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.

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

The DELL laptop is a Latitude E5420 with the following specifications:

• Intel Core i5 (2.5GHz) processor
• 4GB of memory
• 320GB hard drive
• DVD Burner
• wireless network adapter
• Bluetooth
• webcam
• 14 inch display
• 3 years hardware warranty.

A standard suite of University software will be installed on the laptop. This includes Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet Explorer, Safari and Firefox.

For information on installing additional software required please visit visit the Software Licencing website at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/software/ and complete the Software Licence Request form prior organising the collection of your laptop.

IT Services will provide support for the standard configuration of your laptop. Please log a support call with the 17triplezero IT Service Desk on 02 49217000. 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 repairer. Please contact the 17triplezero IT Service Desk on 02 49217000 for further advice.

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

Laptops can be collected from IT Services at both the Callaghan and Ourimbah campuses. You will be advised by email 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 on research@newcastle.edu.au to make alternative arrangements. Laptops will not be posted overseas.

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.

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. For further information, please download Retaining Your Laptop.

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

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.

The University will provide one laptop only under this Research Higher Degree Laptop 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.

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

• Record your laptop serial number and keep it in a safe place.
• Attach your name and contact details to the laptop. Attach some form of identification that clearly marks the laptop as your property, as you would with luggage when travelling.
• Do not leave the laptop on your desk overnight or over the weekend. Lock it in a secure cabinet and lock the office.
• Make security a habit - do not leave the laptop in your car or unattended in public places.
• Get a cable lock and remember to use it. Visit RHD Laptop Scheme for further information.