DeSC Laptop Program
The DeSC Laptop Program is not for everyone. It would require the user to take on more responsibility for their computer to ensure that it is available to be supported then they would with a DeSC Desktop computer or a non-managed laptop. This program is for users willing to abide by the DeSC rules to gain mobile computing in an environment with DeSC’s commitment to university business applications compatibility and centrally managed support.
Program Requirements:
- The laptop must be the user's primary computer at work and, if not left in docking station in the evenings, at home.
- Must be encrypted with the Princeton Disk Encryption (PDE) service.
- Authorized DeSC model: Dell Latitude E6400; Dell Latitude D630c; Dell Latitude D630 or Dell Latitude D620 Laptop.
- Laptop meets the minimum hardware requirements.
- If the D630c, D630 or D620 laptop meets the minimum specifications for all options except memory. OIT Desktop Support is prepared, for a fee, to install memory.
- SCAD/DCS or OIT Desktop Support, by appointment, can setup the laptop with the DeSC Vista SFI Image.
- User resolves to review and adhere to the “DeSC Laptop Computer Guidelines and Best Practices."
TSM Backup Information
DeSC laptops will be configured for the TSM Personal service with a backup window from 10:30am-12:00 noon every day but will only succeed if the laptop has a wired connection or is in a docking station. TSM server will attempt to make a connection whether the wired laptop is on a campus or an off campus network during this window.
This is the window where the backup server will try and start. If the server can't connect to your laptop, the server will keep trying until noon, after which the laptop gets logged as a 'missed' schedule.
If the laptop misses the backup window, your laptop will be backed up the next time the window comes around again and your laptop is using a wired connection to the network.
DeSC Laptops are authorized to use the Ethernet port for TSM backups and restores. The wireless port that the TSM server uses for backups has been blocked when DeSC Laptops are on the campus network.
Microsoft Patches
When you are not using your DeSC laptop over a weekend that Princeton is distributing the Microsoft patches, you can still receive the Microsoft updates even when you are not using your computer. As long as the laptop is powered on, the power adapter is powering the laptop (the lid can even be closed) and there is a network connection your laptop will receive the Microsoft updates over the weekend and reduce your log in time when you come in Monday morning.
Department Managers and Departmental Technology Support Providers:
It is important to stress to staff interested in participating in this program that they will need to read and understand the above requirements and the “DeSC Laptop Computer Guidelines and Best Practices" document.
Please contact Charlayne Beavers (desc@princeton.edu or 8-6034) if you have any questions.
