Contents

• Rice Standard Hardware Recommendations and Support
  • Windows Productivity Computers
  • Apple Macintosh Computers (all)
  • Linux and Research PCs
• Support
• Warranty
• Absolute Resilience (loss and theft tracking)
• Computer Lifecycle Replacement
• Printer Recommendations (purchasing and leasing)
• Equipment Disposal

Rice Standard Hardware Recommendations

Rice OIT-managed device support services are listed below.

• Procurement advice/quotes
• Computer deployment, setup, and troubleshooting
• Facilitation of warranty repair
• Data encryption
• Proactive patching
• Connecting to a printer
• Network configuration
• Software installation
• Remote Desktop configuration
• Security Incident management
• Removal from Rice endpoint management tools and secure erasure at the disposal

OIT has established standards for Rice-owned machines. Non-standard machines are not capable of centralized management which provides for patching, maintenance, and monitoring for security vulnerabilities and ultimately, can represent a risk to the university if not properly maintained. In some cases, OIT may not be able to facilitate hardware repair for non-standard devices. Formal Rice policy currently states that all who gather, store, transmit, or have access to university data require encryption and password protection. More information is available in Rice University Policy 808.

OIT’s hardware offerings include business-class rather than consumer-targeted solutions. Business computers are built with higher-quality components that are tested more rigorously with an emphasis on durability. Parts used for consumer computers may be more generic or even cheap, while computers designed for professional use more often include higher-grade materials and name-brand parts.

Recommended Specifications for Windows Productivity computers

OIT recommends the following configuration for basic productivity computers running Microsoft Windows:

• Processor: 14th generation Intel i5 / 5 Ultra processor or higher
• Memory: 16GB or higher
• Hard Drive: 512GB SSD or larger
• Graphics: Integrated graphics are fine for most regular productivity use. A discrete graphics card is recommended for those using engineering or rendering applications.
• Networking (workstations): Integrated ethernet is acceptable for wired connection. Include WiFi 6 or later adapter if you will need wireless connectivity.
• Networking (laptops): WiFi 6 or later for wireless connectivity. Include an ethernet adapter for wired connectivity.
• Display (laptops): Minimum FHD (1920x1200)
• Battery (laptops): Recommend battery warranty if not covered by system warranty.
• Camera: FHD/IR camera (Windows Hello compatible) with privacy shutter (if available)
• Warranty: 4 Year parts and labor with onsite repair

Computers meeting or exceeding these configurations with negotiated pricing are available in iO via the Dell purchasing punch-out.

Recommended Specifications for Apple Macintosh computers

Apple Macintosh models have completely transitioned to the Apple-designed M-series processors.  As Apple typically releases a new processor every year and markets Macs with only the latest 3 processors, we recommend that new Mac buyers look to the latest 2 M-series processors when purchasing a new Mac. It is strongly recommended that the configuration meet the minimum requirements listed below. 

• 16GB RAM memory
• 256GB SSD (hard drive storage)
  

  Note that on all new Macs with Apple Silicon M-series chips, neither RAM memory nor drive storage can be upgraded after purchase. Be sure to order enough RAM and disk space to handle your needs for the life of the Mac.
  
  Full specifications on currently available Macs may be found here: https://www.apple.com/mac/

• MacBook Air 13"
• iMac 24"

Support

Rice OIT provides support for hardware that is under warranty. OIT will help escalate to authorized 3rd-party service providers who will repair and return the device to you. OIT can provide limited troubleshooting on devices without a warranty and can provide a referral for repair.

Warranty

Rice standard Dell machines include a 4-Year Pro Support Plus warranty with Next Business Day Onsite Service and accidental damage coverage. Dell onsite service is provided at the location of the asset (including at home and Dell service areas across the continental U.S.) which is a major benefit to the Rice community. Dell also currently provides the option of extending the warranty to 5 years.

Apple computer warranty support also provides a 4 Year warranty that includes accidental damage coverage. Warranty repair is managed via shipping for laptops or customers can take either desktop or laptop Macs to be serviced at an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

By adhering to recommended standards, customers will experience less downtime should hardware issues occur and with the warranty in place, the department can better plan for the lifecycle replacement of machines as part of the budgeting process.

Hardware no longer under warranty may require technical assistance from a 3rd party vendor as well as incurring a cost for parts/repair.

* Trusted Platform Module (TPM)

Microsoft Windows 11 was released on October 5, 2021. Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Microsoft has announced that Windows 11 requires a TPM version 2.0 chip. Hardware that does not include the TPM 2.0 chip may be prevented from upgrading and/or receiving Microsoft security updates. When shopping for Windows computers, be sure that they support Windows 11.

**Absolute 

Absolute is the industry standard for endpoint security and resilience. In the event of loss or theft of a device, Absolute provides protections such as the ability to freeze a device, perform remote erasures of data, as well as recover services for lost and stolen devices. 

It is recommended that Absolute be purchased at the same time as the device quote and purchase. Doing so will provide automated activation and protection. Licenses for Absolute should be purchased for the same number of years as the warranty that is selected. Rice standard machines include a 4-year warranty. 

Note: If Absolute licensing is purchased separately from the device purchase, your license must be registered with OIT to enable the protection. Please contact the OIT Help Desk for assistance. 

Printer Recommendations

For questions or guidance on purchasing a printer, please contact the OIT Help Desk. 

Rice has established relationships with preferred suppliers for either purchase or lease of large-capacity Multi-Function Devices (MFDs)  that provide support for Scan/Fax/Print/Copy functions.  

Computer Lifecycle Replacement

When planning for lifecycle replacement, the warranty period should ideally reflect the number of years the device is intended to be in use. OIT recommends that computers be replaced every four to five years, a duration that corresponds to industry benchmarks for the useful life of laptop and desktop computer systems. Following these guidelines will reduce potential risks to both Rice University's work and research.

Please note that obsolescence is driven by several factors outside of OIT’s control and is directly related to the age of the hardware, security compliance, and vendor software requirements.

Systems that are not capable of running a supported Operating System (OS) may be subject to removal from the Rice University network. Self-managed machines may also have limited access to Rice network resources. 

Disposal

All Rice-owned computers transitioning to another employee or requiring permanent disposal will need to be re-imaged or in the case of disposal, securely erased (OIT has a tool for this purpose). Please contact the OIT Help Desk for assistance.  

In the event that a Rice-owned device is to be transferred for personal use, the device will need to be removed from Rice endpoint management and all Rice licensed software removed. Consult with the Help Desk to be sure that the device is properly prepared for removal from all Rice control. The recipient of the erased computer is fully responsible for the re-installation of software and configuration, including the Operating System (OS). Details are below. 

Transitioning a Computer for Personal Use after a device has been removed from Rice endpoint management services

Apple Computers
The Macintosh Operating System is licensed to the device and a restore is readily accessible. For older Macs, run recovery to install the macOS
•    Press Command + R to install previously installed Mac OS
•    Press Command + Option + R to install the latest Mac OS that will function on the Mac

Newer Macs may be reset to factory default (out of the box) status. 
•    Use System Settings / Transfer or Reset / Erase All Contents and Settings

** Note: if the Mac does not respond to these commands, that indicates it is not capable of running a supported Operating System and should be submitted for disposal.

Windows Computers
For Windows computers and due to licensing restrictions, the Rice Enterprise Windows Operating System license will need to be removed.  In most situations, the original Windows OS that was installed at the time of purchase can be restored; however, depending on the age of the device, the computer may have originally come with an Operating System that has been deemed end of life and is no longer supported by Microsoft. 

If needed, the vendor can also typically provide a disk with the Operating System software.