Guidelines

Technology Guidelines

Desktop Workstation Guidelines
Version: 1.0
Status: Supported - IISG: 2/3/99
Contact: James E. Davis (jdavis@vccs.cc.va.us)

PURPOSE

To define the minimum guidelines for Desktop PC workstation purchasing specifications

SCOPE

This guideline covers the desktop hardware components, base software, warranty, support and service requirements for 2 levels of desktop workstation configurations.

These Desktop Workstation Guidelines should be reviewed and revised every 6 months, to stay current with the constant evolution of technology.

APPLICABILITY

This guideline is applicable to desktop computers only and does not cover servers or systems required for support services or applications requiring unique or special configurations

DEFINITION

See Attachment for definitions and detailed specifications

GUIDELINE

The guidelines outlined in this document define a minimum set of hardware specifications. These guidelines will be reviewed as necessary to reflect changes in LAN technology and customer requirements

The following is a summary of the VCCNet guidelines for procuring workstations for faculty, students and staff. These guidelines can and should be applied to all LANs in order to provide a standard platform across the college. The network recommends these configurations be used to govern the purchase of all workstations.

Summary of VCCNet Desktop Workstation Guidelines:

Category of User

CONFIGURATION:

Mainstream: 300mhz

High-end: 400-450mhz

Mainstream:

Description: Mainstream Pentium Workstation Specifications (System Units)

Base System: 300 MHz-Based Workstation(s)

Warranty, Support, and Service:

Warranty:

Minimum one year, preferred three years parts warranty
Minimum one year, preferred three years labor warranty
Minimum one year, preferred three years on-site service
Minimum one year, preferred three years Next Business Day parts delivery
Encloses documentation that fully explains the length, terms and conditions of the warranty and support services.

Support:

Technical Support, 24-hr, 7-day, Toll-Free
Internet e-mail and File access
World Wide Web support/access containing current product information, technical support documents, etc.
The vendor must supply the following phone numbers and Internet addresses where appropriate:

Technical Support #

E-mail Address

World Wide Web Address

Other (List)

Please Note:

Upon request, the vendor must be able to supply reference accounts where 200 or more such systems are installed in a networked environment.
All replacement components supplied by the vendor must be new and equivalent to those originally installed in the system.
The vendor must supply all requested documentation to aid in verifying and evaluating the proposed workstation, including, but not limited to, all questions raised in this document.
Upon request, the vendor must provide a test unit for a 30-day evaluation. Prospective vendor is responsible for all shipping charges.
The system units must be fully compatible with major manufacturer's network interface cards and network operating systems.

System Configuration:

System Board:

300 MHz microprocessor.
System board and BIOS must be fully CPU upgradable.
BIOS must be upgradable via flash memory.
BIOS must support power-on passwords.
512k Pipeline Burst SRAM.
64 Meg EDO Memory
Expandable to 128 Meg by adding, not replacing, memory.
ISA/PCI Bus Architecture.
3 ISA bus slots (minimum).
3 PCI bus slots (minimum).
Integrated Dual PCI EIDE Channels.
Integrated Floppy Disk controller.
Integrated PS/2 mouse port, USB port, dual 16550 serial ports (UART standard) and bi-directional parallel port.

Hard Drive:

Enhanced IDE or Fast ATA.
4.0 Gigabyte capacity (minimum).
Supports PIO Mode 4.

Video Adapter:

1024x768 at 65k colors @ 75Hz refresh minimum capability.
PCI Adapter.
64-Bit graphics engine or better.
4 Meg VRAM/WRAM.
Software configurable (i.e. no manual jumper settings).
MPEG Decode supported via software or in hardware.

Multimedia:

Audio Adapter:

Sound Blaster 16 or Creative Labs chipset.
5 Watt Stereo Amplified Speakers (Include necessary AC power adapter)

Note: In open classrooms, earphones are preferred.

CD-ROM Drive:

24X Speed (minimum).
EIDE/ATAPI Interface.
Multi-session, Photo-CD compatible.
Caddy-less loading mechanism mounted horizontally.
Appropriate stereo audio cable connected to the above audio adapter.

Miscellaneous:

Energy/Environmental:

System must be EPA Energy Star compliant.
System must be FCC class B approved.

Case:

180-watt power supply (minimum) w/ 4 drive connections.
3 drive bays (minimum) front accessible, one empty.

Mouse:

Microsoft Mouse II (Ergonomic), or compatible.
ADA Compatible where needed.

Keyboard:

IBM/Lexmark 101-key Enhanced or compatible.
ADA Compatible where needed.

Operating System:

Microsoft Windows 95/98 or NT.
Must be installed on the hard disk.
Must include the OS on CD-ROM, one per system.

Design/System Considerations:

Must provide all original hardware documentation and support software on diskette or CD-ROM.
System must be fully Plug-n-Play ready/compliant.
System must be fully DMI compliant.
System must be fully DDC Level I (Minimum) compliant.
Entire system must be fully compatible with major network operating systems.
Entire system must fully support Microsoft Windows' 95, Window's 98, and Windows NT.
All computers purchased must be built with identical components.

Monitor:

Screen size: 15" (17" for users running multiple windowed applications).
Minimum horizontal scan rate:
Minimum vertical refresh rate: 75Hz
Minimum refresh rate at 1024x768: 75Hz
Minimum refresh rate at 1280x1024: 75 Hz
Digital controls with memory.
Level 2b Plug and Play.
Non-interlaced.

Floppy Drive:

3.5", 1.44MB (Internal)

High-end:

Description: Multimedia Workstation Specifications (System Units)

Base System: 400-450Mhz-Based Workstation(s)