Equipment purchasing includes information on where and how to purchase technology equipment in compliance with Provost IT standards.
If you reside within a department supported by Provost IT, all purchases of computer hardware, software and other peripherals must be approved in advance of purchase by our office. For more information on this policy, see the additional resources link below.
To submit an order for new hardware or software, or to obtain a quote for either item, click on the links to the right to submit a request to our office.
Recommended Desktops
Provost IT recommends the use of Dell’s OptiPlex 7000 line for desktop computing needs. The specific model number of OptiPlex depends on Dell’s latest release cycle, although Provost IT officially supports the full OptiPlex line of desktop computers.
Dell OptiPlex desktops can be customized in budget, normal, and high performance models. Various form factors (physical sizes) of the computer are also available depending on you or your department’s unique needs.
For more information on the different desktop computer options available, please contact us.
Recommended Laptops
Provost IT recommends the use of Dell’s Latitude model line of laptops for mobile computing needs. The specific model of Latitude device depends on Dell’s latest release cycle, although Provost IT officially supports the full Latitude series of desktop computers. The Latitude series of laptops is also compatible with USC’s mandatory mobile device encryption requirements, which are outlined in the Provost IT purchasing policy (linked to below).
Dell Latitude laptops can be customized in budget, normal, and high performance models. Various other options, from display size to video output ports, are also available for configuration depending on you or your department’s unique needs.
For more information on the different laptop computer options available, please contact us.
Recommended Monitors
Provost IT recommends the use of Dell UltraSharp monitors. These monitors, denoted by the “U” in their model number, provide excellent picture quality suitable for most desktop applications. The monitors additionally come in several sizes depending on you or your department’s unique needs.
For more information on the different monitor options available, or to inquire about other monitors for specialized use cases, please contact us.
Recommended Printers
Provost IT recommends the use of HP printers. The specific model and type of printer depends on the features desired by the specific department. Provost IT is able to recommend a specific printer based on a department’s desires for print quality options, color or black and white prints, sizing and space available, number of intended users and the estimated usage of the printer, budget, and other relevant usage or formatting factors. For more information on the different printer options available, please contact us.
Recommended Operating Systems
Provost IT officially supports Windows 10, Windows 11, and Mac OS X. We recommend that new devices come installed with the latest version of Windows 10 or Max OS X.
Additional Resources
Eligibility
- Staff, faculty, student workers and iVIPs within departments supported by Provost IT
Data Security
- Approved to store high-risk data, with the exception of payment card and personal health information
Pricing
- Free for eligible users