Cleveland County Schools Technology Purchase Guidelines Updated January 2002 OVERVIEW What computer do you buy? While computers have become a commodity that you can purchase from department stores, electronics stores, or local computer vendors, there are service, support, and networking issues to consider. The CCS Technology Department is establishing a comprehensive technology solution for schools. As we work on placing computers in schools, it is important to understand the many facets that comprise a complete technology system. In other words, it is more than just buying a computer. Technical support and compatibility with existing networks and approved software applications are key factors that must be considered when selecting computers. To determine the best computers for our schools, the CCS Technology Department, on an ongoing basis, reviews and assesses equipment. We consider the Total Cost of Ownership model, which includes compatibility with software and hardware configurations, availability of technical staff to provide service and support, network connectivity, repair and maintenance, and replacement parts. These computer purchasing guidelines were developed by the CCS Technology Department and will be reviewed annually. Due to the constantly changing computer environment, we encourage you to check with the CCS Technology Department prior to purchasing any computer equipment. Very soon you may also refer to the CCS webpage for the most up-to-date list of computer model recommendations and estimated system costs. The manufacturers represented in the Computer Purchasing Guide were selected based upon: CCS experience with the quality and durability of the vendor products; ability to support CCS purchasing guidelines; availability of certified local support staff for repairs and maintenance of products; availability of certified local support staff to install equipment; compatibility of vendor hardware to CCS existing networks and infrastructure; cost of equipment; the need to limit the number of different vendors and hardware types (more hardware vendors result in higher support costs). To provide schools with the best overall support, we have established the following guidelines.  GUIDELINES All computer hardware must be purchased from the State of North Carolina's Contract for Microcomputers and Peripherals, 204-A. Currently, the CCS approved computer manufacturers on the North Carolina State Contract are Apple, Compaq, and Dell. All purchase requisitions exceeding $2500 must be approved by the CCS Technology Department before being submitted to the Finance Department. Computer purchases must meet the Hardware Configuration Standards as shown below:   HARDWARE CONFIGURATION MINIMUM STANDARDS   (as of August, 2000)   Feature   PC   Macintosh   Processor   Intel Pentium III or Celeron 1 GHz   500Mhz G4 +   Memory   256 MB +   256 MB +   Cache   128 KB   512 KB   Hard Drive   20 GB +   20 GB +   CD-ROM   24X +   DVD-ROM   Sound   16-bit Sound Card with Speakers   Built-in   Input   Mouse and Keyboard   Mouse and Keyboard   Ethernet Card   10/100 BASE-T   10/100 BASE-T   OS   Win 98 or 2000 only   Mac OS Note + means "or better" Computers (CPU's only) must be purchased with a three-year warranty. Computer Purchase guidelines will be reassessed annually.  Use the steps below as a guide for computer purchasing:  Preliminary Planning Determine the instructional purpose and how computers will support your need. Determine the software needed to support the instructional program. Determine placement of the computers in your site. Determine other equipment needs, such as printers, projectors, etc. Determine data cabling needs. Determine if additional network switch space is available: if additional computers are purchased by the school, the school will be responsible for purchasing additional network switches if necessary. Determine electrical needs. Identify furniture needs. Don't forget software needs. New computers will need licenses for Microsoft Office (Office Pro in the High Schools), Microsoft Works (Elem. and Middle), and Inspiration. Ordering Contact the CCS Technology Department to continue planning and to finalize ordering for equipment, and software.