Hardware Support (top)

 

We are proud to support a variety of hardware, including desktop computers, laptops, Harvard VOIP phones, printers, scanners, and a variety of smart phones and tablets.

If you experience computing problems that you suspect are hardware related, please contact us. A support technician can assist you with hardware troubleshooting, in-warranty support requests, or hardware replacement purchasing if needed.

 

Hardware Support

We are proud to support a variety of hardware, including desktop computers, laptops, Harvard VOIP phones, printers, scanners, and a variety of smart phones and tablets.

If you experience computing problems that you suspect are hardware related, please contact us. A support technician can assist you with hardware troubleshooting, in-warranty support requests, or hardware replacement purchasing if needed.

Desktop Computers

We provide computer hardware support for CGIS affiliates, and are happy to assist departments and research centers in the procurement, management, and troubleshooting of desktop and laptop computers. We are trained to service PC and Macintosh computers, but only those owned by the University.

To better service the CGIS community, we can order parts and accessories for nearly any PC or Mac using Harvard University billing codes. This service ensures prompt response and convenient billing for purchases made by departments or research centers.

Part of maintaining a healthy computing environment involves replacing obsolete equipment. We currently recommend a 4-year replacement cycle for all computers purchased by CGIS departments and resources. This policy is in sync with the Harvard University depreciation schedule for computer hardware. At the end of your computer's lifecycle, we can assist in helping to properly dispose of your CPU, monitor, and accessories as well as the secure deletion of data.

Recommended Desktops and Laptops

 

We are happy to assist affiliates with all steps of the hardware purchasing and ordering process. Please note, tablet purchases are restricted by the Dean. Please contact your department administrator to seek an exemption. More info can be found here:https://science.fas.harvard.edu/fas-policy-table-and-smart-device-funding

Due to Harvard laptop security standards, all laptop computers are required to have BitLocker or FileVault full disk encryption. By purchasing machines with our assistance, we can ensure that all new purchases meet Harvard security requirements. 

OS requirements are constantly changing and evolving. Please contact us for current standards. 

The Harvard Refresh program is available to most faculty and staff in FAS and FAS affiliated departments. Please consult your divisional Administrative Dean's office for specific details on eligibility. More information is available here: https://harvard.service-now.com/ithelp?id=kb_article&sys_id=38adacd23746...

For individuals planning on traveling abroad, special computing considerations may need to be considered. For more information, please visit https://www.globalsupport.harvard.edu/news-advice/keeping-your-data-safe-abroad or contact us.

 

Printers

We provide direct hardware for most office printers. This includes interacting with printer manufacturers to fix broken or malfunctioning printers, as well as assistance with a variety of every-day configuration and usage problems. Some of the more common issues we assist with include:

  •     Configuring printers on the Harvard network
  •     Setting up and installing new printers
  •     Diagnosing and resolving print quality issues
  •     Clearing paper jams

 If you are a CGIS affiliate and need help with a printing problem, please contact us.

Recommended Printers

General printer recommendations include HP Laserjet printers with networking and duplex options. For current printer recommendations please contact us.

If you have an immediate need to print (color or b&w), please contact the IQSS Lab Helpdesk.

 

Hardware Policies

Hardware policies and procedures are designed to provide optimal service to all users, both staff and faculty, in a cost effective manner. Only machines owned or purchased by the University will be supported.

We recommend that departments and centers cycle their systems after four years.  If the system is older than four years, the department or center can try to extend the warranty of the system through the vendor or manufacturer, or can try to place the systems where there is less traffic and minimal computing need.

We are happy to work with departments and centers to create an inventory to track their computers and give recommendations on when to cycle their systems.