Hardware Support
The Division of Legal Computing supports all hardware in terms of its physical ability to perform its function. If a system goes down from any reason (such as a monitor, drive or power supply failure), the Division will repair it within a reasonable time. The timeliness of a repair will be dependant upon Division of Legal Computing inner-department considerations (such as other projects, repairs and upgrades going on at the time) and the Division will prioritize work as it comes in. In most instances, though, repair of PCS accompanied with the proper funding should be one week or less.
The Division, however, is not responsible for "how well" a particular PC runs a piece of software, just that it runs it. If one PC runs software slower than others in the law building that does not mandate a repair. However, if it is determined by the Division that a PC is performing poorly due to a hardware problem then it will be scheduled for repair provided that the funds are available. In addition, if a PC is running at its optimum level but is performing poorly while running core software, it will be then considered as a candidate for upgrade in accordance with the upgrade policies and procedures employed by the Division.
Upgrades: Hardware upgrades are always a concern with the Division as new software developments push the limits of current technology. To service this need the Division constantly evaluates the hardware status of all departments to determine when hardware upgrades are needed. The upgrade decision is based on many factors, such as availability of funds, location of PC, number of users it services, the kind of software it runs and how well it runs core software, as well as the overall plan of PC upgrades throughout the school. When a PC is determined to be a candidate for upgrade, the Division will weigh all factors in deciding the method of upgrade (or replacement) and will do so with input of the departmental heads for that area and the Dean of Finance. Then, if all criteria is met, an upgrade will be performed within a reasonable time.
Moving Hardware: While in general all users are prohibited from physically moving PCs from one place to another, (and that goes for ALL students), certain exceptions have been made. For all those with offices (such as faculty members, administrators, clinical personnel and librarians), you are permitted to move your PC about the office when re-arranging. You need not call the Division for help in doing so unless you need it unlocked. Just be careful in moving the equipment, remembering to reconnect everything where it was before, and try to be gentle. For all other PCs such as secretaries, journals, journal offices, clinical exterior PCs, library public stations and other systems, please contact the Division of Legal Computing before move a PC. Certain security devices and other tools may be needed to unlock a PC before it can be moved.
