Q: What is the new inventory system?
A: Over the last year, we have worked with all departments to consolidate computer information into a single inventory.  This new online inventory is now available and is authoritative for determining replacement eligibility.  As with any data input of this volume, errors are possible.  Therefore, it is important for you to review and verify the accuracy of your department’s data.   Please review the serial number, primary user, allocation, categorization and computer name for each computer.  It is not necessary to verify other fields, such as IP Address or Purchase Date.  An explanation of these values can be found here: http://www.tr.tcu.edu/TechInventory.htm.   It is important that all computers in use by your department be listed in the inventory.

Q: Who should I contact if I can’t access the inventory in PeopleSoft or would like to delegate access to someone else?
A:  Please contact RPInventory@tcu.edu or the Computer Help Desk at help@tcu.edu.

Q: Ok, I am logged in, how do I tell which computers are going to be replaced this summer?
A: Click on the “Replacement Year” column to sort by year.  Anything marked as FY09 will be replaced this summer.  In a few instances, you may see FY08 due to the fact some of our data is still being updated.  The computer may also have a status of “decommissioned” meaning the record is there for historical purposes only.  

Q:  The inventory shows a computer with a “!need s/n!” value, what does that mean?
A:   That means we did not receive a valid serial number for that computer and were unable to determine its eligibility.   Please help us gather the correct serial number so we can update the inventory.

Q:  The inventory seems to be different from the last time I looked at it, is this inventory dynamic?
A: Yes.  Although we have more than 4,000 completed records in the inventory, we are still in the process of verifying a small portion of last year’s data.  Further, we are constantly updating the inventory as computers are purchased, deployed, or decommissioned.    

Q: When do new faculty get their computers?
A:  Using a list provided from the Provost’s office, we will be in contact with each department and/or new faculty to determine their computing needs.   New faculty computers are the highest priority and will begin receiving them immediately.  If there are any special circumstances regarding their arrival, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Q: How do you determine computers are eligible for replacement?
A:  Full-time faculty or staff are allocated one computer designated as their “primary” computer and are replaced on a four year cycle. 

Q: When will the replacement computers be delivered?
A: Computer deployments will begin June 4th.   It is our goal to have all new faculty, faculty and lab computers deployed prior to the start of the Fall semester and all remaining computers deployed by September 30th. 

Q: Will we get a notice before computers are delivered to our department?
A: We will make every effort to give each department at least a week’s notice and work within your schedule.   With more than 600 computers to deploy in a four month window, your flexibility and patience is greatly appreciated.

Q: Do I have to be present when my computer is replaced and how long will it take?
A: The process will take approximately two hours.  It is preferable that you are present, but if you are unable to be there, we will need to reset your password. This allows the installer to login and verify your configuration.   Please be certain you are enrolled in http:\\password.tcu.edu so that you can pick a new password using your security questions.

Q: Do I need to do anything prior to the installer arriving?
A: No.  The installer will backup and restore your data to the new computer as well as reconfigure the settings (email, printers, network drive mappings, etc).  However, you can help the process by: 
Making note of any special software packages you have installed and locating the installation files or media so they can be reinstalled. 
Making note of any special data files on your C drive.  (Ideally these should be stored on your network personal drive, “M”).
Physically clean/clear the area around the computer so the hardware can be replaced more easily.

Q: Can I purchase the old computer?
A: Yes.  The price is $100 for the computer, $50 for the monitor or $150 for a laptop.  Your old computer will be tagged with your name and must remain in quarantine for at least two weeks.  Please contact Chad Smith at RPInventory@tcu.edu to coordinate your purchase.

Q: What are the specifications of the replacement computers?
A: Standard configurations and pricing can be found here.   This pricing and these configurations should remain static throughout the summer, but there is a possibility they could change.  Please contact us for the latest information.

Q: What if I want a laptop or upgraded computer or monitor rather than the standard issue?
A: Faculty can choose a standard laptop rather than a desktop at no extra cost.  For staff, the department may choose to pay the difference to upgrade to a laptop.  In either case, if you choose a laptop and would like the optional docking station, the department would need to make that purchase.  The docking stations cost $125.  Computer or monitor upgrades can also be coordinated, but are done so at the department’s expense.   

Q: What if I have questions or problems after the replacement?
A: Please contact the Information Commons at x6855.