C&SS leverages its expertise to provide guidance and consultation to the NCI-Frederick community in a number of areas:
- Evaluation of new software and hardward products.
- Recommendation and implementation of products or processes that will provide enterprise-wide benefits.
- Business process reengineering according to industry-standard best practices.
- Guidance on the purchase of IT systems and components.
Computer users at NCI-Frederick frequently contact the Computer Services Helpdesk for recommendations and assistance in making computer purchases. While many users at NCI-Frederick share common computer requirements, each user's needs are unique and must be addressed individually. NCI-Frederick personnel needing specific or detailed purchasing advice should contact the Computer Services Helpdesk for assistance. For users simply interested in general guidance, below are some caveats which should prove useful.
Brand: Most computer manufacturers purchase components from the same variety of sources. Consequently, the reliability of a computer system is fairly equal among the better known vendors. Based on past experiences and cost, MCS recommends Dell systems for Windows users and Apple for Macintosh users.Processor/Speed: MCS recommends purchasing the highest class processor within your budget. Not only will this extend the life of the system for you, but may also allow the system to be "handed-down" to someone with more modest needs in the future.
Memory/RAM: Operating Systems today make high demands on the Memory (or RAM) installed in the computer. C&SS recommends specifying a minimum of 2GB of RAM.
Hard-drive Capacity: Systems today are equipped with more than enough hard-drive capacity for most NCI-Frederick users.
Network Interface: All systems should include a network interface (sometimes called a NIC).
CD-ROM: All systems should include a CD-ROM drive, or preferable a DVD-ROM.
Video/Sound/Multimedia: All systems today are usually equipped to handle a minimum of multi-media functions.
Printers: C&SS recommends laser printers for most general purpose printing. Macintosh users should make sure any printer is Macintosh compatible.
Software: C&SS recommends Microsoft Office products for general administrative tasks; however, bear in mind that C&SS personnel do not regularly use many of the applications in use at the NCI-Frederick. Users requiring specific recommendations or specialty software may find it more useful to speak with their colleagues. Users may also be interested in reviewing the list of discounted and licensed software available at NCI-Frederick.
