Academic Technologies
Purchasing Hardware and Software:  Faculty and Staff

                               

Buying a Computer: In general, the College purchases Dell computers for staff and faculty. We have a special pricing arrangement with Dell as part of the University contract. The following links provide information about specific hardware, software and the ordering process. Please write to the Help Desk, help@barnard.edu, with questions or to schedule a consultation.

Purchase process Overview

Step Who Task
1 Buyer Identifies need and funding through the Department chair. (Faculty:  see Chairs Manual) Reviews proposed location, verifies existence of network jack and electricity.  Note: Computers are ordered through the College Purchasing Department in order to obtain the best discount and avoid taxes.  You can not purchase a computer on your credit card and expect to be reimbursed by the College.
2 Buyer & Help Desk Discuss computing needs and decide on machine specifications.  Review the pros and cons of various models.  See also Hardware / software issues
3 Help Desk Provides current quotes for scholarly and administrative users. As needed, obtains special final quote from Dell or Apple.
4 Buyer Fills out Requisition with authorized signature; prepares for transfer of files from current computer to new computer.  As needed, orders peripherals (USB key, local printer) through Purchasing.
5 Purchasing Creates College Purchase Order, Tracks order with vendor, Notifies Buyer when  computer is received. Delivers the computer to the Lehman Computer Center for configuration
6 Help Desk
and Buyer

Also see Columbia's advice on computer purchases.

last update 6/12/08