Overview
The campus standards below are intended to provide for a successful computing experience at CU Boulder for students, faculty and staff.
Standard Computers
OIT recommendations for purchasing a new computer customized to your needs.
Computer Peripherals
Guidance on using and purchasing peripherals such as monitors, docks, webcams and headsets.
Student Shopping List
A basic shopping list for students to be prepared when arriving to the CU Boulder campus.
Software Catalog
A list of software available at CU Boulder.
Software Life Cycle
A guide to know when it is time to retire/upgrade a software application.
Using an Existing or Used Computer
If you want to use an existing or used computer on campus, refer to the Supported Software and Hardware list. This list of minimum standards communicates what the IT Service Center, Buff Techs, and Dedicated Desktop Support will support.
Purchasing Non-Standard Hardware
Although we strongly encourage you to purchase standard hardware, there are cases where a non-standard purchase may be required. To make a non-standard purchase, follow the steps below. These steps are designed to ensure that any non-standard hardware purchases are properly reviewed, justified and secured. Please note that a non-standard hardware purchase approval is not a Secure Computing exception, and your non-standard device should be enrolled to meet Secure Computing requirements.
- Review Standard Hardware and Software: Ensure your needs are not met by standard equipment. Standards are preferred because by standardizing on a limited number of configurations, the University obtains a larger discount, can create a custom plug-and-play University image for use, and provide a more efficient and consistent level of support at the department level.
- Submit a request for non-standard hardware: If a non-standard device will be required, you will need to provide business justification, including specs, costs, and warranty information.
- OIT Asset Management Review: OIT will review and approve if the requirements are met. If approved, OIT will provide written approval.
- Submit Approval to PSC: Include the approval provided by OIT.
- Order Equipment: Work with the PSC to order the equipment. Procurement cards should only be used as a last resort.
- Enroll in Secure Computing: Upon receipt of your new device, enroll it in the Secure Computing framework by working with your ITP (recommended), making an appointment with Buff Techs (recommended) or enrolling yourself.
Smartphones
If you are using a smartphone to connect to IT services, please know that OIT's smartphone support is limited to issues with connecting to campus Wi-Fi, logging in to Microsoft 365 apps, and basic device troubleshooting (iPhone and Android devices only).