This article will discuss best practices for technology onboarding and new hire account requests. Purchasing standards for staff laptops and recommendations, prices, and comparisons of each computer are visible.
Technology Onboarding Best Practices and Information
Please read the below items carefully to ensure that you are following Wharton's technology request best practices.
- PennKey username - Most technology onboarding processes cannot begin without a PennKey. Technology requests should be submitted as soon as possible (even without a PennKey) so we can start the process; however, we ask that you follow up with PennKey information once it is received.
- Day one deployment - Day one deployment is our goal! This is made possible by advanced notice of the new hires' start date using the Staff Technology Onboarding Form (at least ten business days' notice preferred). If your technology request cannot be processed in time to arrive on the start date, a loaner may be provided (subject to availability).
- Account mirroring - To avoid mistakes, we ask that access to resources be explicitly requested instead of providing IT with an account to mirror.
- Specialized software and configurations - Many departments require software and configurations specific to their workflow. While we know most needs, please include these (to the best of your ability) when completing the 'specialized software' section of the technology onboarding survey. Some examples include - Google Apps, Java (for Ben Financials), Smart View, Global Protect, etc.
- Pricing - Technology pricing can fluctuate 10% or more during its product life cycle.
Staff Technology Onboarding Form
After reading this guide, complete the Staff Technology Onboarding Form to submit an official technology request.
Laptop Standards and Applications
This section will discuss the usage and standard applications of Mac versus Windows PC laptops. For more information regarding other products or brands, please contact your Wharton Computing Representative.
Mac
Mac computers run on macOS, the proprietary operating system of Apple products. This system is also known for its user-friendly interface, stability, and security features. Mac models excel in picture accuracy and photo and video editing tasks and remain compatible with most productivity applications. Mac systems can seamlessly integrate with other Apple devices and services, such as iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, and iCloud. This allows for a cohesive and interconnected user experience across multiple devices.
Along with the standard Apple applications, the following 3rd party productivity apps come installed on every Mac:
- Zoom
- Chrome
- Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, To Do)
The built-in Self Service application allows you to browse through and download any of the following apps easily:
- Microsoft 365
- Windows App (Formerly Microsoft Remote Desktop)
- OneNote
- Teams (Work or School)
- OneDrive
- Visual Studio Code
- Slack
- FortiClient (Wharton VPN)
- Global Protect (UPenn VPN)
- Webex
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Dropbox
- CrashPlan (backup solution)
- ChatGPT
- Solstice
- Grammarly
Windows PC
Windows PCs operate on the Windows operating system, which is developed by Microsoft. Windows is known for its widespread usage, versatility, and compatibility. Windows has a vast library of compatible software applications, ranging from productivity tools and creative suites to gaming software and specialized business applications. This broad ecosystem contributes to the popularity of Windows PCs in various domains.
The Following productivity applications come installed on every PC:
- Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher, OneNote, OneDrive)
- Zoom
- Chrome
- Dropbox
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Adobe Acrobat
- 7-Zip
The built-in Self Service application allows you to browse through and download any of the following apps easily:
- Box
- Forticlient (Wharton VPN)
- Global Protect (UPenn VPN)
- Solstice
- Firefox
- Smart View
- Webex
- CrashPlan (backup solution)
- Visual Studio Code
- Notepad++
- R for Windows
- RStudio
- JMP
Comparison and Average Pricing
| Mac | Windows PC | |||
| Recommended Operating System | MacBook Pro | Dell 7450 Ultralight | ||
| Productivity Software | ||||
| Security Software | ||||
| Application Suite Self-Service | ||||
| Solstice Screencasting | ||||
| Features |
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| Average Cost (at time of release and subject to change by the manufacturer) | 10/23 | $2058 | 04/24 | $2000 |