Computer Replacements at the DFM

Remember when:

• Your computer was so big and old it could be mistaken for a space heater?
• Your bubble burst because your "new" computer turned out to be a "hand me down?"
• The "hand me down" was actually a "trickle down" from at least three previous "owners"?
• Your laptop still ran Windows 98 and had 128K of RAM?

Over the past few years, the Department of Family Medicine Information Technology staff has worked on writing and implementing a policy that designates that DFM-owned computer desktops and laptops be replaced on a regularly scheduled basis. Desktop PCs will be replaced every four years and laptops, every three years. After the policy was approved by DFM administration, the ITS staff got busy implementing a phased process to replace many PCs that fit the above descriptions.

We have just completed our first full year of the scheduled replacement cycle. We are proud to report that we have replaced 307 devices statewide for 2006-07:

• 131 Desktop computers
• 69 Laptops
• 107 Winterms

We are sure you have noticed the wonderful new size of our desktops and flat panel monitors that provide more useable desk space and save the backs, arms and legs of the ITS staff. "Hand me downs" are a thing of the past. There are times when we still "trickle down" some equipment, but not if it is beyond the designated age limit. Now when we say you are due for a new computer, you get a shiny new desktop or laptop right out of the box.

The ITS staff has also worked with faculty to purchase laptops for their various work locations. This eliminates the need for multiple desktops at those locations. In many clinics we were able to replace desktop PCs with "winterms" which provide staff with the full functionality of a PC, but require much less maintenance and ITS support.