Biological Systems Engineering

Purchasing a new computer with WSU funding

Working with the CAHNRS computer support group, BSysE has developed the following guidelines and procedures for purchasing a new WSU (not private) computer.

First Select the Software:

I recommend that you first assemble a list of all the software you intend to use on your new system. Then go to each of the web sites and read their recommended (NOT minimum) hardware requirements. For example, you may have the newest most powerful PC but if your most important application requires a MAC, you have wasted a lot of money. Some software companies have yet to update their products to the newest version of Microsoft Windows. Some will run on 32 bit systems but not 64. This is important to know.

After you have assembled and investigated your software, go to the following sites to see if you can get it at discount prices:

WSU software site license web site

MyWSU website (tech tools)

While there, investigate whether a similar licensed software product will fill your needs.

Assemble a list of all this software with necessary purchasing information for submittal to the BSysE purchasing office. The purchasing office will order the software and have it delivered to CAHNRS for them to install on your new system when it arrives.

Select the Hardware:

Next, you will contact the

CAHNRS Computer Support Group

This is an on line request form. You will be requesting help with purchase of a new computer. You will include in the description any requirements you may have, a list of the software you intend to run on this system and a list of recommended hardware features you learned from the software company web sites. You should be able to easily provide the CAHNRS computer support group (CCSG) with the following system requirements:

Type of computer (MAC, PC, Workstation, Server, etc)

32bit or 64bit

Amound of memory

Operating System (win7 professionalor greater recommended)

Any special hard drive requirements (solid state now available)

Graphics Card Requirements: (memory, mulitiple monitors, etc.)

Specific add ons (flash card reader, battery backup, special cards)

Size, type, and quality of monitor (dual monitor support and dual monitorsrecommended)

Personal Preferences such as keyboard, mouse, color, etc.

What begins next is a conversation between CAHNRS and you to determine the best price for the best computer configured to your needs..

Once the specifications are agreed upon, they will send you the price quote and specifications.

Purchase the Hardware and Software

Assemble together all the software information (MS Office) along with the hardware (computer) quote and the purchasing information (budget and project). Forward all this to BSysE purchasing and they will order the computer and software.

What happens next?

The computer will be shipped to the CAHNRS computer support group where they will prepare it for use on the WSU system. They will also install any software (MS Office) that you requested. In addition they will install the current WSU licensed anti virus program.

They will contact you to schedule delivery and setup.

They will install the computer and also help with migrating your files, email, bookmarks, etc. from your old system to your new one.

We have done several computers this way and it has worked out very well for all concerned. The key here is knowing what software you will be using and the hardware requirements of each software package.

A note of caution, most companies list the 'minimum requirements' for their sofware applications. These most definitely are not the 'optimal' requirements.

Surplus computers for engineering professionals:

A surplus computer will not run the latest version of most any Operating System, nor the newest versions of most all Engineering and Office productivity programs. In short it is no bargain even if free.

Some may think an old computer is acceptable because 'it is only going to run MS Office'. The fact is however, that one of the most demanding computer applications is MS Office.