Manage Your Computer and Equipment
Working in a hybrid environment may require some changes in equipment, peripherals, and support of your hardware. Use OIT's recommendations to ensure you have the tools you need to do your work and know where to go when something needs to be fixed or replaced.
OIT's Recommendations
Equipment Recommendations
Please refer to OIT's standard computer hardware and standard computer peripherals lists and check with your department on how to request and purchase equipment.
If your department is supported by Buff Techs Pro (BTP), request equipment using the BTP Request Portal.
BTP Support
Need help with software or hardware? Buff Techs Pro (BTP) technicians are just a click away. Use the BTP Request Portal to get in touch. The case details do not have to be specific; employees can simply ask for a call back to address the question or issue and the BTP technician will be in touch.
Your Objectives
As a staff member who's located outside the Front Range but was provided campus-owned equipment, what services are available for fixing hardware issues?
Departments Supported by Buff Techs Pro (BTP)
- To get started, submit a case through the BTP Request Portal.
- Hardware failures for Dell computers are coordinated between the BTP technician, the employee and Dell. A Dell technician will come to the employee's house to repair the device. If the system needs to be rebuilt after that, BTP will facilitate that using new remote deployment technologies. Very rarely, a Dell computer will need to be shipped back to campus for service.
- BTP has a similar process for Apple computers and very rarely requires that computers need to be shipped back to campus.
- If a computer needs to be replaced, BTP will coordinate with someone on-site in the department to ship the replacement computer to the remote employee. BTP no longer needs to be with the employee for the initial deployment.
- BTP will work with the department to help back up your data to OneDrive ahead of time to make the process seamless.
Departments Not Supported by Buff Techs Pro (BTP)
- Apple repair services: Apple computers may be serviced at any Apple Store or authorized Apple service center, but there is no guarantee of same-day service. Computers under warranty may or may not have a deductible that must be paid for service. Computers not under warranty will be quoted the cost of repair. Repairs will need to be paid via P-card.
- Dell repair services: For Dell computers purchased with ProSupport Plus warranty (the campus standard, and recommended by OIT), the Dell technician will travel to wherever the computer resides (not just campus) to service it. There are no deductible costs. For computers not under warranty, any local computer repair service can be used, but quality of service varies widely. Non-warranty repairs will need to be paid via P-card.
Will loaner equipment be available while my device is being repaired?
Departments Supported by Buff Techs Pro (BTP)
BTP has loaner equipment available on a first come, first served basis, which can be shipped at the department's expense. BTP coordinates the shipment with an on-site person in the department. Supplies are limited and spread across all BTP-supported departments. OIT recommends that departments consider retaining their own loaner equipment if the department is large and prone to needing loaners frequently.
Departments Not Supported by Buff Techs Pro (BTP)
There is no current campus service that provides a loaner computer to non-local employees. Options to consider:
- Incorporate a contingency computer plan into a remote employee working agreement. For example, does an employee have a personal computer that could be used temporarily if their work computer fails?
- Be prepared to ship (expedited, at added expense) a computer if an employee's computer fails and budget for these expenses now. The computer may be a loaner or a full replacement. Consider the cost of shipping ($25 overnight, each way) when deciding to replace or loan a computer.
As head of a unit with BTP support, I need to understand the level of relationship and support I can expect with my BTP technician so I can educate my team.
Buff Techs Pro (BTP) provides both remote assistance and in-person support. BTP techs will consult with the employee to determine if remote or in-person support is more appropriate for the engagement.
Request support by opening a case in the BTP Request Portal. Staff are encouraged to provide feedback about their experience by clicking on the feedback link when their case is closed. BTP will use that feedback to improve the BTP experience for the department.
