Departmental Computers

Welcome to your Departmental Computer!

All tenure-track faculty and staff at the School of Information receive departmental computers.  The following is an overview of departmental computers, user guides, policies, and procedures related to the acquisition, use, and lifecycle of these computers.  Please review the departmental computer policy for more information on the terms and conditions of departmental computers.

Who supports my departmental computer?

The Information Commons team is your local IT support.  Any issues you have related to your departmental computer should be routed to the Information Commons. 

What is Endpoint Management?

The Information Commons partners with Liberal Arts Information Technology Services (LAITS) to provide UT's required Endpoint Management support via their desktop engineering team. LAITS' desktop engineers use Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM) for Windows computers and JAMF for Apple computers.  Endpoint management ensures that your computer's OS is configured in compliance with the University's information security standards set by the Information Security Office. 

LAITS Customer Support Documentation

LAITS provides customer support documentation that you should refer to if you have questions about using your departmental computer and Endpoint Management.  Your departmental laptop is imaged with access to software resources, print drivers and other utilities, and certain administrative controls.  Here are some suggested resources to familiarize you with important aspects of working with a departmental computer:

• Software Center for Windows - guide to Windows software resources
• macOS LAITS Self Service - LAITS self-service tools software installer for macOS.  INFO Printers are print drivers for the iSchool.
• Privileges for macOS - by default you are a standard OS user, but you escalate to an administrative user with Privileges.
• Make Me Admin for Windows - by default you are a standard OS user, but you can escalate to an administrative user with Make Me Admin.

Departmental Computer Warranties

Your departmental computer is covered under warranty.  If your departmental computer is broken or physically damaged for some reason, please contact the helpdesk immediately.