Dude, we’re getting Dells: Pitt buys new computers

Computing Services and System Development recently purchased 180 new computers to be installed… Computing Services and System Development recently purchased 180 new computers to be installed in three computing labs on campus.

The computers are intended for labs in Alumni and David Lawrence halls and Hillman Library. Installation will begin in July and be completed in August before the start of the fall semester.

“CSSD replaces approximately one-third of the computers each year in order to provide students with up-to-date equipment,” said Jinx Walton, director of Computing Services and System Development.

University policy requires the replacement of computers after three years.

The University accepted bids for the 180 new computers from IBM, Gateway and Dell.

The computers purchased were Dells with 19-inch flat panel monitors. CSSD would not release the price of the new computers “for competitive reasons.

However, “through economies of scale and the advantages provided by the University’s size, we are able to purchase new machines at significant discounts,” said Walton.

Like all Windows-based computers on campus, the new Dells will run the Windows XP operating system.

“CSSD does not plan to upgrade the lab computers to Windows Vista at this time,” said Walton.

The University will not switch to Vista because of compatibility issues between Vista and the 130 software applications that run on University computers.

Many of the old computers will either be used in the kiosks or for other student-related projects.

The remaining computers will be transferred to the Surplus Property Department for sale to the public.

According to the University Surplus Property Department’s Web site, none of the old computers from the three labs in question have yet gone on sale.

In addition, the computing labs at Alumni, Posvar and David Lawrence are also being painted and recarpeted for the fall semester.