Humanities Desktop Support
Services | Contact | Areas of Support | Policies | Selected Online Resources
Services
The Desktop Support group is the first point of contact for all hardware and software issues affecting divisional computers, office and internet software as well as new and replacement computers. We provide the following services to faculty and staff in the Humanities:
- Desktop support and troubleshooting for most common software and hardware problems
- New and replacement office computers for staff and faculty (see policies)
- Loaner LCD projectors and a small pool of loaner laptops for divisional faculty (see policies)
- Advice on software and hardware purchases
- Administer the divisional listhost e-mail list
- Help faculty and staff use the divisional wiki and blogs
- Facilitate the creation of CNets IDs for new staff and faculty (see resources)
- Serve as the Division's Trusted Agent administrator
- Coordinate access to the divisional Web sites and make routine updates to departmental Web sites
For additional information, tips and updates, please see the Humanities Computing blogs and wiki.
Contact
Michael Wills, Assistant Director for Desktop Support, leads a small group of part-time student employees. Our offices are located at 1115 East 58th Street, in Walker Museum, Room 202. Our business hours are Monday-Friday, from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Please e-mail humanities-computing@uchicago.edu or call 773/702-6085 for assistance.
Areas of Support
We are the first point of call for divisional faculty and staff for technical support, software and hardware purchasing advice, or general troubleshooting questions. However, several widely used campus computing services-such as the campus-wide email system, Blackboard learning management software, classroom audio-visual services, or the campus networking infrastructure-are the responsibility of the University's central information technology group (Networking Services and Information Technology/NSIT. In addition, the Campus Computer Store handles most types of computer repairs.
If in doubt about where to turn for help, please do not hesitate to e-mail or call 773/702-6085. We will be able to help you or direct you to the right resource.
Policies
New and Replacement Computers: Humanities Computing provides incoming faculty with a standard Apple or Dell desktop or laptop computer system. More advanced Dell or Apple systems can be provided if the price difference is made up through other funds, such as individual research grants. Faculty computers are eligible for replacement after four years. Full-time lecturers are generally eligible for a desktop computer system which will also be replaced after four years. Staff computers are replaced at the discretion and expense of the relevant department. Computers issued by the Division can purchased at fair market value when they are due for replacement or when a faculty member or lecturer leaves the Division or University; else these must be returned to Humanities Computing.
Unsupported Computers: Faculty members are strongly encouraged to make use of one of the supported Dell or Apple desktop/laptop computers provided for them by the Division. In exceptional circumstances faculty members may receive a credit towards the cost of purchasing an alternative computer on their own. However such computers come with *no* guarantee of technical support from the Division. In addition, the Division will *not* be responsible for organizing or paying for repairs to the computer, nor will it replace the computer if it is damaged/lost before it is due for replacement on a normal four year cycle. A divisionally funded unsupported computer may purchased at fair market value when it is due for replacement or when a faculty member leaves the Division or University; else it must be returned to Humanities Computing.
Laptop and LCD Projector Loans: Staff and faculty may request to loan one of Humanities Computing's limited number of used PC and Mac laptops for temporary use (e.g., for a computer that is being repaired). Advance notice is required. Faculty or staff can also borrow a portable LCD digital projector from our loaner pool, when projectors are not available from NSIT Audio Visual Services or if they are ineligible to borrow one from elsewhere.
Selected Online Resources
News, Tips, and Updates: You can find additional information, tips, and technical news on the Humanities Computing blogs and wiki.
Especially for New Faculty: The Umbrella Initiative site gives new faculty a broad overview of the various technology-related services available to them on campus. If you have any questions about where to turn for technical assistance in support of your teaching or research, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Campus E-mail: The campus-wide e-mail system is administered by NSIT. NSIT maintains an extensive set of online documentation explaining how to set up common tasks such as e-mail forwarding or an automatic vacation e-mail message. Other useful information, such as assistance with University webmail, e-mail aliases, or help with managing junk mail can be found on their support site.
Safe Computing: This useful Web site offers information on anti-virus programs, security best practices, passwords, avoiding e-mail scams, and updates/patches, among other tips.