The Lab’s Desktop Support Group routinely gets calls from Lab staff members asking how to order a new computer. All computer purchases must go through the Lab’s Procurement Department, but employees can use a specialized Web site to configure the desired system to get the procurement process started. To begin, go to the computer help page, click on Buy a Computer, then click on LBNL Standard PC.

This will take you to the procurement page which describes the Lab’s Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) with MPC (formerly Micron PC) for configuring and buying Micron PCs. This page links to a Web site maintained by MPC. Once there, you can configure your desktop, selecting from a wide range of processor speeds, memory, and peripherals. MPC uses Intel motherboards and provides other high quality components and peripherals (including the latest in flat panel displays).

Once you’ve configured your new computer, save your quote and an email will be sent to you with the quote number and configuration details. Contact your organization’s procurement staff and forward the quote information and configuration details to the buyer.

Once the system is acquired, Receiving will tag it with a DOE number and forward the computer to the Mac/PC Support Group for software installation and setup. The customer will be contacted and a Help Request ticket will be created to track the work.

Unless the customer specifically requests an exception, the Lab’s standard software and most recent security patches will be installed before the computer is delivered to the user.