Consulting - new computer labs

Considerations when setting up a new computer lab:

A new classroom computer lab must have approval from the Vice President of Academic Affairs and must identify the source of funding.

Renovations: The renovation cost will need to be addressed by a representative in Plant Operations. It is best for the group looking at renovation to contact Johann Wells to look at the proposed site. The cost will vary based on the current condition of the area and what needs to be changed, corrected, or added. For example, additional electrical connections may create a need for additional wiring, breakers, panel box only a trained electrician make that determination.

Electrical: Do you have electrical connections for each computer? Depending on the furniture design (with or without cable management), you could need connections for each. If the tables are lined up against the wall (with power), you can use surge protects to daisy-chain the computers to each other down the row. Each computer must be connected with a surge protect.

Design: CINS will need a draft or drawing of the proposed lab set up. Where will the computer stations be placed in the room? If they are not flush with a wall on either side, electrical poles or a false floor might be needed.

Furniture: What type of computer stations will you purchase or do you have existing stations/tables to use? (35 sq feet for each computer station)

Network/LAN connections:

• Does the hub in your building have enough connections for a computer lab? (all computers have cables running to a central hub in each building connecting your building to the main CSU servers in CCT)
• Are there existing LAN connections in the proposed lab or will CINS or a special electrical contractor have to run the LAN lines? (If you need LAN lines run in a lab renovation, you will need to contact Plant Operations for quote information on electrical contractors to run your electricity and LAN cables.

Computer equipment: All the computers in each lab must be identical so CINS can use the ghost lab imaging program to create a single lab image for your lab. (Multiple configurations or non-standard computers will not be set up in a lab environment to be managed by CINS)

Lab printer: The printer drivers must be added to the basic image for the computers in the lab to have “printing access”. You will need to order the network printer with the computer equipment. Please submit through eQuest for a hardware price quote.

Software:

• Standard CSU software for lab computers is available at no charge
• Specialized software must be purchased for each computer in the lab or a site license must be purchased. To estimate the cost of the software, you may submit a request for a software quote in eQuest.

Standard lab procedure software: In order for CINS to manage, update, and upgrade your computer lab, you must purchase two special software programs:

• ghostlab
• deepfreeze to prevent any modifications or alterations to the systems. When a student logs out and the system restarts, the computer is returned to the original working state (configuration); therefore, preventing harmful activity that could render the lab computer unusable.

Media equipment: Contact the Instructional Services department to get cost estimates on the overhead projection system and media equipment for the instructional desk.

If you need advice or a CINS consultation, please contact us to set up a meeting.

Kay Jenkins
Computer lab manager
Computer Information & Networking Services
Locaton: Center for Commerce and Technology, room 125
Phone: 706-565-3461
E-mail: jenkins_kay@colstate.edu