Frequently Asked Questions
Why Standardize?
One of the goals in the ICT Technology Plan is to provide technology that boosts productivity, strengthens security, and enhances outcomes. Standardization of our technology ensures that we can accomplish this by allowing our ICT staff to focus less on the basic technology requirements and more on the innovative and unique needs for our research and pedagogy. Moreover, volume purchasing and vendor relationships often aids in removing hidden costs, helping you and your department save money.
By helping you find and set up the appropriate IT tools to assist the way you work, we can ensure that we are on the path to becoming the University the World Needs.
Can I buy something for personal use on this site?
The computers listed here are for USask-related business and activities only and are not available for personal use. Visit Shop USask to buy equipment for personal use.
Acquiring equipment as an employee? It’s easy! Simply select the equipment you need and add them to your cart. When you’re done adding items, complete the order. All items will be delivered to the nearest USask IT Support Hub and a technician will contact you to set up your equipment.
Acquiring Equipment? When acquiring new equipment for a new position or when considering remote work arrangements for staff in your unit, please take a look at the bundled packages we have to offer.
Need help or have questions? Please contact IT Requisitions at it_requisitions@usask.ca or your College Coordinator.
How do I pick up equipment I ordered?
Once your order is ready for pick up, you will receive emailed instructions regarding which IT Support Services hub location to go to. The IT hub locations and additional information is available here. Please bring photo ID with you when picking up your order.
What are bundles?
Bundles include all the appropriate IT equipment an employee will require based on where they are working (remotely, hybrid, or on-campus). You can customize the bundle to include only the accessories you need, such as monitors, keyboard, etc. or order the entire bundle with one click.
What is the difference between the remote, hybrid, and on-campus bundles?
The remote, hybrid, and on-campus bundles address the specific needs of each of work environment. Hybrid employees, splitting their time on- and off-campus, require a transportable device such as a laptop, whereas employees working full time on campus or remotely may be better suited for a desktop computer.
Can I order a non-standard laptop or desktop computer?
The equipment available for sale meets USask security and work requirements. Standardization of devices boosts productivity, strengthens security, and reduces costs. However, if you still feel a different device is required for your work, if you require a high performance desktop, please contact IT Requisitions at it_requisitions@usask.ca or your College Coordinator.
Can I order a non-standard laptop or desktop computer?
The equipment available for sale meets USask security and work requirements. Standardization of devices boosts productivity, strengthens security, and reduces costs. However, if you still feel a different device is required for your work, please contact IT Requisitions at it_requisitions@usask.ca or your College Coordinator.
Can I purchase a computer for personal use?
The equipment for purchase on this website is solely for USask-related business and activities only. Visit Shop USask to purchase IT equipment for personal use.
What are the benefits of ordering my computer from IT Requisitions?
- Equipment standardization – strengthens security and reduces cost.
- Pre-installed set up – when you receive your device it will have already been configured with USask access and programs.
- USask managed – your device is fully configured for security updates, printing and scanning, virus and malware protection, data encryption, and more.
Do I need an external monitor if I have a laptop?
While not required, having one or two external monitors in addition to your laptop can improve your work/research experience.
Do monitors come with built-in webcams?
Not all monitors come with built-in webcams, but there are some that do. Monitors with webcams will say “VoIP” and state that a webcam is included in the description.
Software Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I install non-work related software that I use personally? USask managed devices will not permit you to install software that is not being installed directly from the Software Center. Requests for new software can be made but must be reviewed for data security and privacy, organizational fit, and whether an existing tool is already available. For more information about making a request, click here.
- Information on USask Managed Devices
- How do I uninstall software via Software Center?
- How do I install software using the Software Center?
- How to install Adobe Acrobat Reader
- What software is available for students to install on personal computers?
Do I need a webcam?
If you are not using a laptop or monitor with a built-in webcam, buying an external webcam is recommended.
Do I need a headset?
Laptops have a built-in microphone and speakers, meaning a separate headset is not necessary. However, an external headset with a mic and headphones can greatly improve your experience for web conferencing.
Do I need an external hard drive?
You may need an external hard drive if you are working with larger files, such as video files, and want to save them locally before putting them in the cloud. Other programs like Photoshop use hard drives as scratch disk space and sometimes it is optimal to use an external hard drive for that purpose.
Do I need a docking station?
A docking station is useful, but not required, for connecting peripheral IT equipment, such as multiple monitors, mouse, keyboard, etc., to a laptop computer.
How do I request an ergonomic assessment?
Review your USask resources for ergonomics here.
What are the A/V capabilities in classrooms?
To learn about the latest A/V capabilities of each classroom on campus, click here.
How do I request assistance with setting up A/V equipment?
Please complete this form and a representative from our A/V team will respond to discuss your request, proposed timelines, pricing, options, etc.