Calvin provides both Windows and Mac computers for faculty and staff offices and for campus computing facilities. We provide Microsoft Office and web browsing applications on all Calvin-provisioned Windows and Mac computers.

Computer FAQs

What kind of computer will I have?

Calvin provides either a Windows or a Mac computer, as well as standard software, for most faculty and staff and for campus computing facilities. When you begin work at Calvin, a computer will be assigned to you. If you have a computer preference, please talk with your department chair or supervisor prior to your first day of employment.

Calvin staff and full-time faculty are entitled to one primary computing device. Secondary computers are not provided. Primary computing devices are not provided for part-time/adjunct faculty. 

Laptops and desktops are available and current hardware standards have been designed to cover all necessities. Most additional hardware requires an additional charge to your department and should be included in your department's technology budget. You should receive approval from your supervisor or department chair prior to requesting additional hardware. Once approval is received, requests for additional hardware should be made by contacting the HelpDesk.

How do I get a new computer?

The replacement of computers is contingent upon many factors including security requirements, age of the device, and repair history. Primary employee computers are replaced on a five year cycle. Other campus computers (such as student or shared work stations) are replaced with a used computer on a regular rotation schedule. CIT will reach out to you when it is time to replace your computer.

What computer peripherals are available?

CIT strives to provide hardware that will meet the needs of the majority of users on campus. Employees are given a desktop or laptop computer, which includes a wired keyboard and mouse (for desktops only), two displays (a laptop screen counts as one display), and any adapters that are required to connect to external displays or classroom systems.

If you would like other accessories for your work, please put in a request via the . We may either already have them in stock or can get them at reduced prices. We consider all other computer peripherals and non-computer items to be the responsibility of each department. The purchase of the following peripherals and computer consumables may either be requested through CIT or purchased individually, but will be covered by the department’s own budget:

• nonstandard keyboards and mice (wireless, ergonomic)
• microphones, headphones, or speakers
• USB flash drives or memory sticks
• personal desktop printers or scanners
• audio visual equipment
• extra cables or power adapters
• laptop docking stations

What software is available?

The latest supported version of Microsoft Office is provided on Calvin-provisioned faculty and staff computers. Other than standard desktop software, most additional software requires a charge to your department and should be included in your department's technology budget. You should receive approval from your supervisor or department chair prior to requesting additional non-standard software.

Faculty and staff can  for use on personal home computers and devices. The Personal Technology Purchasing Program lists discounts that may be offered by various vendors for Calvin faculty and staff. 

My office is moving/I'm moving to a new department. What do I need to do?

Accounts

Your Calvin technology accounts will remain the same. If you are moving to a different department your printing cost center and departmental network storage drive (R:) will change automatically.

Computer

In most cases, you are responsible for moving your computer, monitor, keyboard, mouse, and any other computer related peripheral equipment. Contact the HelpDesk if the network jack in your new office is not working. After you move, please notify the HelpDesk that you have moved your office computer so we can update our inventory records.

Printers

Departmental printers will be moved by CIT due to their size and the configuration needed for the printer once it has been moved. Please contact the HelpDesk if you have a printer that must be moved.

Telephones

You are able to unplug your phone and move it with you to your new location. If the phone does not power up when you plug it in to the network jack, please contact the HelpDesk.

How do I best clean my desktop?

Clean LCD Monitor

• Power off and unplug your monitor.
• Make sure the monitor is not too hot before proceeding.
• If your screen is dusty, use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to wipe it gently. Do not use a paper towel, as it may scratch the screen's surface. If your screen needs more than a dry wipe, use a solution that is 50% water, 50% isopropyl alcohol with a soft, lint-free cloth. Alternatively, you may use cleaners that specifically state they can be used with LCD monitors.
• Always moisten the cloth first and then wipe the LCD in one motion, from top to bottom.

Clean Keyboard, Mouse, and Case

• Use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from your keyboard.
• Wipe down the plastic case of your computer with a damp cloth.
• Unplug the mouse from your computer. Turn over the mouse then clean off any debris stuck to the bottom. Next, clean the surface area on which your mouse moves.

How do I best clean my laptop?

Basic Laptop Care

• Keep liquids away from your laptop
• Keep food away from your laptop
• Always have clean hands when using your laptop
• Protect the laptop screen
• Hold and lift the laptop by its base, not by the screen
• Don't pull on or stress the power cord
• Do not expose your laptop to rapid temperature changes
• Do not leave your laptop in a car
• Do not place heavy objects, such as books, on top of your laptop
• Use and store in a well-ventilated area
• Try to keep the laptop on a flat, clean service
• Do not use your laptop on a pillow or bed

Clean LCD Screen

• If your screen is dusty, use a clean, soft, lint-free cloth to wipe it gently. Do not use a paper towel, as it may scratch the screen's surface.
• If your screen needs more than a dry wipe, use a solution that is 50% water, 50% isopropyl alcohol with a soft, lint-free cloth. Alternatively, you may use cleaners that specifically state they can be used with LCD monitors.
• Always moisten the cloth first and then wipe the LCD in one motion, from top to bottom.

Clean Keyboard and Mouse

• Use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from your keyboard.

Calvin-Provisioned Laptop Details

Included with your laptop:

• One power adapter
• Any other adapters required for connecting to an external monitor or classroom system on-campus
• One external monitor, upon request
• CIT does not cover the cost for a second external monitor, external keyboards and mice, docking stations, extra batteries, or additional power supplies. You may request these items but they will be charged to your department's technology budget and need approval.

Laptop User Responsibilities:

• You are expected to keep your laptop secure at all times
• You are responsible for the supplied adapters (if applicable). If it is lost and you need a replacement, please contact the HelpDesk with your department's account number for the charge.
• Do not store confidential university data on your laptop hard drive. 

Problems to Avoid:

• Liquids spilled on laptop
• Laptop dropped
• Laptop stolen while left unattended in public place
• Laptop stolen from unlocked campus office
• Power cord stretched across walkway and someone tripped over cord
• Cover closed with pen or power adapter lying on the keyboard caused screen to crack
• Laptop left overnight in the trunk of car during the winter
• Open laptops carried by screen causing stress cracks at hinges

Please review CIT Asset Care Guidelines for more specifics.

If your laptop is stolen or damaged, please contact the HelpDesk immediately. Please do not attempt to have the computer repaired yourself.