Supported Computers

Policy

• LAITS supports a limited number of end-user computer models to ensure compatibility, efficient support, and security. LAITS has this policy for several reasons:
• Older computers may not be able to run current secure operating systems or software
• Supporting non-standard computers increases overall support costs which must be passed on to our customers
• The list of supported computer models is updated annually during the Winter Break and when new models are released.
• LAITS will no longer support a particular computer model at the end of the calendar year, 8 years from date of model release. (For example, a computer with a model release date in 2015 would be supported through the end of calendar year 2023). LAITS may modify this as required for specific computer models as needed.
• Upon a computer becoming ‘unsupported’ it is the responsibility of the department or faculty member to replace that computer with a supported model. If ‘unsupported’ computers are not replaced, they are subject to network quarantine.
• LAITS will provide an annual notification to departmental administrative staff listing the current end of support status for computers in use by the department.
• LAITS may grant exceptions to this policy depending on circumstances. Any exception requests should be submitted to: laits-help@utexas.edu.

Supported Models

• LAITS does support the following computer models:
• Apple iMac, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, Mac mini, Mac Pro models
• Dell Latitude, Precision, and OptiPlex models
• Microsoft Surface models
• LAITS does not support the following computer vendors/models:
• Toshiba
• Lenovo
• HP
• ASUSTek
• Intel NUC
• Dell consumer-grade models, including Inspiron, Dimension, Vostro, XPS models

If you have a computer that is not on this list, feel free to reach out to laits-help@utexas.edu to inquire if that model is supported prior to purchase.

LAITS-Supported Computer Models

Minimum Security Standards

The Information Security Office (ISO) requires computers to adhere to minimum security standards. LAITS implements these standards by requiring certain installed software and configuration on end user computers. Exceptions to these policies will be considered depending on business case.

All LAITS-supported computers shall have the following software installed/configured:

• Vulnerability Management Agent
  • Nessus
• Systems Management Agent
  • Windows Computers: Enrollment in Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager (MECM)
  • MacOS Computers: Enrollment in JAMF
• Antivirus Agent
  • Windows Computers: Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE)
  • MacOS Computers:
    • Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (MDE)
    • Cisco Secure Endpoint (aka CiscoAMP) – for computers that are not supported by MDE
• Backup Agent
  • LAITS strongly recommends the usage of UTBackup/Code42 for the backup of user data on end user computers. End users may opt-out of the usage of this software if they confirm/certify they have an alternative backup method in place.

ISORA/DEFINE Inventory

The ISO requires that all computers that are on the UT network are registered within the ISORA Inventory application. LAITS regularly updates this inventory to ensure compliance with this policy.

Computers that are registered in the ISORA Inventory application with certain required fields (MAC Address, system type, priority, and location) that are recently seen on the network or are actively reporting in via the Nessus agent will be automatically marked as FOUND in DEFINE during the annual inventory process. 

Computer Purchasing, Surplus, and Recommended Models

Computer Purchasing

LAITS provides recommended models and purchasing instructions for our customers. All computers supported by LAITS should be purchased through approved channels, typically via UT Market purchase orders from Campus Computer or Dell (via Summus). Exceptions will be considered for computers purchased or obtained outside of normal channels.

• Computer Purchasing Procedures 

Recommended Models

• Recommended Apple Computer Products
• Recommended Dell Computer Products

Computer Surplus

As the University requires special handling of computers to ensure the removal of any University data, LAITS processes and handles the surplus procedure for our customers.

Our standard process consists of:

• Customer request for surplus pickup
• Transfer via CCART of customer assets to a LAITS unit code (removes the item from your inventory)
• Hard Drive removal or wiping (dependent on model)
• Transfer via CCART to Surplus
• Coordination of pickup by Surplus

LAITS only accepts computers and monitors for surplus. Computer accessories, furniture and other items are the responsibility of the department.

Surplus Pickup requests should typically be submitted by Departmental Administrative staff via the Surplus Pickup Request Form.