Ideas and choices related to provisioning IT support for Lou Hand to meet his needs cost-effectively.
Summary
Option 1 (presumed preferred):
PhysIT is responsible for IT support for Lou Hand's single, primary computer.
- (Any printers, especially if networked?)
Lou Hand is responsible for unique software he chooses to run, including his research-specific software. For example: Discovery, installation, configuration, security, maintenance, and trouble-shooting.
Lou Hand is responsible for IT support of peripherals, and mobile devices, and any additional computers.
Customized personal computer instead of a
Option 2:
Lou Hand is responsible for IT support for his own primary computer and all other technology devices.
Details
Networking and phones
For either Option 1 or Option 2, above:
PhysIT provides technical and administrative support (coordinated with Nancy Searles in Physics) for all Cornell CIT networking and telephones in Lou's office.
Management tools, including Active Directory ( a.k.a "The Domain" )
If Option 1, above:
Initially, no changes would be made to Lou's Mac. Changes to increase the supportability of Lou's Mac would be made when our services are required. Our goal is to make the changes at at time convenient to Lou, but that is more likely to happen if we are invited to make the changes before the changes are required for us to provide support.
Changes include:
- PhysIT will configure computer's anti-virus software to report to PhysIT's anti-virus console.
- PhysIT, as part of our standard management, attaches computers to the Cornell Active Directory service provided by CIT. Computers are placed in the Arts and Sciences Division, Physics Department Subdivision. As a a result of this, names for computers and user accounts can be somewhat limited (per CIT's requirements as part of managing this shared campus resource).
The above changes would certainly occur if PhysIT must re-do the computer's OS, or if that computer is replaced with another computer.
A significant barrier to re-doing Lou's computer, or replacing his computer, are the numerous research-specific applications Lou has installed. Such a change will require an investment by Lou.
If Option 2, above:
Lou's computer will not be connected to the centralized management/Cornell Active Directory services, and as such will not gain from centralized management PhysIT uses. Also, Lou's computer will not have an administrative account for PhysIT's use.
The specific networked devices
Specific computer(s) |
IT support from PhysIT |
IT support from Lou |
Network, with notes |
Other info |
---|---|---|---|---|
Option 1 |
Continue running MacOS 10.8, "as is", until computer has a problem not readily resolved without a clean install. |
Lou has Admin access to make changes directly, and is responsible for changes made. |
Physics Admin |
Q: Any improvements desired? |
Option 2 |
On Lou's request, we can initially set up OS and default applications, as PhysIT's schedule permits. |
Primary support, including: Initial image and configuration, troubleshooting, upgrading software, and restoration. Responsible for following IT policies in configuration and use. |
AccessNet |
Q: Any improvements desired? |
Any networked printer? |
Primary support, including: Troubleshooting, configuring and upgrading related software (if available). Responsible for following IT policies in configuration and use. |
|
Physics Admin |
Funding from Lou. |
Notes
A few best practices include:
- All use of computers is at the user-level, not as Admin.
- Use Admin account to elevate privileges within the user account or to temporarily login as Admin to make the necessary changes.
- Don't establish network shares.