TABLE OF CONTENTS
Berkeley Lab IT makes it simple to get a new computer quickly and easily. We also have re-purposed systems available for no charge!
We provide the lowest-cost and highest-quality services available, based on Lab-Standard hardware and software, automated management systems, and many, many years of experience.
Service Offering
IT provides the following services for all new and re-purposed workstation requests:
- Help selecting the ideal computer for your work and budget
- Procurement of hardware and accessories
- Enrolling computers in our management systems
- Pre-configuring computers with Berkeley Lab recommended software and settings
- Delivery, installation, and configuration based on customer needs
- Transfer data, settings, and applications from previous workstation
- Retrieval and salvage of previous workstation
Rates
As of June 1, 2018, IT has new rates for system configuration and refreshes.
| Lab-Standard Model | Non-Standard Model | |
|---|---|---|
| New Install | $250 | $100/hr |
| System Refresh | $250 | $100/hr |
These fees ares not charged to personnel from Operations Divisions, as part of the Operations Desktop Support program.
How to Request Service
Users can request a computer through one of our Google forms. These forms will generate a service request in the askUs system.
Note that some Science Divisions have internal IT groups who provide workstations. Members of these divisions should follow internal IT processes to request new workstations.
ESnet:
To purchase a new computer: Go to the ESnet Service Portal at: https://esnet.service-now.com/ess and click the Business tab and choose PurchaseNow.
CRD:
To purchase a new computer: Contact your division admin assistant. For linux system purchase consulting, contact cshelp@lbl.gov.
JBEI & ABF:
Contact jbei-help@lbl.gov
Order Lab-Standard Models
Anyone wishing to purchase a laptop, desktop, or iPad from one of IT's new or re-purposed Lab-standard workstations should use this form: Lab-Standard Computer Request Form. The Lab-standards are summarized below. All Operations personnel will use this form, except under special circumstances.
IT highly recommends that users deploy Lab-standard models. These are readily available for quick delivery, and we have better tools and expertise available to support these systems.
Order Non-Standards Models
For any requests OTHER than Lab-standard workstations, please use this form: Custom Computer Request Form.
More Information
Lab-Standards
Selecting from the standard configurations will ensure the fastest delivery of your workstation.
Any customiuzation made to these specifications will require additional time and labor for provisioning.
Workstation Class | General Purpose | Mid-Tier | Graphics Performance | High-Power | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose and Use Cases | Common computing tasks including office applications, browser-based applications, and light-duty analysis. Recommended for: Most non-scientific users | Mid-range computing, such as large spreadsheets, ECAD design, software development, and CPU-intensive applications Recommended for: Scientists and Developers | Graphic-intensive applications, including 3D modeling, CAD design work, and graphic and video editing Recommended for: Mechanical Engineers, Graphic Artists, 3D modelers | Computation-intensive applications, including modeling, data analysis, software development and running virtual machines Recommended for: Data analysis | ||
| PC Desktop | Dell Optiplex 7060 Six-core i5 processor | Dell Optiplex 7060 Six-core i7 processor | Dell Precision 5820 Quad-core Xeon processor | SuperMicro Custom Quad-core Xeon processor | ||
| PC Laptop | Dell XPS 9370 Quad-core i5 processor | Dell Latitude 5490 Dual-core i5 processor | Dell XPS 9370 2-in-1 Dual-core i7 processor | Dell Latitude 7490 Quad-core i7 processor | Dell Precision 7530 Six-core i7 processor | |
| Mac Desktop | Apple Mac Mini Dual-core i5 processor | Apple Mac Mini Dual-core i7 processor | Apple iMac Quad-core i7 processor | |||
| Mac Laptop | Apple MacBook Air Dual-core i5 processor | Apple MacBook Pro Dual-core 3.5Ghz i7 processor | Apple MacBook Pro Quad-core 2.9Ghz i7 processor | |||
| Chrome Desktop | Intel i3 processor 8GB RAM 16GB SSD HD approx. $300-$500 | Intel i5 processor 8GB RAM 64GB SSD HD approx. $500-$750 | Intel i7 processor 16GB RAM 64GB SSD HD approx. $750-$1500 | |||
| Chrome Laptop | Celeron or MediaTek processor | Samsung Chromebook Pro | Google Pixelbook Core i7 processor 16GB RAM 512GB SSD HD 12.3" flip touchscreen $1500-$1750 | |||
| Virtual Machine (Windows Server or Linux) | 2 Core Xeon $900/3 years | 4 Core Xeon $1800/3 years | ||||
ChromeOS
Berkeley Lab IT strongly recommends that all users consider using ChromeOS devices. These systems are very inexpensive, and require little-to-no configuration and management. With a wide range of extensions and Android applications available, as well as integration with the Lab's Google tools, these can be an excellent choice for many users. They are ideal for providing remote access to applications and services running on other desktops, servers, and VMs. Please see the ChromeOS FAQ.
Virtual Machines
Berkeley Lab IT also provides on-demand VM hosting for scientific applications. See the Science VM FAQ for more information.
Standard Software
PC Desktop | PC Laptop | Mac Desktop | Mac Laptop | Chrome Desktop/Laptop | Linux Desktop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Windows 10 Professional | Windows 10 Professional | MacOS 10.13 (High Sierra) JAMF Pro (Operations only) | MacOS 10.13 (High Sierra) JAMF Pro (Operations only) | Google Apps RealVNC Remote Desktop | Ubuntu |
Backup Software
Protect your data! Use Druva InSync to backup your workstations.
Druva provides UNLIMITED backups for up to 10 workstations for $51 per year!
Please see the Druva InSync FAQ for details, or sign up at software.lbl.gov.
For other backup questions, please see the Backups page.
