Windows/LaptopSupport

UMIACS Windows Laptop Support

In order to meet the demanding requirements of mobile computing best practices and security policies, UMIACS provides a range of supported laptop options for devices that will run a Windows operating system. In order to qualify for UMIACS support of any level, the laptop hardware must meet the following Base Requirements.

Hardware Base Requirements

• University Owned Hardware
• Business or professional model line from a tier one manufacturer (e.g. Dell, HP, Microsoft)
• 3+ years OEM warranty/support (i.e. no refurbished equipment or third-party vendor warranties)
• Readily available manufacturer diagnostic tools
• Readily available hardware drivers

Other hardware may be considered on a case-by-case basis, subject to staff evaluation.

Support Levels

Note: Dual-boot laptops are only eligible for UMIACS Hardware Support. If you later set up or attempt to set up dual-boot on a system that UMIACS staff previously configured with either Enterprise or Base level support, we cannot offer any help if you run into issues with the dual-booting process or either operating system thereafter.

UMIACS Enterprise Laptop Support

UMIACS Enterprise laptop support provides a secure computing platform with automated backups and security updates. Staff will install an Enterprise version of Microsoft Windows, as well as a range of software suites including F-Secure Client Security, Ivanti Security Scan, Microsoft Office, and MATLAB. We will also encrypt the hard drive using BitLocker. This option is ideal for those dealing with sensitive data, or those who want a worry-free experience. Staff will check in with you if we notice extended periods of security update inactivity on the laptop.

• What we provide:

• Hardware diagnostics and support
• Operating System installation with university licensed software pre-installed
• Data archival upon return of the device to us
• Security updates (Ivanti)
• Data backups (Google Drive/Drive for Desktop)
• Data protection (BitLocker)

UMIACS Base Laptop Support

UMIACS Base laptop support serves as a primer for a development laptop. Staff will install an Enterprise version of Microsoft Windows, as well as a range of software suites including F-Secure Client Security, Microsoft Office, and MATLAB. You are then responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the Operating System and any data stored on the laptop.

• What we provide:

• Hardware diagnostics and support
• Operating System installation with university licensed software pre-installed
• Data archival upon return of the device to us

• What's left for you:

• Security updates
• Data backups and protection (you can set up Google Drive/Drive for Desktop and enable/manage BitLocker yourself if you would like)

UMIACS Hardware Support

The UMIACS Hardware Support provides basic hardware diagnostics and warranty repairs, while allowing you to have full control over the software and data stored on your laptop.

• What we provide:

• Hardware diagnostics and support

• What's left for you:

• Everything else. If the hardware is University-owned, you can download institutionally licensed copies of software such as the Windows OS itself and other common applications like Microsoft Office on it from Terpware and install them yourself. If you do not have access to Terpware, please contact the HelpDesk.