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Section 1: Introduction
The TLTR committee has established these guidelines for replacement planning for existing facilities and the acquisition of new computer technology. These guidelines are reviewed and revised each spring to establish the campus standards for the upcoming academic school year. This document is intended for faculty in academic departments, staff, administrators and student computer labs on campus.
Rationale for defining a set of standards:
- Allows faculty, staff and departmental decision makers to compare their current systems and purchase requests with minimum and recommended standards;
- Allows faculty and staff decision makers, with the limited help of support staff, to define a set of software and hardware that can be fully supported by University technical personnel;
- Allows faculty, staff and students to gain information on standard policies and procedures associated with the proper handling, recycling and destruction of electronic, data-sensitive media;
- Allows faculty, staff and students to receive full technical support when and if they use the standard software and hardware
Section 2: Hardware Standards
New Acquisitions- Recommended Hardware Configuration Standard
Recommended Hardware Manufactures:
- HP
- Gateway
- Apple
The minimum configuration that should be specified for new acquisitions is: (3-4 year life-cycle at SCSU)
Windows- Desktop Workstation-Recommended
| Processor: |
Pentium IV, 3.2 Ghz |
|---|---|
Memory: |
1GB RAM |
Hard drive: |
80 GB |
Optical drive: |
CD-RW, CD-RW/DVD-ROM, DVD+-RW/CD-RW |
Monitor: |
17” LCD Display |
Network connection: |
Ethernet 10/100/1000 |
Operating system: |
Windows XP Pro (with all updates) |
Windows- Laptop Workstation-Recommended
Processor: |
Centrino Pentium M 730 (1.7 Ghz) or higher |
|---|---|
Memory: |
1 GB RAM |
Hard drive: |
60 GB @ 5400 rpm |
Optical drive: |
CD-RW/DVD-ROM, DVD+-RW/CD-RW |
Screen: |
12.1” or larger |
Network connection: |
Ethernet 10/100/1000 |
Wireless: |
802.11B or 802.11G |
Modem: |
56K |
Operating system: |
Windows XP Pro (with all updates) |
* Accidental damage is highly recommended for purchases
Macintosh- Desktop System-Recommended
Processor: |
G5 Dual 2.0 Ghz or Intel Core Duo, 1.83 GHz |
|---|---|
Memory: |
1 GB RAM |
Hard drive: |
160 GB |
Optical drive: |
Superdrive (DVD+-RW/CD-RW) |
Monitor: |
17” LCD |
Network connection: |
Ethernet 10/100/1000, Wireless |
Operating system: |
10.4 or higher (with all updates) |
Macintosh- Laptop System-Recommended
Processor: |
G4 processor 1.42 Ghz or Intel Core Duo, 1.83 GHz |
|---|---|
Memory: |
1 GB RAM |
Hard drive: |
60 GB or higher |
Optical drive: |
Superdrive (DVD+-RW/CD-RW) |
Screen: |
12.1” or larger |
Network connection: |
Ethernet 10/100/1000 |
Wireless: |
Airport Extreme (802.11G) |
Operating system: |
10.4 or higher (with all updates) |
Optical
mice are the preferred interface on all systems if possible.
Note: All Apple Intel Duo Core laptops do not come with 56K modem.
Mobile Devices- Recommended
PDA’s: |
Palm OS and Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0, CE devices such as HP iPaq and PalmOne |
|---|---|
Tablets: |
Windows XP Tablet OS devices such as HP and Gateway |
Please visit the SCSU Computer Store (Miller Center B42) for consultation on proper devices to purchase for both individual needs and compatibility with campus resources. Various different types of mobile devices are available for use.
University supported microcomputer hardware for desktop models includes equipment from HP/Compaq (corporate models), Gateway (corporate models) and Apple. The supported models for laptops include equipment from HP/Compaq, Gateway and Apple. These brands have been selected on the basis of product quality, price, ease of repair, system reliability/performance and total cost of ownership of the products currently on campus.
New Acquisitions
The “Recommended Hardware Configuration Standard for New Acquisitions” identifies a typical configuration for a faculty, staff or administrator who would be buying a new system. The specified configuration is capable of executing the standard application software with relative ease even with the anticipated new releases of the software. The expected useful life of these units is generally three to four years based on an acceptable level of performance to run the standard applications.
Standard Applications
The “Minimum Hardware Configuration for Running Standard Applications” specifies
the minimum configuration of hardware that is needed to run the oldest versions
of the standard software applications that are still supported by University
personnel. The standard defines what is needed in terms of processor
speed, amount of memory, capacity of the disk drive and the need for any
other peripherals such as a CD disk drive. As a general rule, when
newer versions of the software are released, the newer version requires more
computer resources. Quite often, a user would see the new software
release and would like to use it, but since the new release requires more
computer resources than that available on the user’s system, the user
is forced to continue to use the old version of the software until a new
unit can be purchased.
In the evaluation process, it is important for faculty and departmental decision makers to consider the total cost of ownership of the system. This includes not only the purchase price of the unit, but the on-going support costs, too. In developing these recommendations, the total cost of ownership was a major component in the consideration.
Support for the hardware and software being used on campus is provided with limited staff. These standards help define the minimum hardware that is needed to adequately run the basic set of application software and to efficiently provide quality service at current staffing levels. If someone is using other software, they may need additional workstation resources. For example, a system running voice recognition software will require additional memory and a faster processor. For this information, it is best to check the recommended minimum resources needed to adequately run the specific application. By defining the standards for hardware and software, the University will make every effort to provide adequate support for the products by:
- assisting in the installation of the hardware and software,
- trouble-shooting and diagnosing problems via the HelpDesk and other staff assistance,
- connecting workstations and other facilities to the campus network,
- consulting with departments interested in acquiring hardware and software.
Minimum Hardware- Configuration for Standard Applications
The minimum hardware configuration that is considered effective in running the standard application software is:
Windows- Desktop Workstation (Minimum)
| Processor: |
Pentium III, 933 Mhz processor speed |
|---|---|
Memory: |
256 MB RAM |
Hard drive: |
20 GB |
Optical drive: |
CD-ROM |
Monitor: |
15” color monitor |
Network connection: |
Ethernet 10/100 |
Other: |
3.5” floppy drive |
Operating system: |
Windows 2000 or XP |
Windows- Laptop Workstation (Minimum)
| Processor: |
Pentium III, 800 Mhz processor speed |
|---|---|
Memory: |
256 MB RAM |
Hard drive: |
20 GB |
Optical drive: |
CD-ROM |
Screen: |
12.1” LCD |
Network connection: |
Ethernet 10/100 |
Other: |
3.5” floppy drive |
Wireless: |
802.11b |
Modem: |
56K |
Operating system: |
Windows 2000 or XP |
Macintosh- Desktop Workstation (Minimum)
| Processor: |
G4, 733 Mhz processor speed |
|---|---|
Memory: |
512 MB |
Hard drive: |
20 GB hard drive |
Optical drive: |
CD-ROM |
Monitor: |
15” color monitor |
Other: |
3.5” floppy drive |
Network connection: |
Ethernet 10/100 |
Operating system: |
OS 10.3.9 or higher & Classic |
Macintosh- Laptop Workstation (Minimum)
| Processor: |
G4, 700 Mhz processor speed |
|---|---|
Memory: |
512 MB RAM |
Hard drive: |
20 GB (see note below) |
Optical drive: |
CD-ROM |
Screen: |
12.1” or larger |
Modem: |
56K |
Network connection: |
Ethernet 10/100, wireless |
Wireless: |
Airport Extreme (802.11G) |
Operating system: |
OS 10.3.9 or higher |
Note: If a user wants to run OS 10.3 or higher, a larger hard drive would be needed, depending on the application, and a minimum of 256MB of RAM.
It is important to use a computer that is at or above the minimum configuration so that as new releases of software are available, users can take advantage of the new software. More importantly, though, as new versions of software are adopted as standard, older versions become incompatible with the newer versions and ultimately get dropped from the vendor’s list of supported products. To receive product support from campus technical staff and/or the vendor supplying the product, it is important that employees use relatively current hardware and software.
If an employee has a system that is at or below this minimum standard, we recommend that a replacement for that system be included in an acquisition plan within the next few months or next equipment funding cycle. Faculty may also have other academic or instructional software that requires resources beyond the recommended configuration which may justify additional system resources.
Section 3: Removable Media Standards
USB Flash Drives (memory sticks): 128 MB or greater
Please visit the SCSU Computer Store for consultation on proper devices to purchase for both individual needs and compatibility with campus resources. Various types of removable devices are available for use with computers.
Section 4: Printer Standards
Individual Offices: InkJet or Laser printer
The use of laser printers, regardless of whether the printer is on the network
as a shared printer or a stand-alone printer, is highly recommended over the
use of inkjet printers. Inkjet printers have higher operational and support
costs. Laser printers have a longer run life, print faster and print
with better quality. Inkjets are only recommended if color printouts
are required on a regular basis.
Department/Work
area: Laser printer (HP-4100N or higher with
a built in Jet Direct network card)
For printers that will be networked to the campus environment, standards
are being recommended so that the printer fits with the network and the UniPrint
solution. UniPrint is the software used for tracking and charging
printing in the open labs and other locations around campus. One of
the printer requirements is that each printer must support Printer Control
Language (PCL 5.0).
Users evaluate the demand to be placed on a printer and purchase the size printer needed to meet the demand. The minimum unit for a computer lab is the. The standard, though, suggests or inkjet-type printers the purchase of Hewlett-Packard (HP) or Epson models. Hewlett-Packard (HP) is the only brand we recommend for laser printers.
Section 5: Software Standards
The following software is considered standard application software for desktop and laptop systems. The list identifies the latest version and/or the earliest version of the specific products that is supported. This allows people to continue using an older version of the software for whatever reasons, but also encourages users to remain relatively current. Before purchasing the latest version of any software, the user should ensure that the hardware being used is capable of supporting the recommended software.
Software Suites:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Note: See Appendix D for the list of software covered under the current MnSCU contract with Microsoft.
Web Browsers:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Note: When a Web browser is reviewed for support the following items are taken into consideration: ease of installation and configuration, security, supported protocols, Java compatibility, interoperability and compatibility with special site, helper applications and plug-in compatibility/capability, printing, editing/viewing/creation of documents, general ease of use and overall impact to use experience
Plugins w/Browsers:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Virus Protection:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Note: St. Cloud State University has
licensed Symantec AntiVirus (PC) and Norton AntiVirus (Mac) software to
help protect office and home computers of all faculty, staff and currently
enrolled students. To obtain a copy of the software:
On campus: Contact
your college or area support technician for installation. All others
should contact the HelpDesk, 308-2077.
Most computers on campus will have this software already installed.
At-home: Download URL: huskynet.stcloudstate.edu/protectu
The software is also available at the HelpDesk and the Computer Store.
Using antivirus software is a common sense approach to protecting your home
computer and should be used in combination with keeping your computer up-to-date
with patches and services packs.
E-mail Clients:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Multimedia/Graphics/Desktop Publishing:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Video:
Windows |
Macintosh |
HTML Editors:
Windows |
Macintosh |
* Application is on phase out to newer product
Conversion Software:
Windows |
Macintosh |
File Transfer Clients:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Telnet/SSH Clients:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Compression Software:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Utilities:
Windows |
Macintosh |
Note: Appendix C identifies the software contained in the “core” set of software for the General Access labs on campus. This is software frequently used by students.
The list of standard software is intended to identify software for word processing, Web browsing, e-mail and other common applications and has a large user-base on campus. Defining a standard set of software identify for users products that are commonly used on campus and that are supported by the technical staff at the HelpDesk and general access computer labs.
The University has acquired a site license or limited site license for several software products, such as Microsoft products. These licenses and information on how to obtain a copy of the software is available in an on-line document entitled “SCSU Software Distribution Information”. A copy of the document can be found at: http://huskynet.stcloudstate.edu/software/softwaredistribution. This document also identifies other software that is commonly used on campus and the procedures to follow in obtaining a copy.
Faculty may have other instructional software that requires additional resources and support, but that is beyond the scope of this set of guidelines. In addition to the standard set of software, administrative staff have software for processing applications related to accounting, payroll, records and registration and others. Those, too, are beyond the scope of this set of guidelines.
Section 6: Operating Systems Support Standards
Operating systems on computers have a vendor-supported life span of 5 to 8 years once the software is publicly available. The cost of providing full support on computers with operating systems no longer supported by the vendor is significantly high. Using an unsupported operating system also places the user in jeopardy should an error occur in the operating system. For these reasons, it is imperative to define an end-of-life cycle for operating systems and identify operating systems that are no longer supported.
Operating Systems:
Windows |
Macintosh |
The proposed process to identify support levels for operating systems during its lifecycle is under consideration at this time. More information will be made available as it is reviewed by campus committees. Criteria for considering the phasing out of an operating system may include:
- manufacturer’s or vendor’s recommendations for their life cycle support
- security risks
- relationship to campus services (e.g., D2L, OWA, Profiles, etc.)
- academic and instructional uses
- ease of use
- availability of features
- campus and public perceptions
Section 7: Data Handling Standards
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities requires that electronic media used to store data be handled in specific ways with regards to transfer of the media and destruction of the media when no longer used.
The appropriate MnSCU requirements may be referenced at MnSCU Computer and Storage Media Destruction or Scrubbing Requirements. See Appendix A. (Access to this URL must be done from a campus computer)
In brief, the MnSCU requirement is that for computers that are transferred from one person to another person or entity, inside or outside of the MnSCU system, specific hard drive scrubbing procedures must be completed. This is intended to eliminate all traces of data and to ensure compliance with all polices and statutes. Locally, University technology support staff are aware of and are required to fully comply with this requirement in moving computers. This requirement applies regardless of who is moving the computer, what brand of computer is involved, or what the computer was previously used for. See your technical support person or contact the HelpDesk for assistance in complying with this requirement.
MnSCU requires that all media such as floppy disks, backup tapes, CD-ROM disks, DVD disks, and ZIP disks must not be transferred to a second user. Such media must be destroyed. The MnSCU media list may not be exhaustive or all-inclusive. SCSU understands the MnSCU list to include all portable media containing data, even if the list does not mention all media technologies. While the MnSCU requirement speaks to media containing data, media containing licensed software that is no longer used should also be destroyed. Locally, this requirement is met by providing notice of this requirement and by providing a location to drop-off media to be destroyed.
The drop location to have media containing data or licensed software that is no longer used is in the Mailroom, Administrative Services Room 103. Media dropped off at this location will be destroyed by a company under contract with SCSU to provide this service.
Although scrubbing should be done by technical support staff, MnSCU provides an online document which identifies an approved hardware disposal vendor and the recommended procedures to follow in scrubbing hardware. The document, MnSCU Approved Data Scrubbing Software, Procedures and Disposal Vendors, can be found at http://www.its.mnscu.edu/security/process/scrubvendors.html.
Inappropriate use of scrubbing software could have devastating consequences for a layperson attempting to be in compliance with these policies. Further, the inventory of approved software or vendors may change without notice. This information is critical for technical support staff, but is not appropriate for general use.
Appendix A - MnSCU Computer and Storage Media Destruction/Scrubbing Requirements
(December 2, 2002. Modified July 28, 2003)
Computer equipment and/or storage media may not be transferred from one MnSCU user to another MnSCU user, sold, donated, discarded, or otherwise transferred unless the following procedure is followed before the transfer:
The following media must be destroyed by shredding to 1/4” pieces. No permanent transfer to second user allowed. Media temporarily transferred to another user must be returned to media owner. An approved disposal vendor who guarantees shredding of media data may be used. Check the list of approved software and disposal vendors:
- Floppy Disks
- Back Up Tapes
- CDROM Disks
- CDRW Disks
- ZIP Disks
The following requirements must be met before a hard drive or computer containing a hard drive is transferred to any other user:
- The equipment is “scrubbed” with approved, multi-pass “wipe” utilities in accordance with this standard. Reformatting or defragging programs do not constitute “scrubbing” and are not sufficient to meet these standards.
- A single pass “scrub” is required before transfer when the hard drive or computer is being transferred internally for use by other MnSCU employees. The entire drive must be written with zeroes or nulls.
- A triple “scrub” pass is required before transfer
if:
- The hard drive or computer will be disposed of externally, such as
through surplus equipment, other sale or donation, or other disposition outside MnSCU.
- An administrative official determines that the hard drive or computer
to be disposed of requires that additional precautions be taken because
of the presence of a substantial amount of protected or sensitive data,
such as equipment used primarily for institutional research, or personnel,
student or legal data.
- The hard drive or computer will be disposed of externally, such as
- “Scrubbing” may be done through contract with an approved disposal vendor if the vendor guarantees the results, and that the vendor will protect any data on the hard drive or computer in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. A list of approved software and disposal vendors will be maintained at www.its.mnscu.edu.
- Hard drives or computers provided for quasi-public use, such as in student labs or libraries, may be transferred to other uses without scrubbing. Users of such systems should be advised that there is no guarantee of privacy for information they access or enter in such systems.
Appendix B - MnSCU Approved Data Scrubbing Software, Procedures and Disposal Vendors
(December 2, 2002, Revised July 9, 2003)
PC based hardware scrubbing procedure:
Use one of the following approved software utilities to scrub data:
- Wipe Drive Professional (http://www.accessdata.com/)
- Data Eraser (http://www.ontrack.com/dataeraser/)
- IBM's 'scrub3.exe' (ftp://ftp.mnscu.edu/pub/scrubdiskutility/)
Macintosh based hardware scrubbing procedure:
Use the following approved software utilities to scrub data:
Jiiva SuperScrubber (http://www.superscrubber.com). Either boot from the SuperScrubber CD or attach hard disk to another Mac. Wipe with the 'Military' configuration.
Or use Unix 'dd' command. See below.
Unix based hardware scrubbing procedure:
- Mount drive in another Unix workstation or boot workstation from installation CD.
- Determine disk mount point (/dev/hda1 in this example)
- Use Unix utility
'dd' to write data to entire drive.
For a single pass wipe use:
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/hda1 bs=8192
For a multipass wipe use:
dd if=/dev/urandom of=/dev/hda1 bs=8192
dd if=/dev/urandom of=/dev/hda1 bs=8192
Followed by:
dd if=/dev/zero of=/dev/hda1 bs=8192 - Verify overwrite:
dd if=/dev/hda1 count=100
You should see only 'nulls' – no data.
Note: Some Unix OS's may use /dev/random instead of /dev/urandom.
Approved hardware disposal vendors:
Asset Recovery Corporation
150 State Street
St. Paul, MN 55107
PH 651-602-0789
Fax 651-602-0202
arcorp@uswest.net
Appendix C - SCSU Public Workstations Core Software
(as of May 1, 2006)
For the latest detailed list of available software on Miller Center Public Access Workstations, eClassrooms, and General Access Computer labs can be found at:
Windows: http://huskynet.stcloudstate.edu/software/WinSoftwareMatrix.htm
Macintosh: http://huskynet.stcloudstate.edu/software/MacSoftwareMatrix.htm
Appendix D - MnSCU contract with Microsoft
The current MnSCU contract with Microsoft covers the following software
products. Some of these products are available for work at home. For
a list of the products available under this contract and the terms of the
contract go to http://huskynet.stcloudstate.edu/software/ms_license_agreement.asp or
http://www.microsoft.com/education/WorkHome.mspx.
The current software license agreement is for the period July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007. The software must be used for school-related purposes and if the agreement is not renewed, the software must be removed from all computers
Windows Software*
Microsoft Office 2003
Includes: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, and InfoPath
Microsoft Office XP Professional (PC)
Includes: Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access
Microsoft FrontPage 2003 (PC)
Microsoft Project 2003 (PC)
Microsoft Visio Pro (PC)
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET (PC)
Windows Operating Systems*
XP Professional
Windows 2000 Professional
Microsoft Windows Desktop Operating System Upgrades
Macintosh Software*
Microsoft Office v. X (Mac)
Includes: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Virtual PC and Entourage
Microsoft Office Professional 2004 (Mac)
Includes: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Virtual PC and Entourage
At-Home
Faculty and staff may install one copy of selected titles on their home computer
for school-related use only. Contact the Computer
Store, 308-4944, for more details.
* All of these products may be installed on any University-owned computer on campus including student-use computers in the General Access labs, the Curriculum-related labs and student work areas. Contact your college technical support person or the HelpDesk, 308-2077, for installation.
Reviewed by TLTR
Spring 2006
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St. Cloud State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer.
St. Cloud State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
