C&SS leverages its expertise to provide guidance and consultation to the NCI-Frederick community in a number of areas:
- Evaluation of new software and hardward products. C&SS has implemented Marimba software campus-wide to facilitate desktop maintenance and ensure the integrity of software installations.
- Recommendation and implementation of products or processes that will provide enterprise-wide benefits. For example, C&SS is working to provide ever greater parts of the NCI-Frederick community with access to advanced security, directory , and domain services using Microsoft's Active Directory and web services.
- Business process reengineering according to industry-standard best practices. For examle, C&SS is consulting with EHS to redefine the business logic of the IBC form in order to allow EHS and IBC users to make the most of the online format, reduce data-entry, enable automated reporting and reminders, and ease compliance with regulartory requirements.
- Guidance on the purchase of IT components. Computer users at NCI-Frederick frequently contact the Computer Services Helpdesk for recommendations and assistance in making computer purchases. While many users at NCI-Frederick share common computer requirements, each user's needs are unique and must be addressed individually. NCI-Frederick personnel needing specific or detailed purchasing advice should contact the Computer Services Helpdesk for assistance. For users simply interested in general guidance, below are some caveats which should prove useful.
Brand: Most computer manufacturers, whether they be Dell, Micron, Gateway, etc., purchase components from the same variety of sources. Consequently, the reliability of a computer system is fairly equal among the better known vendors. Based on past experiences and cost, MCS recommends Dell or Micron systems (Macintosh users are limited to Apple computers).Processor/Speed: MCS recommends purchasing the highest class processor within your budget. Not only will this extend the life of the system for you, but may also allow the system to be "handed-down" to someone with more modest needs in the future.
Memory/RAM: Operating Systems today make high demands on the Memory (or RAM) installed in the computer. MCS recommends specifying a minimum of 128MB of RAM.
Hard-drive Capacity: Systems today are equipped with more than enough hard-drive capacity for most NCI-Frederick users.
Network Interface: All systems should include a 10/100MB network interface (sometimes called a NIC).
CD-ROM: All systems should include a CD-ROM drive.
Video/Sound/Multimedia: All systems today are usually equipped to handle a minimum of multi-media functions.
Printers: Based on past experience, MCS recommends HP and Apple laser printers. Macintosh users should make sure any printer is Macintosh compatible.
Software: MCS recommends Microsoft Office products for general administrative tasks; however, bear in mind that MCS personnel do not regularly use most of the applications in use at the NCI-Frederick. Users requiring specific recommendations or specialty software may find it more useful to speak with their colleagues. Users may also be interested in reviewing the list of site-licensed software available at NCI-Frederick.
