Support & Services

• Why is Cyber Security a Problem?
• Choosing and Protecting Passwords – You will be required to change your UNC Asheville password every 90 days. You will receive a daily email with instructions 15 days prior to the expiration of your current password.
• Understanding Anti-Virus Software – All UNC Asheville computers are equipped with an automatically updating anti-virus suite.
• Understanding Firewalls
• Coordinating Virus and Spyware Defense – All UNC Asheville computers are equipped with an automatically updating anti-malware suite.
• Debunking Some Common Myths
• Good Security Habits
• Safeguarding Your Data
• Real-World Warnings Keep You Safe Online

• Dealing with Cyberbullies
• Understanding Hidden Threats: Corrupted Software Files
• Understanding Hidden Threats: Rootkits and Botnets
• Recovering from Viruses, Worms, and Trojan Horses
• Recognizing and Avoiding Spyware
• Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks
• Understanding Denial-of-Service Attacks
• Identifying Hoaxes and Urban Legends

• Using Caution with Email Attachments – UNC Asheville Google Mail automatically scans incoming and outgoing email for viruses. Google Mail will not allow the sending of .exe files as attachments.
• Reducing Spam – UNC Asheville Google Mail automatically filters spam.
• Staying Safe on Social Network Sites – Facebook games and apps are increasingly common vectors for viruses and malware.

• Protecting Portable Devices: Physical Security – Please contact UNC Asheville Public Safety immediately if you have something stolen.
• Protecting Portable Devices: Data Security
• Using Caution with USB Drives

• How Anonymous Are You?
• Google’s “Good to Know”
• Understanding Your Computer: Web Browsers
• Evaluating Your Web Browser’s Security Settings
• Shopping Safely Online
• Browsing Safely: Understanding Active Content and Cookies
• Understanding Web Site Certificates
• Understanding Internationalized Domain Names
• Understanding Bluetooth Technology
• Avoiding Copyright Infringement

• Understanding Patches – All UNC Asheville computers managed by ITS are configured to automatically update and apply patches as they become available.
• Understanding Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
• Risks of File-Sharing Technology
• Reviewing End-User License Agreements
• Understanding Your Computer: Operating Systems

On May 5, 2010 UNC General Administration announced to the UNC System’s Chancellors and CIOs the launch of the Combined Pricing Initiative (CPI) (275 KB) CPI’s goals are to leverage the buying power of the entire UNC System and to meet cost-saving standards set by the North Carolina General Assembly. CPI standards currently apply to all PC desktop and laptop computers obtained with state appropriated funds. As of July 1, 2010 participation in CPI is mandatory for all UNC System schools.

PC computers must be obtained only from CPI “Preferred Vendors”, currently Dell, Lenovo, and HP. Over the past few years UNC Asheville has standardized on Dell PC desktops and laptops, so this is not a change for our campus. We will continue to obtain Apple computers as an individual campus as Apple is not currently part of the CPI program.

A task force organized by UNC-GA has established a range of standard desktop and laptop computer configurations meant to reflect the diverse administrative and academic needs of UNC System campuses. This task force has negotiated best prices with CPI Preferred Vendors and UNC Asheville ITS has established campus standards in alignment with UNC-GA’s CPI standards. This means that the default desktop and laptop packages, whether purchased one-off or obtained as part of the Computer Inventory Management (refresh) program conform to CPI standards.

Only CPI standards-compliant computer configurations are allowed, except where non-standard configurations are required for specialized research, teaching, or administrative needs. The total dollar amount of “non-standard” computers may not exceed 20% of the total of state funds used for PC purchases. In those cases where a non-standard configuration is required a formal request for an exception must be made. Reports must be submitted to UNC-GA detailing approved exceptions.

We estimate that for all computer purchases during FY 2009-2010 less than 5% would have been considered an “exception”, thus this is a minimal change to our past paradigm. Our current process for requesting exceptions will be formalized and modified slightly to reflect the changing needs for reporting and documentation. Details on this refined process will be posted to this website as they become available.

All computers will be obtained through the MarketPlace e-procurement system. Our current computer procurement process using POs will be replaced by the MarketPlace. Even Apple computers, although not currently included in CPI, will be obtained through the MarketPlace system. This is the most significant change for our campus; this website will be updated with information on the Marketplace and new computer procurement process as details become available.

Questions regarding CPI and the Computer Inventory Management program should be emailed to helpdesk@unca.edu.

The computer models below are available as standard configurations for departments eligible for this year’s Client Technology Refresh Program. Models for departments aligned with previous years are not listed; please contact ITS for more information.

What do these terms mean?

Processor: How fast the computer can operate

The “brain” of the computer that performs calculations. Speed is measured in Gigahertz (GHz). Processors have a base speed, which is the idle speed at which the processor runs when the computer is on. Modern processors speed up – referred to as “turbo boost” – when your tasks demand more intensive calculations. The turbo boost speed is the maximum speed at which the processor can perform tasks. Varying the processor speed allows the processor to run at a lower speed when handling light workloads, then speed up when handling heavier workloads. This dramatically improves computer efficiency and extends battery life.

Processors include a number of subdivisions called “cores.” These are discrete, independent processing units that can perform calculations independent of other cores. Each core runs at the processor’s base frequency, and can independently turbo boost to the processor’s maximum speed when needed. More cores allow the computer to perform more operations in a shorter amount of time.

Memory: How many things the computer can do simultaneously

Random Access Memory (RAM) is used by the computer to temporarily store information. RAM is extremely fast, but does not permanently store information. When the processor needs to perform a task, it loads data to the RAM so that it can be quickly processed.

For example, when you open a spreadsheet in Excel, the file is loaded into RAM. The more files or programs running simultaneously, the more RAM required. 16 GB of RAM is an industry standard for high-end computing.

Storage: How many files can be stored on the computer

Storage is simply the amount of files you can permanently store on the computer. Older computers used hard disk drives (HDD) which functioned very similar to a miniature record player. Modern computers use Solid State Drives (SSD) which avoid the “moving parts” of older HDDs and thus operate much more quickly with higher energy efficiency.

Dell Precision 3490 Laptop

View the vendor information page

• Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 135H vPro Enterprise (18 MB cache, 14 cores, 18 threads, up to 4.6 GHz, 28W)
• Memory: 16 GB: 2 x 8 GB, DDR5, 5600 MT/s, non-ECC
• Display: 14″ FHD 1920×1080, 60Hz, 250 nits, Non-Touch, FHD HDR RGB Camera, Mic, WLAN
• Video: NVIDIA RTX 500 Ada 4GB GDDR6
• Primary Storage: M.2 512GB PCIe NVMe Class 35 Solid State Drive
• Wireless Networking: Intel AX211, 2×2 MIMO, 2400 Mbps, 2.4/5/6 GHz, Wi-Fi 6/6E (WiFi 802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2
• Wired Networking: Built-in Ethernet port
• Connections: 2x USB 3.2, 2x USB-C (Thunderbolt), HDMI, Audio Jack, RJ45
• Docking Station: Dell Dock WD22TB4 Thunderbolt

Note: Please note that the current generation Dell laptops do not include an optical drive for CDs and DVDs; should you require an optical drive you may purchase an external USB CD/DVD Drive.

Dell OptiPlex 7420 All-in-One Desktop

View vendor information page

• Processor: Intel Core i5 processor 14500 vPro (24MB cache, 14 cores, 20 threads, up to 5.0 GHz Turbo, 65W)
• Memory: 16GB DDR5 Memory,2X8GB,5600,Non-ECC,SoDIMM
• Display: 23.8″ FHD 1920×1080 WVA, Touch Anti-Glare,Camera
• Video: Intel® Integrated Graphics
• Primary Storage: M.2 2280 512GB PCIe NVMe Class 40 Solid State Drive
• Connections: Audio Jack, 5x USB 3.2, 1x USB-C (Thunderbolt), 1x HDMI out,1x HDMI in, 1x DisplayPort++ 1.4a, 1x RJ-45 Ethernet
• Peripherals: Wired mouse and keyboard

MacBook Air M3 13″ Laptop – Space Gray

View vendor information page

• Processor: Apple M3 chip: 8-core CPU
• Memory: 16 GB
• Disk Storage Space: 512 GB SSD
• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
• Video: 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
• Connections: Two (2) USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3.5mm Headphone port, MagSafe 3
• Dock: Dell UD22
• Power Adapter: 35W USB-C Power Adapter

Note: Each MacBook will include a Dell UD22 dock that supports multiple displays. Docks must use DisplayLink to support multiple displays.

Note: Apple laptops cannot be upgraded after ordering. Any additional storage space or memory (RAM) requirements must be requested prior to ordering equipment.

iMac M4 24″ Desktop – Silver

View vendor information page

• Processor: Apple M4 chip: 8-core CPU with 4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores
• Memory: 16 GB
• Disk Storage Space: 512 GB SSD
• Display: 24″ Retina 4K Display
• Video: 10-core GPU
• Connections: Two (2) USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports, Two (2) USB-C USB3 ports, One (1) Gigabit Ethernet port

Note: Apple desktops now only include Ethernet and USB-C (USB3 and Thunderbolt 4) ports. Most peripherals will require an adapter to connect. A wireless mouse and keyboard are included.

Here are a few tips to help keep your computer in good working order:

• Always use your carrying case when moving your laptop. Even a short fall can damage the hard drive and result in the complete loss of your data!
• Do not use Windex, alcohol, or ammonia to clean LCD screens. Microfiber or very soft cloths are the best options for cleaning LCD screens.
• Avoid extreme heat or cold. Computers operate best in the same temperatures that you do. Never leave your laptop outside or in a car for extended periods.
• Avoid getting the computer wet. Never power on a wet machine! If the machine does become wet carefully unplug the power from the wall and contact the Service Desk immediately!
• Keep the computer away from strong magnets or equipment that generates magnetic fields. In extreme situations this can cause data loss.
• Do not block or push anything into the air vents. This will cause the machine to overheat.
• Do not leave your laptop or case unattended. Laptops are easy to spot and prime targets for theft!
• When traveling, do not check your laptop with your luggage, always carry it with you.
• Backup your data frequently and store the backups in a safe place.

ITS sets yearly standards for supported hardware and software. Hardware standards are agreed upon by UNC Asheville and UNC General Administration as part of the Combined Pricing Initiative (CPI). CPI allows us to leverage the buying power of all the UNC institutions when purchasing desktop and laptop computers with specific configurations. Standard configurations are designed to cover 95% of the computing needs of the campus.

Software standards are based on business needs, vendor support, and licensing availability and restrictions. ITS has established campus-wide site licenses for very common software (Windows and MacOS operating systems, Microsoft Office, anti-virus software, etc.) and provides access to software available through UNC-GA system-wide site licenses (SAS). ITS also works with departments on campus to provide site licenses for specialized software which multiple disciplines use (ArcGIS, MiniTab). Whenever possible ITS will provide Open Source and/or free software analogous to each commercial software package available (OpenOffice, Firefox).

Only computers, peripherals, and software appearing on the “standards” list and which are leased/purchased through ITS are supported. These standards are set to ensure stability and compatibility with the university computing environment. With the vast array of hardware and software options available, supporting non-standard equipment and software is unsustainable and would be prohibitively expensive to the university.

Given the broad range of disciplines on campus there will be requests for hardware and/or software outside of ITS’ standards. In the interest of facilitating the university’s academic and administrative missions ITS will assist in the procurement of such hardware/software, but we cannot support it. Usually this type of hardware/software is extremely specialized and the requester is already very familiar with the products.

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may be provided with either a laptop or desktop, and either a Mac or a PC. ITS does not provide phones, tablets, or other computing devices (although individual departments may do so). Please refer to our current list of available computer configurations.

Each department is refreshed on a 4-year cycle. You can find out when your department will be refreshed by viewing the CTRP Department List by Year.

ITS does not support, nor purchase, individual or “desktop printers.” In the interest of sustainability and cost savings, Ricoh Multi-function devices are strategically placed around campus for printing, copying and scanning needs.

ITS Knowledge Base: Printing

Any and all additional items are at the department’s expense. These items must be purchased by the department and will not be included in the campus lease. These items become the property of the department and will be supported by ITS until such time as the vendor or manufacturer warranty expires and/or the item is no longer functional. Items under this rubric include, but are not limited to:

• Additional or non-standard monitors, docking stations, keyboards, and mice (including all wireless models)
• Adapters for displays or classroom projection systems
• External hard drives
• iPads/Tablets
• Software

In accordance with the UNC-GA Combined Pricing Initiative (CPI), UNC Asheville ITS has established standards for the hardware and software that we will support. Standardization of hardware provides significant discounts with our vendors and participation in CPI is mandatory for all UNC System schools. ITS engages vendors who support environmentally ethical computing and responsible recycling of “e-waste.”

All users will be now be required to authenticate to the Ricoh MFD fleet before usage is allowed. You can authenticate in one of three ways:

• Tap your RockyCard on the RFID Card Reader located on the side of the machine
• Type in your 930* number (ID Number)
• Type in your OnePort username / password

• Authenticate to the device
• Select ‘Use Device Functions’ from the next screen.
• Use the hardware buttons on the left side of the panel to select the desired function.

This feature allows users to send a print job and have it held at the printer until released using the PaperCut interface on the Ricoh device. Print jobs can only be seen and released by the user that sent them.

The Ricoh fleet will also be set to employ Hold/Release printing by default, except in the lab/classroom environment and the library. If your department wishes to opt out of this feature, the department supervisor will need to send an email requesting this to helpdesk@unca.edu.

How to print to a Ricoh device with Hold and Release:

• Print from your computer as you normally would.
• Authenticate to the device
• Select your print job from the list and select ‘Print’ or select ‘Print All’
• If you don’t see your print job listed and you haven’t changed your password recently call the Helpdesk for assistance at 828.521.6445. If you have changed your password make sure you’ve logged off and logged back on.

How to print to a Ricoh device or other printer without Hold and Release:

Printing to other network printers and to Ricoh devices which do not have Hold and Release enabled will not change.  You can print to them as you have in the past.

Find Me printing solves the problem of finding the closest printer from a long list of available printers. It will enable you to print at any of the Ricoh devices across campus by printing to the printer on your computer.  This will allow you to print to any of the PaperCut enabled Ricoh devices on campus from your non-UNC Asheville computer.

• When printing, select the printer called ‘Find Me’.
• Locate a Ricoh MFD
• Authenticate to the device
• Select your print job from the list and select ‘Print’ or select ‘Print All’

Web Print is a driver-less printing service that allows users to print by uploading documents from a web browser. No client software or driver installation is required.

• Navigate to papercut.unca.edu
• Select ‘Web Print’ from the navigation menu on the left
• Click ‘Submit a Job’
• UNC Asheville uses a single queue to print to all the Ricohs on campus, it is called FindMePrinting and is already selected for you.  Click ‘Print Options and Account Selection’
• Enter the desired number of copies and click ‘Upload Documents’
• Click ‘Choose’ Files and navigate to your document.  Note the file types that WebPrint can handle.
• Click ‘Upload & Complete’. Your document will be submitted and rendered.  When complete it will be availible for you to release at any of the PaperCut enabled Ricohs on campus.

Google cloud printing allows you to print from any Google product including Chrome and Google Drive.  This allows you to easily print from mobile devices that have Google Drive or google Cloud Print installed on them. The process for printing varies depending on your device.

For Google Drive on Android:

• Open the document and select the option button (the circle with an i in it)
• Select the action overflow button (the three dots in the upper right corner), select print, and select the ‘Find Me Printing’ printer.

For Google Drive on iPhone or iPad:

• Do not open the document.  Select the option button (the circle with the I in it)to the right of the document in the document list.
• Select ‘Print’, select ‘Google Cloud Print’, and select the ‘Find Me Printing’ printer.

Other apps on both iOS and Android support Google Cloud print. The exact steps depend on the app. Please see the documentation for you app for more information.

To release your job:

• Wait 30-60 seconds for Google to process the print job
• Authenticate to the device
• Select your print job from the list and select ‘Print’ or select ‘Print All’

Learn More About Google Cloud Print