We differentiate between two categories of IT devices: Either it is a managed device (MD) or it is an unmanaged device (UD).
Managed devices are those that are installed and maintained by us and where the user does not have an administrative account. Mostly desktop computers (Linux or Windows) fall into this category, but in some cases it is used for notebooks as well.
Unmanaged devices are for example all macOS devices and most of our notebooks! These devices have to be maintained by their respective users, we only provide a limited set of services, see below.
Services For Unmanaged Devices
Since we do not have administrative access on unmanaged devices and cannot control the state of such a device, we cannot provide the full level of support for such devices. YOU are responsible for the maintenance of the device: security, software updates, data backup and encryption (e.g. Bitlocker on Microsoft machines) must be carried out independently. However, we provide a limited set of services:
Base installation of a computer (Windows, latest Ubuntu LTS release or macOS)
This means you bring us your desktop computer or notebook and we will format the hard drive, install a base system and perform the standard configuration. We do not install any extra applications or perform any extra configuration. You will have to backup any data yourself that you wish to retain!
Hardware Check - if you encounter issues with the device and you assume it is a hardware error you can hand us the device over and we can do a basic hardware check. In case that we can confirm your assumption and the device is still under warranty we will get in contact with the respective reseller or manufacturer to assure a state of the art repair or a replacement.
Unmanaged or Managed - What is the right choice for me?
Managed Device (MD) would be the best choice if you...
- do not need many sophisticated applications
- want to have very low effort (no updating, no installing, no encrypting, etc.)
- want to have your device maintained by us and the ZID
Unmanaged Device (UD)would be the best choice if you...
- need many special applications (e.g. software for scientific purposes)
- want to have full control over the device
- are willing to have the effort to autonomously adhere to university's IT policies