Imaging/Re-imaging

1. What happens when my machine is imaged?

2. How do I image my machine?

3. When would I need to re-image my machine?

4. What applications are installed on the image?

5. What are the differences between the faculty/staff and UCF images?

6. How do I get support for an unsupported image?

7. Is there a charge for unsupported image assistance?

8. Who builds the UCS images?

9. When are the faulty/staff and UCF images built?




Q.  What happens when my machine is imaged?

A.  When using a University Computing Services (UCS) supported image, the hard drive is overwritten with a fresh install of our campus licensed software, including the latest Microsoft Windows operating system, latest Microsoft Office productivity suite, up to date antivirus protection, and other commonly used applications. Imaging allows us to provide a stable foundation for all faculty and staff to build on with departmentally specific applications while still receiving the full support from our customer services department.


Q.  How do I image my machine?

A.  A copy of the current image is available on bootable DVD's and bootable CD sets. To ensure proper installation and minimize downtime with a new system, UCS encourages users to contact the Help Desk at ext. 3200 or via email at helpdesk@marshall.edu. A member of the Help Desk will install the current image and complete the setup of your machine.


Q.  When would I need to re-image my machine?

A.  A total re-image is only appropriate when problems within the operating system are unsolvable by normal means. Most problems with a computer on campus can involve a variety of different issues, often not necessitating the reinstallation of the UCS supported image. Any problem with your computer should be directed to the UCS Help Desk at ext. 3200, via helpdesk@marshall.edu, or your departmental technician (if applicable).


Q.  What applications are installed on the image?

A.  The applications that are installed on a standard UCS supported image include:

The latest Microsoft Windows operating system including Internet Explorer

The latest Microsoft Office productivity suite with Access, Excel, FrontPage, InfoPath, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, Producer, Publisher, Visio and Word

Other Microsoft Applications including Journal Viewer, Media Player, Messenger, Movie Maker and Paint

Microsoft Interactive training modules for Windows

Norton Anti-Virus protection

Anti-Spyware Applications: Spybot and SpywareBlaster

Respondus online test creation application

SPSS statistical applicaton package

The latest Banner database access application

The latest Adobe Acrobat Reader

The latest Adobe Acrobat Professional

Cisco TCP/IP suite

Cyberlink PowerDVD

Power Archiver

QuickTime

Real Player

WS FTP

Other components include various plug-ins and updates


Q.  What are the differences between the faculty/staff and UCF images?

A.  The faculty/staff image is smaller, with a basic package of programs, which gives full administrative rights to the main operator of the system. The University Computer Facilities (UCF) Lab image is much larger, including software that is required for teaching purposes in all University Departments. It is very secure, allowing all users only basic rights to operate the system, without the ability to add or remove any applications or files that aren’t expressly created while they are logged into the computer.


Q. How do I get support for an unsupported image?

A.  While you are encouraged to utilize the UCS image, to obtain support for an unsupported image, please contact the Help Desk. There will be a fee of $25 per hour for any work performed on the computer. In many cases, a departmental technician will have built your specific image, and that technician will be responsible to provide support. In the event the technician cannot provide the necessary support, again, contact the Help Desk for further assistance.


Q.  Is there a charge for unsupported image assistance?

A.  Yes, in most cases, $25 per hour. For a full list of services and rates, see http://www.marshall.edu/ucs/cs/rate_index.asp

Q.  Who builds the UCS images?

A.  The images are built in the Applications/System Analyst/Programmer department of computing services.


Q.  When are the faulty/staff and UCF images built?

A.  The faculty/staff image is built every summer in anticipation of the fall semester, normally coinciding with the new model of computer that arrives every summer for the upcoming semester. The UCF image is also built in the summer, for the fall semester, also coinciding with the new model of machines and includes all software that will be utilized in the fall semester by the corresponding departments. The UCF image is also completed rebuilt for the spring semester, to account for changes in the applications, computer models, etc.