BATES COLLEGE: INFORMATION & LIBRARY SERVICES > POLICIES

Operating System Support Policy For Personally Owned Computers

This document outlines the Operating System Support Policy of Bates College Information and Library Services (ILS) for Bates College students, faculty, and staff for personally owned computers. Our policy is broken down into three sections:

1. Supported Operating Systems at Bates College:

* Access to some Network Services may be difficult.

2. Extent of Operating System Support:

ILS will provide limited assistance for Operating System support on personally owned machines. Our support will primarily focus on the ability to facilitate access to Bates College network resources. We will assist with the following:

Direct Physical Connection*
(On Campus)
for Students
Dial-In Connection*
(Off Campus)
for Students, Faculty and Staff
Configuration/Installation of Network Preferences Configuration/Installation of Dial-Up Networking Preferences using Bates owned Dial-Up Numbers
Internet Connectivity Internet Connectivity
Public Printer Access  
Network File Sharing  
Network Storage  

* We can not guarantee connectivity since every situation may be different and dependent on other factors beyond our control.

All other questions regarding the use and operation of Operating Systems should be directed to the software vendor, ISP (Internet Service Provider) or the vendor’s web site.

3. Obtaining Operating System Support:

3.1 Help Desk Services

The ILS Help Desk will serve as the initial point of contact for all questions regarding Operating System support at Bates College. ILS Help Desk will provide basic assistance with the installation, configuration, and connectivity to Bates College network resources. If installation problems occur that are beyond the scope of support for the ILS Help Desk, a higher level of technical assistance from the Operating System vendors, ISP’s, Purchased Service Contracts, or ILS Sales and Service will be recommended.

3.2 Vendor Support

Support may also be obtained from Operating System vendors, ISP’s, or other service contracts.

3.3 Sales and Service

ILS Sales and Service will provide troubleshooting assistance with the installation and operation of system software above the assistance provided by the ILS Help Desk. There will be a fee associated with the assistance from ILS Sales and Service.

Revised—May 26, 2005