Buying and Installing PC's at Jefferson Lab

NOTE: If you are part of the Accelerator Division, please submit an ACE-PR for the purchase of computers, monitors, and any needed peripherals.

Buying a new PC

Jefferson Lab has negotiated basic ordering agreements with Dell Computer Corporation. We are currently searching for another PC vendor. The companies with which we have ordering agreements established have web sites tailored for the use of the lab, providing pre-configured systems suitable for our environment. These systems are ADP pre-approved, so you can purchase a system directly from the web. Systems bought under this arrangement have on-site next business day support and maintenance for 3 years. The companies guarantee special pricing and the system specifications and prices are regularly updated.

Purchases of PC systems from other manufacturers, or different systems from Dell, are not excluded, but will go through the usual ADP approval and procurement process as before. In addition, people buying systems outside of these contracts must provide a letter of justification and ensure that maintenance and support are provided. Please keep in mind that the Computer Center cannot support those systems at the same level.

New JLab PC purchases must be configured with the following operating system(s) (OS):

Vista Ultimate
Vista Ultimate, 32-bit
Vista Ultimate, 64-bit*
Windows XP Professional
Windows XP Professional, 32-bit
Windows XP Professional, 64-bit*
RedHat Enterpise Linux (RHEL) 5
RedHat Enterpise Linux (RHEL) 5, 32-bit
RedHat Enterpise Linux (RHEL) 5, 64-bit*

*Our print server DOES NOT currently support 64-bit machines. Please keep this in mind when ordering this type of machine. While you may be able to find a driver that will work, we cannot be held accountable if there is no driver. This is the responsibility of the printer company and/or OS company.

Any other OS is not supported, and therefore, cannot be a part of the JLab-CUE. The pre-configured systems can be viewed and purchased on-line here:

Jlab Online PC Purchase Page

Points to consider when buying a system

Existing Peripherals - Will existing peripherals such as scanners or other optional equipment work with an this PC? Before purchasing a particular OS, make sure that there are drivers available which support any pre-existing peripherals that you wish to keep with your new PC. If you still have questions, or can't find a driver, please contact the vendor of the peripheral and verify that the peripheral will work with your new machine. If not, you will have to decide on whether to stay at your current OS level or purchase new peripherals to take the place of the equipment that will not work.

Dell Onsite Support

For users who have purchased Dell PCs under Jlab's ordering agreement, your machine includes 3-year onsite hardware support. You can directly contact Dell at 1-800-234-1490; you will need your 5-digit service code (a label on the back or bottom of your machine).

Installing a PC at the JLab

Installation and configuration of personal computers is to be completed by the user. The Computer Center will provide advice and assistance if problems are encountered during installation. Upon receipt of a new PC, the following steps should be taken to physically install the system.

Unpack and verify the contents of the shipment. Ensure that everything that was ordered has been delivered. In case of problems please contact the Purchasing department and explain the problem.
Setup the system. Usually detailed instructions accompany new systems and are simple to follow. If you have purchased the system fully configured there should be no need to install any hardware. Simply connect together the system and peripherals according to the instructions. When locating the system, consider adequate access to power outlets (usually you will need at least 2) and a network port. If you need a network cable to connect your new system to the network submit a network service request to have one provided for you. If this is a new machine you should also request an IP address now. Without this your system cannot be connected to the network.
Switch on the system and let it boot. This can be safely done before connecting to the network. If asked to provide a hostname for your computer, ensure that it matches that used when requesting the IP address.

Configuring a PC into the Supported Environment

Before proceeding, you need the following:

Your system physically connected to the network.
A completed IP address request and confirmed network access to the port you're using (see above).
Configure your machine to used DHCP (Obtain an IP address automatically). We use static DHCP, therefore, you will automatically receive the IP address assigned in DNS and DHCP to your machine.
Windows Users -- Please review the Windows instructions for joining your machine to the JLab domain.
Linux Users -- Please review the Linux instructions for having a CUE level 1 or 2 RHEL system.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact the IT Division Help Desk at x7155.

This document is maintained by {helpdesk@jlab.org}