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Research Higher Degrees Laptop Scheme

From 2008 the University of Newcastle is providing a laptop to eligible RHD candidates.

 

Commencing candidates

From 2008 onwards, the University will provide all commencing RHD candidates with a laptop.

Commencing candidates must be enrolled and have a student card before a laptop can be issued

 

Current candidates

Current candidates have been advised directly of their eligibility.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the “RHD Laptop Scheme”?

The University of Newcastle is providing a laptop to eligible Research Higher Degree students.  The laptop is supplied to assist you with your University studies and must not be used by other parties.

 

Am I eligible for a University supplied laptop?

Eligibility for a University supplied laptop will be determined by the Office of Graduate Studies.  Eligible students will be contacted directly via e-mail. The Office of Graduate Studies can be contacted at research@newcastle.edu.au

 

What are the specifications of the laptop?

The DELL laptop is a  Latitude D531 with the following specification:

 

 

Processor

AMD Sempron 3600+

Memory

2 GB RAM

Screen size

15.4”wide screen XGA

Hard Disk

120 GB

Wireless

Yes

Removable media

No floppy drive

8x DVD+/-RW drive

Bluetooth

Yes

Warranty

3 Year next business day on site

 

A keyboard and mouse will also be provided with the DELL.

 

 

What software is supplied with the  DELL laptop?

A standard suite of University software will be installed on the laptop.  This includes:

 

 

Operating System

Windows XP

Office Suite

Microsoft Office Pro 2003 – includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher and Access

Browsers

Internet Explorer 6 and Firefox 2

Academic Software

Endnote X

Anti-virus

Sophos

Multi - Media

Apple Quicktime (with iTunes)

Cyberlink Power DVD

Macromedia Flashplayer

Macromedia Shockwave Player

RealOne Player

Windows Media Player

Utilities

Adobe Reader

Windows Messenger

Sonic DigitalMedia Plus  (DVD/CD burning)

 

 

 

 

What if I need other software?

Other software packages may be available under the University’s licensing agreements.  In some cases there is a charge for additional software.  Please contact the 17triplezero IT Service Desk for advice on software licensing and visit the Software Licencing website at www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/it/softsales/index.html.  Off campus students should check this site and follow the process for obtaining any additional software required, prior to the postage of their laptop. 

 

What IT support can I obtain for my laptop?

IT Services will provide support for the standard configuration of your laptop.  Please log a support call with the 17triplezero IT Service Desk. (http://www.newcastle.edu.au/17000) .  In the event your laptop becomes unusable, IT Services will endeavour to restore the laptop back to its original state.  IT support and repairs must be undertaken by the University’s IT Services only.

 

Off campus students should note that the University will only provide limited assistance to students located off campus who have problems with the computer.  IT Services will endeavour to provide assistance with software problems via email. For hardware repairs under warranty you must contact the registered DELL repairer. Please contact the IT Services Desk for further advice.

 

 

You are responsible for backing up your own documents and back-up on a central server is strongly recommended.

 

Where do I collect my laptop?

Laptops can be collected from IT Services at both the Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses.  You will be advised by studentmail when you can collect your laptop, and what identification you need to bring along.

 

Candidates who are registered as off campus candidates, residing in Australia, who are unable to collect the laptop from either campus should email the Office of Graduate Studies at research@newcastle.edu.au to make alternative arrangements.  Laptops will not be posted overseas.

 

What are the conditions associated with accepting the laptop?

The laptop is a University owned item and must be used in accordance with all relevant University policies and software licensing conditions.  See “UniversityComputing and Communications Facilities - Conditions of Use - Other 000817” contained in the Policy Library.

 

You will also be required to sign the terms and conditions document.

 

I am eligible to receive a laptop but I am on Leave of Absence.  Can I collect my laptop?

You must return from leave of absence before you can receive a laptop.  You will need to contact the Office of Graduate Studies regarding re-enrolment.

 

What happens if I cease my studies?

If you cease study, either by withdrawal, completion (submission of hard bound thesis) or termination within 18 months of receiving the laptop you must return the laptop to the University.

 

If you cease study more than 18 months after receiving the laptop you may retain the laptop, but only after all University licensed software has been removed by IT Services and any outstanding debts to the University are cleared.

 

Laptops must be returned to the Office of Graduate Studies at Callaghan (CH234 The Chancellery) or to IT Services (Admin Building) at Ourimbah.

 

What happens if my laptop is damaged?

You must immediately report the damage to your supervisor and to IT Services via the 17triplezero IT Service Desk.  IT Services will determine if the laptop can be repaired.

 

What happens if I lose the laptop or it is stolen?

The University will provide one laptop only under this scheme.  If the laptop is stolen, lost or misplaced it will not be replaced by the University.  The custody and security of the computer and any accessories are your responsibility at all times.  You must ensure that no other person uses your computer for his or her own purposes.  If the laptop is lost or stolen you must report it immediately to your supervisor and the Office of Graduate Studies (ph: 49 21 6537). If the laptop is stolen from a University campus you must ring Security immediately on 49 21 5888 to report the theft.  Regardless of where the laptop is stolen from you must phone the Police Assistance line and report the theft on  phone: 131 444.

 

How do I secure my laptop?

You should take all reasonable steps to safeguard your laptop. We suggest you: