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IT Purchasing Advice for Staff

To comply with Trinity procurement policy, staff should be aware that all Trinity-funded computers must be purchased from the Trinity-appointed hardware suppliers. This ensures that we obtain the most competitive pricing and value for money as well as allowing for IT support efficiencies and tailored solutions to meet the majority of Trinity staff requirements.

Where buying Windows PCs, staff should ensure the computers they are purchasing are the recommended corporate models and come with the pre-installed Trinity software image to enjoy full support from the IT Service Desk. Only Windows PCs with the pre-installed image will be given full support by the IT Service Desk (this does not pertain to Apple Macs).

If you are thinking of purchasing hardware not included below, you should in the first instance contact the IT Service Desk for advice on the purchase, installation and configuration and usage of the IT hardware.

PC Desktops

Supplier and Specifications

To comply with Trinity procurement policy, Trinity-funded PC laptops must be purchased from the official Trinity PC supplier, Dell.

Dell contact details (Trinity Procurement website)

PC specification

The desktop specification available from Dell has been selected to match the requirements for teaching and learning, research, and administration activities. This desktop range is from the business range of computers (not the home computer range) and therefore comes with a good warranty program ensuring the hardware support arrangements in place include next business day Engineer Support on-site if a repair is necessary. These desktops are provided by the supplier are at a special discounted price and include a pre-installed Trinity software image.

The desktop specification has the following pre-configured image installed to ensure a seamless connection to the Trinity network. Please note: any computer supplied without the correct version of the Windows operating system may not be able to be connected to the network.

  • Operating System - Supported version of Microsoft Windows 10 Education
  • Correct operating system drivers for the network card, graphic card, and other peripherals
  • Trinity software portfolio, plug-ins, and appropriate customizations
  • Anti-Virus Client - McAfee which is ready to connect to the central AV protection server
  • Update and patch management client - MECM which is ready to connect to the central update provision to ensure workstations are not left without updates to protect again virus and other security vulnerabilities
  • An Administrator account enabled and pre-expired
  • Configuration required to comply with legislation in areas of:
    • Accessibility, as requested by Disability Office
    • Irish Language Scheme, as requested by the Irish Language Office

Dell Technical support (with the service tag/express code from your system): 0818 274 270.

When purchasing Dell equipment IT Services recommends that staff purchase the 'Pro' support warranty for their Dell desktops and laptops. There are several warranty levels but if you read the pdf linked to below you will see particulars of the 'Pro' support option. Normally this comes as standard, but staff should make sure it included on their quote before placing the order.

ProSupport_for_IT (PDF)

PC Laptops

Supplier and Specifications

To Trinity procurement policy, Trinity-funded PC laptops must be purchased from the official Trinity PC supplier, Dell.

Dell contact details (Trinity Procurement website)

Laptop specification

The range of laptops includes a mainstream, fully-featured, powerful laptop with a large widescreen display which is ideal for use in the office and at home and other models such as a lightweight laptop which is ideal for travelling and fieldwork and also for use back in the office.

This range of laptops and their specifications have been selected to match the requirements for teaching and learning, research, and administration activities. This laptop range is from the business range of computers, not the home computer range, and therefore comes with a good warranty program ensuring the hardware support arrangements in place include next business day on-site engineer support if a repair is necessary. These laptops are provided by the supplier are at a special discounted price and include a pre-installed Trinity software image.

This laptop range is installed with a pre-configured image to ensure a seamless connection to the Trinity network. Please note: any computer supplied without the correct version of the Windows operating system may not be able to be connected to the network.

  • Operating System - Supported version of Microsoft Windows 10 Education
  • Correct operating system drivers for the network card, graphic card, and other peripherals
  • Trinity software portfolio, plug-ins, and appropriate customizations
  • Anti-Virus Client - McAfee which is ready to connect to the Trinity central AV protection server
  • Update and patch management client - MECM which is ready to connect to the central update provision to ensure workstations are not left without updates to protect again virus and other security vulnerabilities
  • An Administrator account enabled and pre-expired
  • Configuration required to comply with legislation in areas of:
    • Accessibility, as requested by Disability Office
    • Irish Language Scheme, as requested by the Irish Language Office

Dell Technical support (with the service tag/express code from your system): 0818 274 270.

When purchasing Dell equipment IT Services recommends that staff purchase the 'Pro' support warranty for their Dell desktops and laptops. There are several warranty levels but if you read the pdf linked to below you will see particulars of the 'Pro' support option. Normally this comes as standard, but staff should make sure it included on their quote before placing the order.

ProSupport_for_IT (PDF)

Lightweight and slimline laptops

For most staff using lightweight or slimline laptops, Wi-Fi only access will be sufficient in getting connected to the network. Some lightweight or slimline laptops such as the MacBook Air and Dell Ultrabook are designed for wireless networks and do not have inbuilt wired network cards. If you wish to connect a Wi-Fi only laptop to the Trinity ‘wired’ network, you will need to purchase a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.

Staff should ensure computers that they are purchasing are the recommended corporate models and come with the pre-installed Trinity software image, where available, to enjoy full support by the IT Service Desk. If you have any queries please contact the IT Service Desk for further advice.

Dell Technical support

Warranty and Contact

Dell Technical support (with the service tag/express code from your system): 0818 274 270.

When purchasing Dell equipment IT Services recommends that staff purchase the 'Pro' support warranty for their Dell desktops and laptops. There are several warranty levels but if you read the pdf linked to below you will see particulars of the 'Pro' support option. Normally this comes as standard, but staff should make sure it included on their quote before placing the order.

ProSupport_for_IT (PDF)

Dell support info

All Dell PC Hardware, within the scope of the agreement outlined below, is supported by IT Services directly. Users do not have to contact Dell themselves as the IT Service Desk functions as the first and sole point of contact on all software and hardware faults.

IT Services personnel will diagnose and resolve all matters, and any required interactions with Dell for the issuing and/or installation of replacement hardware will take place between Dell and IT Services personnel. Users are entitled to next day on-site visit the same as they would get from Dell. Only home users will have to contact Dell for on-site visits.

To facilitate the provision of this service two IT Services IT Service Desk team members have recently been certified as Dell Diagnostic Engineers.

The scope of this agreement includes the following Dell PC Hardware:

  • Trinity owned desktops and laptops with Business Support
  • Trinity Computer Room PC’s
  • Users with college-owned PC’s at home, who will have the option to bring the PC to the IT Service Desk or contact Dell directly for an on-site visit.

The scope of this agreement will NOT include:

  • Trinity Owned Desktops and Laptops without Business Support
  • Dell PC's purchased under Dell Student Schemes
  • Servers

For more information contact the IT Service Desk.

Apple Mac Desktops and Laptops

Supplier, Specifications and Warranty

To comply with Trinity procurement policy, Trinity-funded Apple Mac computers should be purchased from the official supplier - 'Select'.

'Select' sales contact details (Trinity procurement website)

Lightweight and slimline laptops

For most staff using lightweight or slimline laptops, Wi-Fi only access will be sufficient in getting connected to the network. Some lightweight or slimline laptops such as the MacBook Air and Dell Ultrabook are designed for wireless networks and do not have inbuilt wired network cards. If you wish to connect a Wi-Fi only laptop to the Trinity ‘wired’ network, you will need to purchase a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.

Staff should ensure computers that they are purchasing are the recommended corporate models and come with the pre-installed Trinity software image, where available, to enjoy full support by the IT Service Desk. If you have any queries please contact the IT Service Desk for further advice.

Warranty

Macs purchased from 'Select' are provided with a 1-year warranty by default. We strongly recommend that Trinity staff purchase one of the 5-year extended warranty options on offer. 'Select' will provide you with the details of the various extended warranty options on request, including AppleCare and 'Select' warranty options. 'Select' will arrange a delivery time once the order is complete.

'Select' technical support

Contact

For 'Select' technical support please phone 0818 668888. Please note that Macs purchased from 'Select' are provided with a 1-year warranty by default, with our recommendation being to purchase a 5-year extended warranty, and so the warranty on your device will depend on what was arranged when it was ordered.

'Select' provides first-level technical support over the phone. If your problem is not resolved over the phone, then a 'Select' technician will be sent out to you and will attend within 24 hours of the call. Most troubleshooting and repairs will be carried out on-site where possible. Where repairs cannot be carried out on-site the device will be brought back to the 'Select' workshop and repairs will be carried out within one working day, subject to availability of replacement parts. If parts are not available in the 'Select' workshop there is a lead in time of a further one business day for order and delivery of the part.

Typetec technical support

If you had previously purchased equipment from Typetec and your Mac is covered by AppleCare then please contact the 'Select' technical support line at 0818 668888. If your Mac is not covered by AppleCare, then please contact Typetec technical support by phone at (01) 5009002.

Audio-Visual equipment

Advice and Suppliers

IT Services has many years of experience in the specification and installation of AV equipment, including videoconferencing equipment and so we are happy to provide advice and guidance to Trinity staff on the purchase and specification of audio-visual equipment. If you or your department are about to make a purchase and feel that you would like some guidance do contact the IT Service Desk and we can arrange to provide information and demonstrations of existing equipment that is installed on campus and how it works.

To comply with Trinity procurement policy, audio-visual equipment must be purchased from one of the preferred suppliers for audio-visual equipment.

Peripherals

Advice and Suppliers

To comply with Trinity procurement policy, all Trinity-funded printers, scanners and multifunction devices should be purchased from the approved suppliers only - please see the procurement website for further information and relevant contact details.

IT Services support

IT Services will provide a network IP address for printers, or other peripheral devices, that are to be connected to the Trinity network. Hardware and other technical issues with these printers and peripherals should be covered under the warranty which is purchased with these items and these matters can be directed to the suppliers, as outlined below.

IT Services will provide full software support (setup and configuration via remote control) for HP desktop/deskside printers. IT Services do not provide any support, beyond the provision of an IP address, for the larger multifunctional devices as the manufacturer provides full support for these devices.

Service and support

Technical support with printer, scanner and MFD equipment is available from the suppliers. Please see the procurement website for their contact details.

Digital Signage

Purchasing and installation

If you are thinking of installing Digital Signage equipment there are several different steps to the installation process that you should be aware of, as outlined below. Note that only a registered member of staff can request this type of equipment be connected to the Trinity network.

  • Contact the four Trinity AV suppliers for quotes on the different types of equipment available
  • Contact the IT Service Desk to request a quote for network points in the location if required
  • Contact Estates and Facilities to organise an electrical power point at the location if required
  • Complete the Network Request Form to have the digital signage device connected to the Trinity network. You will need to know the network adapter address for the digital signage device - you may need to contact the equipment supplier for this information. You should submit the network request in advance of the device being delivered, the network adapter address can be obtained from the supplier in advance. Please note it takes 3-5 days to process this network request.

Additional parts

You may need to enhance the capabilities of your computer or have faulty components replaced when a machine is out of warranty, by having new parts installed internally, such as memory or a new hard disk. Please contact the IT Service Desk for further advice.

Consumables

Staff who wish to purchase any computer consumables (e.g. CDs\USB memory sticks\zip disks) or printer consumables (e.g. paper, print cartridges) should contact the approved stationery supplier directly.

Software Purchasing

Please see our information on the software information page.

Having problems with IT suppliers?

If you are having problems with any of the suppliers, please contact the Trinity procurement office as follows: