Over the years, personal computers have become standard issue equipment for most workers. In a complex environment such as Johns Hopkins, the cost of supporting wide ranging choices in hardware and software products has the tendency to increase the cost of ownership of these devices.
Desktop Computing Services provides services designed to reduce these costs. By recommending standard PCs, a suite of base applications, a process to quickly deploy and update these systems, and a service process designed to get a properly configured PC to clients quickly, the group can accommodate the unique software needs of each department in a cost efficient manner.
Staff members of Desktop Computing Services meet regularly to update and refine its approach to managing PCs at Johns Hopkins. The group also invites participation from its client community, to better manage the effect of desktop management decisions. Below is a set of goals the group uses to guide the implementation of new technology and processes. The groups meeting minutes and pertinent documentation can be found at: http://quickplace.jhmi.edu/quickplace/dsc. The site requires a user ID and password. If you are interested in the activities of the group and would like to have access, please contact Sherri Comer at scomer@jhu.edu .
Goals:
In pursuit of Service Excellence, to provide a set of service standards and policies that govern the way clients receive services from Desktop Computing Services staff.
To provide a standard set of productivity software tools on computers used by faculty and staff within Johns Hopkins who are supported by DCS.
To provide a minimum software package, including all standard PC applications, and to upgrade and support it on various LANS to facilitate access by faculty and staff to ensure effective support.
To specify and communicate to the supported user communities a minimum standard hardware configuration for the purchase of all PCs and laptops to ensure basic capabilities and performance, and user ease in purchasing. The current website for such purchases is http://premier.dell.com/premier/.
To determine critical security patches and hot fixes are applied to desktops as needed.
To provide departmental management with the choice of different levels of PC security for each individual's PC within their respective department. These levels will help to promote standardization and lower the risk of degredation to the system.
To pilot and test new operating system and supported software application release levels prior to implementation as part of the desktop standard. Participation of test users will include various DCS user communities.
Desktop standard images will be reviewed and updated every six weeks unless a critical update is required.
