Calvin provides both Windows and Mac computers for faculty and staff offices and for campus computing facilities. We provide standard software on Calvin-provisioned Windows and Mac computers.

Computer FAQs

Calvin provides both Windows and Mac computers, as well as standard software, for faculty and staff offices and for campus computing facilities. When you begin work at Calvin, a computer will be assigned to you. If you are inheriting a computer from a former employee, please talk with your department chair or supervisor to make sure the computer has been set up clean for your use. If you have a computer preference, please talk with your department chair or supervisor.

CIT approves requests for laptops based on pedagogical or business needs. Current hardware standards have been designed to cover all necessities. Most additional hardware requires an additional charge to your department and should be included in your department's technology budget. You should receive approval from your supervisor or department chair prior to requesting additional hardware. Once approval is received, requests for additional hardware should be made by contacting the HelpDesk.

Primary-use office computers are refreshed on regular rotation, typically during the summer. Other campus computers (such as student work stations) are replaced with a used computer on a regular rotation schedule.

CIT strives to provide hardware that will meet the needs of the majority of users on campus. Employees are given a complete standard computer system, which includes a standard keyboard and mouse. If you require computer speakers or a webcam for your work, those are available from the HelpDesk by request.

We consider all other computer peripherals and non-computer items to be the responsibility of each department. The purchase of the following peripherals and computer consumables must be covered by the department’s own budget:

  • nonstandard keyboards and mice
  • microphones or headphones
  • USB flash drives or memory sticks
  • personal desktop printers or scanners
  • digital cameras
  • audio visual equipment
  • scientific instruments
  • blank CDs or DVDs
  • printer paper
  • printer labels
  • printer toner cartridges

The latest supported version of Microsoft Office is provided on Calvin-provisioned faculty and staff computers. Other than standard desktop software, most additional software requires a charge to your department and should be included in your department's technology budget. You should receive approval from your supervisor or department chair prior to requesting additional non-standard software.

Faculty and staff can download the latest supported version of Microsoft Office for use on personal home computers and devices. The Personal Technology Purchasing Program lists discounts that may be offered by various vendors for Calvin faculty and staff. 

Accounts

Your Novell, Colleague and Moodle accounts remain the same.

Computer

In most cases, you are responsible for moving your computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any other computer related peripheral equipment. Contact the HelpDesk for if the network jack in your new office is not working. After you move, please notify the HelpDesk that you have moved your office computer so we can update our inventory records.

Printers

Departmental printers will be moved by CIT due to their size and the configuration needed for the printer once it has been moved. Please contact the HelpDesk if you have a printer that must be moved.

Telephones

DO NOT unplug or move your phone set. If you need a phone in your new office, CIT will either install a new phone set or move your old phone for you. There are important programming options that will be lost if you attempt to move the phone yourself that could cause you to be without a phone for a couple of days. Please fill out a Move Extension Request using the CIT Service Center to have your desk phone moved.

Changing Departments

Your new supervisor needs to request access to your new department's network drives. 

Clean LCD Monitor
  • Power off and unplug your monitor.
  • Make sure the monitor is not too hot before proceeding.
  • If your screen is dusty, use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to wipe it gently. Do not use a paper towel, as it may scratch the screen's surface. If your screen needs more than a dry wipe, use a solution that is 50% water, 50% isopropyl alcohol with a soft, lint-free cloth. Alternatively, you may use cleaners that specifically state they can be used with LCD monitors.
  • Always moisten the cloth first and then wipe the LCD in one motion, from top to bottom.
Clean Keyboard, Mouse, and Case
  • Use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from your keyboard.
  • Wipe down the plastic case of your computer with a damp cloth.
  • Unplug the mouse from your computer. Turn over the mouse then clean off any debris stuck to the bottom. Next, clean the surface area on which your mouse moves.
Basic Laptop Care
  • Keep liquids away from your laptop
  • Keep food away from your laptop
  • Always have clean hands when using your laptop
  • Protect the laptop screen
  • Hold and life the laptop by its base, not by the screen
  • Don't pull on or stress the power cord
  • Do not expose your laptop to rapid temperature changes
  • Do not leave your laptop in a car
  • Do not place heavy objects, such as books, on top of your laptop
  • Use and store in a well-ventilated area
  • Try to keep the laptop on a flat, clean service
  • Do not use your laptop on a pillow or bed
Clean LCD Screen
  • If your screen is dusty, use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to wipe it gently. Do not use a paper towel, as it may scratch the screen's surface.
  • If your screen needs more than a dry wipe, use a solution that is 50% water, 50% isopropyl alcohol with a soft, lint-free cloth. Alternatively, you may use cleaners that specifically state they can be used with LCD monitors.
  • Always moisten the cloth first and then wipe the LCD in one motion, from top to bottom.
Clean Keyboard and Mouse

Use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from your keyboard.

Calvin-Provisioned Laptop Details

Included with your laptop:
  • Power supply
  • VGA display adapter
  • CIT does not provide for external monitors, keyboards, docking stations, extra batteries, or additional power supplies
Laptop User Responsibilities:
  • You are expected to keep your laptop secure at all times
  • You are responsible for the supplied VGA adapter (if applicable). If yours is lost and you need a replacement, please contact the HelpDesk with your department's account number for the charge.
  • Do not store confidential data on your laptop hard drive. 
Problems to Avoid:
  • Liquids spilled on laptop
  • Laptop dropped
  • Laptop stolen while left unattended in public place
  • Laptop stolen from unlocked campus office
  • Power cord stretched across walkway and someone tripped over cord
  • Cover closed with pen or power adapter lying on the keyboard caused screen to crack
  • Laptop left overnight in the trunk of car during the winter
  • Open laptops carried by screen causing stress cracks at hinges

Please review CIT Asset Care Guidelines for more specifics.

If your laptop is stolen or damaged, please contact the HelpDesk immediately. Please do not attempt to have the computer repaired yourself.