Research Workstation and Device Support Offering

We provide support for computing equipment used in research. This includes workstations used for research regardless of funding source, any machines purchased with research grants, and all computing equipment located in research spaces. We offer consultation services for research computing needs such as new equipment acquisition and hardware upgrades to ensure optimal research capabilities.

Prerequisites and Getting Started

• Research equipment must comply with university network security standards

• All research computers must run supported operating systems (Windows 11, macOS, or approved Linux distributions)

• Research hardware requires grant or departmental funding (not covered by centralized funding model)

How to Begin Using This Service

1. Submit a request through the ITS Service Desk by emailing askIT@albany.edu

2. ITS will schedule an in-lab consultation to assess your research technology needs

3. Complete the Research Space Assessment Form if provided

4. Participate in the Research Workstation Inventory Process as needed

Common Service Requests or Issues:

• Windows 11 Transition Support

• Research Equipment Assessment

• Equipment Procurement and Setup

  • Research computer purchase consultation and quotes

  • Standard computer configuration and software installation

  • Integration with campus data center services

  • Asset management and inventory documentation

Features:

• Standard computer configurations 

• Standard software installed 

• Consultation services for research computing needs

• Research hardware troubleshooting and support

• Software installation and configuration

• Research equipment purchase consultation

• Research hardware upgrade services

• Research-specific technology recommendations

• Support of the following current operating systems:

  • Microsoft Windows 11

  • Microsoft Windows 11 (including Windows Subsystem for Linux)

  • Apple macOS

  • Linux distributions for specialized research needs

• Integration with campus data center services

• Security management for research devices

More Information:

• Contact the ITS Service Desk

Related Articles:

• Unmanaged Devices Connecting to the University Network

• Research Technology FAQ: Non-Centrally Funded Equipment

• University's Information Security Policy

• Standards for Connecting Servers to the University Network

More Information

Important Notes:

• Research technology falls outside the centralized funding model - funding is the responsibility of research groups, departments, or grant funding

• Windows 10 support ends October 14, 2025 - all research computers must transition to Windows 11 or receive special accommodation

• Procurement of new computers can take 3-4 months or longer - early planning is essential

• ITS reserves the right to suspend network access for devices that represent security threats

Limitations:

• Research hardware requires grant or departmental funding (ITS does not fund replacement of research equipment)

• Support is provided on a best-effort basis for specialized or legacy research equipment

• Devices running unsupported operating systems may require network isolation or special security measures