What is the Managed Workstation program?

The Managed Workstation program is Yale University’s new approach to managing University software and hardware computer needs.  It offers enhanced data security, while offering increased computing productivity and provides optimization from an operational perspective to maximize your computing power, and minimize any threat from surfing the web, email attachments, etc. This more reliable computing environment also comes with a centralized management of computer hardware and software throughout the four-year life cycle of computers that participate in the program, which results in a reduction in department support costs. 

Why is Yale doing this?

The Managed Workstation is intended to increase computing productivity and provide a more reliable computing environment by centralizing the management of University computer hardware and software, which results in a reduction in department support costs and improves data security.

What are the benefits of the program?

Benefits include reduced downtime, remote electronic maintenance of computers, and enhanced data security for standard users. Learn more...

How does the program work differently from the way I buy, manage, and dispose of my computer today?

The purchase, management, and disposal of your computer will all be done through a centralized managed workstation team dedicated to ensuring that all university computers are managed throughout its four-year life cycle, at which time you get a new computer.

Can I order a Managed Workstation before my department is deployed?

Yes. Please visit the Managed Workstation ordering information page for more information.

How is the program different from the Yale Administrative Desktop program, a.k.a. the YAD?

The YAD provided a standard desktop class machine with a standard set of Yale administrative software. The Managed Workstation builds on this foundation, implementing a next generation software and hardware management infrastructure. This infrastructure will include automated software distribution, software license management, application virtualization, operating system virtualization, and complete software, hardware and life cycle management. The YAD program did not fully implement any of these mechanisms. It provided a single standardized desktop model. The Managed Workstation expands the offerings, to include laptops, tablet PC's, lightweight machines and power desktops. Currently, Dell configurations are supplied, with Apple soon to follow.

What are the hardware options, i.e. mainstream desktop, power desktop, etc?

Hardware options

Is there software that I am not allowed to download onto my Managed Workstation?

Yes. Due to legal, licensing, privacy or security concerns Managed Workstation computers are prohibited from installing some software. View the list [PDF].

What features do standard and flexible computers have?

Managed Workstation Program available configurations

Is there a difference between a desktop and a laptop?

No, the image and the policies are the same.

Are there any privacy concerns with the Managed Workstation?

The Managed Workstation program will abide by the Information Technology Appropriate Use Policy and will not report or touch any users’ data unless required to do so.

Will this program cover machines supplied from outside Yale, like to editors of journals?

The Managed Workstation program is developing a solution that will provide access to Yale resources and applications needed by affiliated partners.

Can I access my computer from home?

Yes, as long as the device has been identified as requiring access.

Can I access the Internet while traveling?

Please see accessing Yale resources from home and while traveling.

What are my options for file backup and storage?

For detailed information about these services, please visit the ITS File and Storage options web page.

What types of preventative or periodic maintenance is recommended for my Managed Workstation?

You or your technician should:

• Periodically scan the surface of your hard disk for errors.
• Once a month, your hard drives should be defragmented.
• Regularly clear your Web browser's temporary Internet files.
• Learn more...

Who do I call if I have any questions about my Managed Workstation?

If you have a question about the Managed Workstation program, you may be able to instantly find the answer on our Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you still have questions, please feel free to email us at managedworkstation@yale.edu.

For technical support, please contact the ITS Help Desk at 203-432-9000 or helpdesk@yale.edu, as your initial point of contact and if necessary, they will escalate the issue to your department support provider.