Tech Planning Purchasing Calculator
FAQ
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Tech Planning Purchasing Calculator |
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What kind of computer should we buy for teachers to use?
What kind of computer should we buy for use in the office?
What kind of computer should we buy for students to use?
What kind of printers options should I consider?
What peripheral devices are there?
What do I need to build a lab?
What is the best way to project from a computer to my class?
What is the best way to project from a computer to the students in a lab?
What do I need to know about CD towers?
What should I do about warranties?
What do I need to know about repair issues?
Who do I contact at DoTS if I plan to place a computer on the network?
Who do I contact at DoTS if I plan to build a lab?
What kind of computer should we buy for teachers to use?
A teacher computer should be able to provide both video in and out. This may require an external scan converter, a television with a scan converter built in, or an internal video card. This configuration allows for presentations to a large-screen television, projector, and recording to or from a VCR. Computers that are connected to a large viewing option allow for the use of the computer as a digital-chalkboard. Essentially anything that can be written or displayed on a chalkboard or overhead can be presented on the computer. Both Apple and Dell offer computers with AV capabilities. Digital video options also exist with computers that are equiped with Firewire.
What kind of computer should we buy for use in the office?
The office computer should meet the specifications from the DoTS hardware list. Please see additional information located on the DoTS web pages.
What about the student information system?
The student information system offers a great deal to schools and teachers. When purchasing a new computer for a teacher, the Department of Technology Services recommends that you purchase a computer for its instructional value. Computers in this category will also be able to perform required student information system functions. Please see the above question for further information about a teacher instructional computer.
What kind of computer should we buy for students to use?
Student computers are usually located in three areas: classrooms, labs, and libraries. Please see the current hardware standards as listed on the Technology Purchasing Calculator for additional information.
What kind of printers options should I consider?
There are two basic types of printers, laser and inkjet. Both types of printers are appropriate for different situations. When selecting a printer, consider the printing load, who will need access, location, and who is responsible for purchasing and replacing toner or inkjet cartridges. In addition, all computers currently shipping from Apple and Dell come equipped with USB for connecting a stand-alone printer as well as Ethernet for connecting to a network. Older Apple and Dell computers may require more specialized connections. Any printer that needs to be used by more than one person must be a network printer.
What peripheral devices are there?
There are too many peripheral devices to list all of them here. Some of the peripheral devices frequently used in an educational setting include scanners, digital cameras, external storage devices, large screen TVs, and printers. See the above question for information about printers. Scanners and digital cameras allow for digitizing pictures, student art work, handwriting sample, or just about any visual media, for use on the computer. Digital cameras work best with 3 dimensional objects, in locations away from the scanner, or in any situation where a regular film camera would come in handy. A scanner works well with flat objects, photographs, and paper.
What do I need to build a lab?
This depends on the function of the lab. A keyboarding lab can easily be furnished with computers that are hand-me-downs from classrooms as older equipment is replaced. There is no compelling reason to spend $1200 or more on what is essentially a typewriter. If the lab requires Internet access, then the computers will need to be Ethernet ready. Any new computer comes with an Ethernet connection. Please see the question below on networking.
What is the best way to project from a computer to my class?
Projection systems are projectors that connect to your computer and project the images from the computer onto a wall or screen. When purchasing an LCD projector, consider the brightness of the bulb (measured in lumins) and how long the bulb is expected to last. Brighter projectors are better for use in areas where it is difficult to darken a room.
What is the best way to project from a computer to the students in a lab?
In order to present the information from one computer screen to all of the stations in a lab, it is necessary to use software or hardware that allows screen-sharing. This has implications for the network, as sending all of the data necessary to present your information to all of the computers in your lab can use a lot of network resources. Slower networks will experience severe delays when using this type of solution. DoTS recommends, in most cases, that a projection system is used in labs.
What do I need to know about CD towers?
CD-ROM towers allow you to provide access to CD-ROMs over the network to multiple users. It is important to have a specific application for the use of a CD-ROM tower before purchasing one. CD-ROM towers require sufficient software licenses for the number of users, special software that works over the network, and a robust enough network to handle the load of running applications over the network. In many cases it may be just as economical to provide individual copies of a specific CD-ROM to each user as it would be to purchase enough licenses, the tower itself, and possibly upgrading your building network. When purchasing a CD-ROM tower you should include the price for installation and support from the vendor. DoTS does not support the use of CD-ROM towers and does not recommend them at this time.
What should I do about warranties?
Dell computers come with a 3 year warranty. Apple computers come with a 3 year warranty if it is a recommended system, or you can custom configure a system with the standard 1 year warranty. Recommended systems, with the 3 year warranty limit your repair costs through the first 3 years of the life of the computer.
What do I need to know about repair issues?
Schools must provide for repair costs to systems that are out of warranty. Schools are encouraged to yearly budget funds for repairs. Mill Levy Technology funds can be used for computer repairs. As always, there is a fine line between repairing useful but aging equipment, or updating with new equipment.
Who do I contact at DoTS if I plan to place a computer on the network?
DoTS can be contacted by calling 720-423-3888. The Hotline technician that takes your call will direct your request to the appropriate staff members.
Who do I contact at DoTS if I plan to build a lab?
DoTS can be contacted by calling 720-423-3888. The Hotline technician that takes your call will direct your request to the appropriate staff members.
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This page was last updated on 10/28/05