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POLICY ON ITS-DEPLOYED COMPUTERS & SOFTWARE

When new computer models are released by Dell or Apple, or new software is released by any approved vendor, ITS makes the new hardware or software available to Smith faculty and staff only after it has been thoroughly tested for compatibility with the Smith computing environment. The paragraphs below provide more information about specific deployment policies:

  • New Apple computers:

    Apple does not provide information about new hardware products until they are officially released, so ITS does not know when a new system is coming.  Two to three months are required to test each new Apple hardware configuration, and create a new image for it, before it can be added to the list of available options for new or replacement computers.
  • New Dell computers:

    One to two months are required to test each new Dell hardware configuration before it can be added to the list of available options for new or replacement computers.
  • New Apple or Microsoft operating system (OS) releases:

    Two to three months are required to test a new OS in the Smith environment.  Once tested, new OS versions may be added to the next planned image update.  In addition, a new version may be made available to faculty and staff for direct installation onto a qualified computer.

    Note that ITS may choose to defer adoption of, or even bypass, a new OS version for faculty and staff computers.
  • New versions of Smith-standard software applications for Mac or Windows:

    New software images for Smith-owned computers* are typically released only twice a year, in January and June.  This provides enough time for ITS staff to thoroughly test each potential new version of a Smith-standard application in the Smith software environment before adding it to the image.

    Once tested, new software versions may be added to the next planned image update.  In addition, new versions may be made available to faculty and staff for direct installation onto a qualified computer.

    Note that ITS may choose to defer adoption of, or even bypass, a new version of a Smith-standard software application.

    IMPORTANT: Please note that ITS will install Smith-standard software only on Smith-owned*, Smith-standard computers. For a list of the Smith-standard computer models supported by ITS, click here.

    *A Smith-owned computer is identified by a white Smith asset sticker affixed to the body of the computer.

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