign up to get a laptop?
You will receive an email notification when laptops are available in your area. It will direct you to our website where you can sign up for a laptop class. You will be presented with a schedule of available Mac and PC classes. After selecting a session, you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive the laptop during the training class.
What is covered at the training class?
Classes generally take about 40 minutes. Here are some of the topics we cover:
• Basic features of the laptop and new programs
• Wireless
• VPN
• Connecting to your campus computer for printing and file access
• Data Management
• Security
Why is the training class required?
We will discuss some advanced security features and methods of connectivity with which most users will not be familiar. Also, we will perform some key configuration steps that require the user to be present with their user name and password. Lastly, we need to get the client’s signature. This is why it is necessary for all users to attend the entire class session.
What if I am late for the class?
It is important that the session not be disrupted by latecomers. The door will be closed once the session starts. The class is fast paced and if you miss some steps your laptop will not function properly. Directions will be posted on the door in case you need to reschedule. Also, you can email helpdesk@fullerton.edu if you are going to miss your class.
What will I need to sign at the training class?
Two forms need to be signed in order for you to receive the laptop. One is the property custody form which indicates that you received the device. The other is the CSUF Laptop Computers Protocol which describes the requirements and proper use of the university laptop. The full text of the protocol is available here.
Do I need to return my old laptop?
One of the key reasons for rolling out laptops is to have standardized support, security, and hardware configurations. We need to get as many laptops back as possible to help facilitate this. If possible, old laptops that meet the necessary criteria will be put back into circulation on campus after they have been reconfigured.
If Information Technology provided you with a laptop, you must bring it to the class and return it in order to receive your new laptop. We will notify you before the class and make arrangements to perform any necessary data transfer the next business day.
If your department purchased the laptop for you, we request that you bring it to the class and turn it in. We can arrange for any data you have on it to be transferred to your new laptop the next business day.
If you purchased your own laptop, naturally it is your property and we won’t be asking you to turn it in to us. However, we request that you do not hand off your personal laptop to other staff, faculty, or students for official use on the campus.
What is the timetable for the rollout?
We started rolling out laptops May 4th, 2006. Classes will be available throughout the summer and into early fall.
Why isn’t the whole campus being done at once?
The laptop is designed to connect to the campus network via wireless, so we are making laptops available in buildings that have wireless available. The campus wireless is being expanded to cover the interior of buildings and we are undertaking both projects in parallel. Also, we need to prepare the laptops before they are installed and support them after they are installed. This makes it necessary to pace ourselves in order to achieve the desired results while maintaining quality service for the university.
What models are available?
Here are the specs of our current standard models:
Mac Laptop
Macintosh iBook G4
Power PC G4 1.33GHz
512 MB Ram
Slot-loading CD R/RW, DVD player combo drive
40GB HDD
12.1” XGA color display
PC Laptop
Dell Inspiron 710m
Pentium M 1.7GHz
512 MB Ram
CD R/RW, DVD player combo drive
40 GB HDD
12.1” WXGA active-matrix display
Can I choose a Mac or PC laptop?
You are free to choose whichever model will help facilitate your university work best. However, most clients will find it easiest to use a laptop that matches the platform of their campus desktop computer. This way the operating system and applications match your desktop, so you don’t need to learn a new system or worry about file conversions. Also, we show clients how to connect to their desktop computer to facilitate file access and even printing. This is easiest when the two systems match.
Can I get an upgraded model?
The basic model may not meet the needs of every user, so there will be an approval process for clients that need to request things like more memory or a bigger hard drive. Details of the approval process will be announced as they become available.
Can I get a tablet or a different laptop model?
Upgrading components of our standard model is easier than adding different models to the mix. Some options like tablet PCs, Intel-based Macs, or laptops with larger screens or specialized configurations could become available at a much later stage. Right now our focus is getting as many standard laptops as possible to as many users as possible. While we may not be able to respond right away, we would like to be aware of the special needs of the campus. Please email us at helpdesk@fullerton.edu if you think you need a special laptop.
Who is supporting the laptops?
The Information Technology Help Desk provides full support for these laptops. If you need assistance please contact us at x7777 or helpdesk@fullerton.edu.
What about keeping the laptop software up-to-date?
Laptops are particularly susceptible to software vulnerabilities, because they are more likely to spend extended periods of time unconnected from the internet. More information about keeping your laptop up to date with current software is available by following these links: PC or Mac.
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