Computer Standards

PC Standards

Hardware Life Cycles and Performance

The question of the average life cycle of a desktop PC or laptop is an issue that is addressed by a variety of factors. These include the specific hardware configuration, the operating system being used, the applications that need to be run to allow the user to perform work, and the ability of the designated support structure to keep the desktop or laptop functional.

A number of years ago, hardware technology was such that users were continually looking for greater performance to improve their ability to perform defined work assignments. This was a time when the operating systems, applications and software utilities were driving hardware to greater performance. Consequently, many information resource groups, such as Gartner or Burton Groups, defined a desktop life cycle as only 3 years. The main reason was that at the end of it's life cycle, there was a very fair chance that the hardware would not have the capability to provide for any of the user needed functionality.

More recently, there have been dramatic changes in hardware technologies, including significantly faster multi-core processors, significantly increased RAM and bus speeds, some to over 1 Ghz, advances in the development of the PC Express technologies, SATA II standard and many others, that have improved system performance. These have all contributed to put the performance of hardware well ahead of the general user's software system requirements.

The end result of these hardware improvements has been to extend the average life cycle of a desktop PC out to 4 years, potentially 5. As hardware and software changes occur into the future this recommendation may increase or decrease depending on the consequences. Individuals making hardware purchases or developing technology plans should be aware of this life cycle and make appropriate adjustments.

Hardware Maintenance Support for Managed PCs

When defining specifications and making purchases of desktop PCs and laptops for use on the University, it is imperative that machines be purchased with a warranty period that extends through the full expected life cycle of the system. At the present time this would not normally be less than 4 years. This warranty can be purchased initially from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or provided for through a fixed maintenance program with the current contract hardware support vehicle in place at the University.

It is strongly recommended that the hardware warranty/maintenance issues be addressed with the acquisition of hardware. The small amount of savings that might be realized by leaving this out of the initial purchase is only a fraction of the costs that may be incurred later in the life cycle as system components begin to fail.

Managers and users should be aware that support costs associated with the maintenance of older computer hardware are beyond just the cost of the hardware component itself. Whether the issue deals with the continual use of severely antiquated hardware that provides marginal or poor performance in the desired area or the correction of non- maintenance or non-warranty items, additional costs can be expected.

When a faculty or staff desktop experiences a hardware failure, there is technical staff time and costs along with the loss of productivity of that individual. As more of these incidents occur, then delays in correcting the problems can be expected to increase, thereby adding to this financial and resource burden.

Hardware End of Life for University Owned Equipment

As of January 1, 2005, OCCS support personnel will no longer provide technical support or maintenance for any desktops or laptops beyond 5 years of age (as defined by the OEM Serial Number/birth date). These PCs and laptops have fully served their usefulness in the technology area and should be replaced by newer equipment and sent to property control for disposal.

Also at this same time, OCCS support personnel will no longer provide technical support or maintenance for any desktops or laptops beyond 4 years of age (as defined by the OEM Serial Number/birth date) unless those systems are currently under a fixed cost maintenance contract with the OEM or current hardware support vendor.

The University support infrastructure is made available to maintain University owned equipment and resources. At no time will University support personnel provide maintenance and support (hardware or software) for personally owned equipment. Users who need support can contact the Technology Store to see if current low price contracts are in place that can be used or contact local computer businesses that provide this service (i.e. Geeks on call).

The hardware support requirements apply to all systems installed and supported by OCCS and will provide for a more robust and useable computing environment:

Windows 2000 Professional Standards

OCCS began deploying and supporting Windows 2000 Professional in October 2001. The Windows 2000 Professional hardware standards were based on hardware recommendations from Microsoft and performance of existing systems within the University infrastructure. Support for Windows 2000 Professional will come to a close on 1 March 2009.

Windows XP Professional Standards

As of January 2005, OCCS began deploying and supporting Windows XP Professional across the University. This operating system will only be available through new hardware purchases from the University preconfigured site. Systems purchased before January 2005 will not be upgraded to this operating system except through replacement of the desktop.

Windows Vista Business Enterprise Standards

Starting 1 September 2008, Microsoft Windows Vista Business Enterprise will be the standard operating system of the University. Vista will be available on preconfigured desktops purchased through Lenovo, the University's primary vendor. Deployment of Vista will only be available through a new equipment purchase. Existing University systems will not be upgraded to the new operating system.

Windows Vista includes increased user and administrative functions that may interfere with some currently installed software applications. These new features should be noted and investigated by the faculty/staff to determine if they may pose operational issues to currently deployed software. This operating system will be significantly more hardware intensive than any previous operating system deployed by the University.

New Windows Vista Features

Windows Vista provides many new benefits and features. Many of these new will go unnoticed by users as they operate in the background. Some of the more visible features include the new User Access Control, the Aero Interface, Shadow Copy, and new features included in the search function. Vista also features a 64-bit version that offers more powerful calculation ability than the standard 32-bit version. OCCS is still determining which platform will be most beneficial to the University.

User Access Control:

• Prevents programs from installing without users' knowledge.
• Allows everyone, including Administrators, to operate as a standard user.
• Requires the elevation of rights to perform anything other than basic functions; such as installing software, making changes to the system kernel, writing to specific Windows directories.
• Allows for registry and file virtualization. This allows programs to write and access virtual registry and file entries that appear only to the user running the software that created them. This is similar to the data contained in the Application Data directory under specific user profiles in Windows XP.

Aero Interface:

• This is the biggest visual change from Windows XP to Windows Vista.
• Creates inactive windows that appear to be translucent, focusing the users' attention to the active window.
• Includes a redesigned start menu that functions similarly to a web page. The repeated drops down menus from Windows XP are no longer present.
• Includes Windows Sidebar, which includes new Gadgets that can provide information at a glance such as a clock, RSS feeds, or a picture slideshow.
• Will require a learning curve as the most menus are only slightly similar to Windows XP.

Search Function:

• The search function is now available in every window and in multiple locations in the start menu.
• Microsoft has re-engineered the way in which the search engine functions to facilitate faster and more relevant search results.
• Search results now include dynamically sizable thumbnails so that users can easily verify the search results and quickly pick the most relevant information.
• Windows Vista now allows users to add metadata tags to files in which users can specify information such as which project the file belongs or the originator of the file. This allows more precise searches, as users can now search for information related to the metadata tag.

Shadow Copy:

• Runs in the background and silently makes a copy of the files users manipulate.
• Allows users to seamlessly retrieve previous versions files they have recently worked with.

Windows Vista includes increased security through the implementation of Bit Locker, Encrypted File System (EFS) technology, Internet Explorer 7 updates, Windows Defender, and Network Access Prevention. Standard configurations for these will be included in the preconfigured systems deployed by the University.

If you have any questions or comments concerning these issues please contact the Technical Support Center at 757.683.3192 or email occshelp@odu.edu.