Revision Notes
Version 4 - August 5, 2022
- Noted that macOS Mojave (v.10.14) will be unsupported as of November 30, 2022
- Added macOS Monterey (v.12) as the most recent supported version
- Noted that macOS Ventura (v.13) was announced June 2022 and is currently unsupported and pending testing
- Updated Dell models to Latitude 7430 and Precision 5560/5570
- Noted that Apple's line of "M" (i.e., M1, M2, etc.) processors are now supported through Jamf
Version 3 - May 24, 2022
- Changed leases to warranties for Recommended Hardware section
- Updated recommended Microsoft Surface models
- Updated link to recommended MacBook Pro category rather than to specific models
- Added information about Apple's M2 Processor Chip
- Set minimum Workstation Requirements to 500 GB SSD
Version 2 - December 13, 2021
- Provided note about cloud storage for data and backups
- Added information about Microsoft Windows 11 and Apple macOS 12 "Monterey"
Version 1 - August 11, 2021
- Page first posted
General Supported Software
The following default, standard software applications are included on typical TAMU-Health computer images as of spring 2022.
All apps are available for both Windows and macOS, unless otherwise indicated, and are supported for full lifecycles for all recent versions. If you need to upgrade to a recent version, an IT Technician will be glad to assist you.
Many apps are also available in the Self-Service Portal for computers managed by Health IT.
View the Comprehensive Software Listing for an up-to-date, A-to-Z catalog of all the software that Health IT supports.
Submit suggestions for supporting or procuring software through the new Request Supported Software process.
Product | Description | References |
---|---|---|
Cisco Secure Client (formerly AnyConnect) | Establishes a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to provide secure, encrypted connectivity from remote, public or untrusted networks to the Texas A&M Health network | Connect to the TAMU-Health VPN |
Code42 (installed, not configured) | Backup data anywhere on up to five (5) computers and/or university-issued portable devices | Learn more about Code42 |
Dell Command Update (for Dell devices) | Provides updates for system, BIOS, firmware, driver and application software for Dell computers | Installed by Health IT |
Google Chrome Web Browser | Cross-platform web browser | Learn more about Chrome |
ManageEngine Desktop Central – Agent (includes Self-Service Portal) | Endpoint management solution suite for installing, managing and updating a curated and up-to-date software catalog | Learn more about the Self-Service Portal |
Microsoft Edge Web Browser | Cross-platform web browser | Learn more about Edge |
Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) | Productivity suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, email and more | Log in to Microsoft 365 |
Microsoft OneDrive | File storage, syncing and sharing with 5 TB of space | Log in to OneDrive |
Microsoft Teams | Group communication hub | Log in to Teams |
Microsoft OneNote | Shareable notebooks that can be accessed from anywhere on any device | Log in to OneNote |
Zoom | Online meetings and collaboration | Log in to Zoom |
Note: Health IT strongly encourages the use of cloud storage (i.e., OneDrive, Code42, SharePoint, Teams, AWS S3) for saving and backing up data. Health IT discourages only storing data locally on a computer. Data stored locally and not backed up using cloud services is at high risk for data loss. Health IT is not responsible for recovering data loss on a local endpoint device due to the result of a technical failure.
Operating Systems
Product | Platform | Versions | Support Level | Description | References | Rationale |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Android | All mobile form factors | Personal Android devices are not supported, except for specific applications for productivity * | Limited – Native Android Email and Calendar apps, TAMU Microsoft 365 Apps, TAMU Google Apps, Chrome Browser, Zoom, Wi-Fi Connectivity, Duo multi-factor authentication | Open Source mobile operating system | Google website for Android | |
iOS | All mobile form factors | Personal iOS devices are not supported, except for specific applications for productivity * | Limited – Native iOS Email and Calendar apps, TAMU Microsoft 365 Apps, TAMU Google Apps, Safari Browser, Zoom, Wi-Fi Connectivity, Duo multi-factor authentication | Mobile operating system from Apple | Apple website for iOS | |
Windows ** | All personal computer form factors | v.10, v.7 (with extended support exceptions) | Full | Operating system from Microsoft | Microsoft website for Windows | All currently supported Windows OS versions per Microsoft except for special v.7 extended support agreements |
macOS ** | All personal computer form factors | Monterey, - v.12, Big Sur – v.11, Catalina – v.10.15, Mojave – v.10.14 (unsupported as of November 30, 2022) | Full | Operating system from Apple | Apple website for macOS | All currently supported macOS versions per Apple except for new releases being tested |
* Devices purchased in partnership with IT are supported under special Information Resource Responsibility Agreements.
** Due current software compatibility issues and concerns, both Microsoft Windows 11 and Apple macOS 13 "Ventura" (announced June 2022) are not currently supported by Health IT. Health IT is actively monitoring software vendors for updates regarding these compatibilities, as well as testing these operating system releases, and will provide additional guidance as it becomes available.
Recommended Hardware
Manufacturer | Platform Models | Common Form Factors | Description | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dell | OptiPlex, Alienware, Latitude, Precision | Laptop, 2-in-1 Laptop, Desktop Tower, Desktop Small Form Factor, All-in-One Desktop | Highest Compatibility, Most Flexible Solution, Lowest Cost Dell Models with 48-Month Warranties, including Support (PC as a Service):
|
AggieBuy – Summus Industries |
Microsoft | Surface, Surface Pro | 2-in-1 Laptop, All-in-One Desktop | Moderate Compatibility, Niche Application, High Cost Refer to AggieBuy Purchasing Procedures help documentation |
AggieBuy – 12th Man Technology |
Apple * | MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Tower | Laptop, Desktop Tower, All-in-One Desktop | Moderate Compatibility, Moderately Flexible Solution, Highest Cost Apple Model Purchases, including 48-Month Warranties (AppleCare+ for Schools):
|
AggieBuy – 12th Man Technology |
Cisco | IP Phone | Desk Phone | Hard vs. Soft Phone | ServiceNow, order through Telcom |
Ricoh, Konica, HP, Canon, Xerox, Brother | Multi-Function Printer | Color Printing, Scanning, Faxing | Support is offered for multiple vendor devices used for shared printing that are not older than five (5) years due to driver incompatibilities; no personal printers will be supported | Must be networked and compatible with PrinterLogic |
* Apple's line of "M" (i.e., M1, M2, etc.) processors are now supported through Jamf.
Workstation Requirements
Actual individual workstation requirements, as well as computing performance, are based on required software for your job role and functions.
Office Productivity
Core i7, 16 GB RAM, 500 GB SSD
Research / Data Analysis
Core i7, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD
Providing Good Faith Effort Support
This webpage defines "good faith effort" level of support by Texas A&M Health Information Technology.
Purpose
The purpose of this webpage is to establish a working agreement between students, faculty and staff at Texas A&M Health and Health IT for providing support for standard technology, non-standard technology, endpoint devices (i.e., computers, mobile devices, peripherals and other types of equipment provided by the university) managed by Health IT and/or personally owned devices.
Policy
Health IT defines "good faith effort" as a reasonable response to support requests that can be achieved within the context of the standard hardware and software available.
Health IT will make every effort to fulfill support requests; however, support may be limited or denied based on:
- Limitation(s) of technology (i.e., minimum hardware and software standards)
- Non-standard or outdated technology
- Technology purchased without consultation from Health IT
- Limitations due to connectivity outside of Texas A&M Health or Texas A&M University facilities and/or not pertaining to Texas A&M Health or Texas A&M University infrastructure or services
- Limitations due to technology managed by other organizations (e.g., FAMIS, Canvas, Workday, etc.)
- Inability to provide installation files or appropriate/current licensing
- Personal requests that do not contribute to the vision or mission of Texas A&M Health and Texas A&M University
- Requests that are instructional in nature (e.g., tutorials and in-depth how-to guides), which may warrant training programs outside of IT using resources such as LinkedIn Learning, TAMU Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness, or similar training resources
- Requests that exceed the current capability of the technology; for example, using software on a Texas A&M Health device that does not meet the minimum requirements for the software or using an application, such as Zoom, in a way it was not intended or designed
- Requests that require resources of more than four (4) hours of effort or may necessitate the use of an Information Resource Responsibility Agreement to outline both the external information resource owner who will manage the resource and the role of Health IT in supporting the resource
- Requests that may require the information resource owner or sponsoring department to purchase continual licensing, third-party assistance, or direct vendor support
Applicability
All endpoint devices (i.e., computers, mobile devices, peripherals and other types of equipment provided by the university) managed by Health IT; personally owned endpoint devices of Texas A&M Health students, faculty, staff and visitors; and endpoint devices managed by other organizations.
Interpretation
The Director of Health IT & Assistant Chief Information Officer or designee has final authority in interpreting and applying this policy.
Support
If you have any questions or need assistance regarding supported software and hardware, please contact the Health Technology Care Team at HealthTechCare@tamu.edu, 979.436.0250 or 979.845.8300 (Option 2).
Submit suggestions for supporting or procuring software through the new Request Supported Software process.
General University Services
The following General University Services are not directly supported by Health IT. Refer to the links provided for contact information to request support for these services.
- Canvas: https://lms.tamu.edu
- FAMIS: https://it.tamus.edu/famis
- Howdy: https://howdy.tamu.edu
- Workday: https://employees.tamu.edu/workday