We
require that eligible faculty members inventory their machines so that
we can decide who is most in need of a new computer since there is a fixed budget. Each year, when
ACCC determines who is most in need of a new computer, we look at the
data provided by the inventory process
and choose those faculty members whose computers are the lowest-end.
Thus, it is imperative for all FaCT program participants to perform the
inventory process.
The
only information we collect is about the hardware installed on your
machine. We will ask you demographic information before the program
runs, so we can match the hardware information with the machine. Here
is a sample report.
If
the inventory program ran correctly on your computer, you should have
gone through a few steps and should have been able to submit your name
and NetID.
If the (Optional) Network information: IP address, IP host name, IP domain, and IP gateway
Questions about choosing and receiving your FaCT computer
The current FaCT batch
The faculty selected for the current batch can be located here: FY08A.
Information regarding the previous batch can be located here: FY07A.
Do I have to pay anything to enter the Program?
The
Provost -- through the Academic Computing and Communications Center --
funds the FaCT program. There are no fees involved. The only
prerequisite is to participate in the inventory phrase of the program.
Why didn't I receive a machine in this batch?
The faculty selected for the current batch can be located here: FY08A.
Information regarding the previous batch can be located here: FY07A
The
selection process is based on the pool of faculty members who are in
queue to receive a replacement computer. Faculty members who are
selected are those who have the lowest-end machine at the time of
selection.
I selected a machine for this batch. How long before I get my new machine?
Based on previous batches, the waiting time between selection and getting the new computer is about 6 to 8 weeks.
What kind of machine do I receive?
After
you have been selected to receive a FaCT machine, you should be able to
select which computer you prefer (choose from Macs, PCs, or Sun
Workstations).
Technical specifications regarding the types of machines we currently offer can be found here.
What happens if my machine breaks or is out of warranty?
The
FaCT machine comes with a 4-year warranty, provided that the FaCT
machine retains its original hardware and software configuration
(unless there is an approved configuration change by the ACCC), and
that the machine remains with its original FaCT recipient. If the
warranty expires, ACCC can assist you with the repairs. However, the
department will have to assume any cost for parts and labor.
The
$35/hour labor fee is waived for faculty in the FaCT program. If the
original recipient of the FaCT machine gives his machine to someone
else, the labor fee applies.
Is there a FaCT tech-support line?
The
MicroRepair consultants are trained and equipped to troubleshoot
hardware and software issues for FaCT machines. If a service call is
needed, please call ACCC at 3-0003 or log a service request to fact@uic.edu
What software comes with my machine?
There
are basically two classifications of software. Some are already
installed on the hard drive, and some need to be installed from the
server.
Locally installed applications include: Microsoft Office, ADSM back-up client, antivirus software, and the Novell client.
A list of software available via wininstall (from the server) can be found here.
Who makes the decision as to what type of machine I receive?
The
faculty member is the one receiving the machine -- not the department.
Thus, the decision as to which machine is chosen is the faculty
member's and not the department's. Of course, we
encourage faculty members to take into consideration things such as
what platform will best benefit their work in the department and allow
them to connect to and use the department's resources. However, in the
end, it is the faculty member's decision as to which machine to choose.
Who owns the new computer?
The
machine is given to the faculty member, not to the department. Thus,
the faculty member owns the machine as long as he or she remains
employed by the university (in the same or another department) under
the same FaCT-eligible conditions: tenure or tenure-track, benefits
eligible. Should the faculty member retire, leave the university, or
move to another department with a position that is not FaCT-eligible,
then the machine remains in the last department the faculty member was
in as a FaCT-eligible member.
Can I get a different PC/Mac configuration?
There
is no option to change the configurations for the PC/Mac, but you can
upgrade from the MacBook to the MacBook Pro (supplemental charge
administered).
I have a Mac. Can I get a PC instead (or vice-versa)?
Yes,
you will be able to choose a different machine than what you currently
have. You will have that opportunity at the time you select your
machine.
What will happen to my old machine?
We
encourage you to recycle your older machine by giving it to someone
else in your department (or another department). If the machine cannot
be recycled, it will need to be taken out of inventory and surplused.
Please contact your department's business manager for information on
how to do this.
How do I get ready to receive my new machine?
You
will need to make a back-up of the personal files on your current
computer on a floppy disk, external hard drive, or a writable CD, so
that you can copy them to your new machine.
Given that the configurations of the machine
that you are currently using and that of the new machine are different,
it is not possible to copy the entire contents of the old machine to
the new one.
What services are included with my new machine?
Hardware:
Your new machine will be delivered to you, or you can opt to pick it up
yourself when your machine is available. ACCC will provide PC hardware
support for up to 4 years of the date the machine was purchased (4
years also for Macs). The support is provided free of charge for the
original equipment provided with the machine. Service charges will
apply for support of additional hardware or peripherals connected to
the machine.
Note: This service applies only while the original professor has the FaCT machine. It does not apply once the machine is given to someone else.
Software & Server Services:
ACCC will provide free Server Services to the faculty member assigned
to the machine. Issues regarding installation or configuration are also
supported and provided at no charge. Software updates are provided via
Server Services and are up to the faculty member or REACH member to
install. Your machine will come with:
- Antivirus Software
- ADSM backup software
- Microsoft Office
- Server Services
already installed.
You
will have access to much of the software that you already use. Here is
a list of Server Services Software, and instructions on setting ADSM up
on your machine are located in ADSM Backup for FaCT Personal Computers.
All other questions regarding software usage need to be directed to
your REACH member or to the Client Services Office.
Note: This service applies only while the original professor has the FaCT machine. It does not apply once the machine is given to someone else.
Installation:
When your turn to receive a new machine arrives, ACCC will install the
software mentioned above. You then have the following choices. You can:
- Pick up the machine yourself without further delay
- Have the machine delivered at the next available time -- but still unpack and install the machine yourself.
- Schedule the next available appointment for ACCC to bring and install the machine for you.
I just purchased a new machine. Can I get reimbursed?
There
will be no reimbursement for machines that were recently purchased. You
will, however, have your computer inventoried and added to our database
of eligible computer recipients.
Any other questions?
Please send a detailed email to fact@uic.edu.
