| Dell upgrades the standard AU laptop
Since the fall of 2003 AU has worked with Dell to provide computers for faculty and staff purchase that ship preconfigured for AU’s network. Just in time for the start of the new fiscal year, when many departments purchase new computers, the Office of Information Technology will provide updated configurations that will be available May 1. One reason for the update is that Dell has phased out the Latitude D600 that has been the standard AU laptop model for more than a year. The new model will be the Latitude D610. The D610 offers slightly better performance but is almost identical to the previous model. It will come with a 1.86GHz Pentium-M processor, 512MB RAM, a 60GB hard drive, and a high resolution display. The standard AU setup includes a port replicator with monitor stand, external keyboard and mouse, and an external flat panel LCD display. The laptop will ship already configured for AU’s wired and wireless networks. The current desktop model is the OptiPlex GX280, which comes with a 3.20GHz Pentium-4 processor. The laptop and desktop models both include drives that can read DVDs as well as read and record CDs. Both also ship with software installed and configured by AU’s Office of Information Technology. This includes Windows XP Service Pack 2, Microsoft Office 2003, the Novell NetWare client, Lotus Notes e-mail, the Mozilla Firefox Web browser, Symantec Antivirus, Datatel’s wintegrate client, and the new Datatel UI client. Windows is configured to download critical updates automatically, and the firewall is turned on for added protection against viruses and hackers. The standard monitor is a 19-inch Dell UltraSharp flat panel LCD (liquid crystal display) with an adjustable stand. These flat panel LCD monitors are gradually replacing older, bulkier CRT (cathode ray tube) monitors. Flat panel LCD monitors weigh much less than CRTs, require less desktop space, and use less electricity. The Dell UltraSharp displays are exceptionally sharp and easy to read. Contrast and color are excellent, and the matte finish of the display reduces glare from windows and lights when compared to a typical CRT monitor. Dell computers for faculty and staff can be ordered through the office of Procurement and Contracts (Purchasing). If you have technical questions about the configuration, please contact the Help Desk at helpdesk@american.edu or
885-2550. Technology training room open house
The Office of Information Technology training staff will hold an open house in their new location on the south side of the Anderson Hall lower level Wednesday, Apr. 27, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Refreshments and information on upcoming training classes will be provided. To view current course descriptions and schedules, or to register for a course online, go to my.american.edu and click on the “Training” link in the “Work@AU” section. |
