ICT provides support for the purchase, set up and renewal of the College's computing hardware and software. Imperial College requires that any device(s) purchased using College funds (regardless of source) is completed through the approved ICT channels. To ensure the device remains secure and up to date, all devices must have the standard College build which will be subject to ongoing central management. Find out more about how to get computers, devices and software and the Information Security policy (referencing section 11.8.12).

Under the Technology Refresh Programme (TRP), any permanent members of staff (academic, secretarial, administrative or technical) appropriately authorised by the department or faculty, are entitled to a replacement computer.  To be eligible, a member of staff must be at least 20% G code (HEFCE funded).

Machines used by Research Assistants and Postgraduate Research (PhD) students are not included in this programme and should be provisioned via research funding.

Operating systems and College build

We can offer the best level of support for our standard College installations. We perform extensive testing to ensure that our installations will work on our preferred supplier’s hardware and integrate with other IT services that we use at the College. The below tabs detail our College builds. We cannot provide any guarantees that other systems will work as seamlessly with other College IT facilities. 

We support and introduce upgrades to newer operating systems and standard software after compatibility with College systems has been confirmed.

Operating systems and College build details

Windows 10

Windows 10 is the latest, most secure version of Windows to be released and succeeds Windows 7, which is now 9 years old and not available with new computer purchases.

Windows 10 provides seamless integration with Microsoft services like those offered through Office 365, including OneDrive for Business which offers a secure cloud-based storage solution to staff and students. Windows 10 also has better integration with other aspects of the Microsoft Office suite including Word, PowerPoint and Excel. 

Find out more about ICT's proposed roll out of Windows 10 at the College

Mac OS X

  • Login via College credentials

Linux – OEL7 or Ubuntu

  • Login with College account via LDAP integration
  • Automatic home directory mounting
  • Pre-configured email software – Thunderbird

Saving power

All College machines are set up to be efficient and save power whilst not in use, with auto-sleep settings on public and staff computers. When not in use, staff computers should be put into Sleep mode, or â€˜Shut Down’ overnight and during weekends and holidays to further reduce College’s carbon footprint.

Remote access

If you are connecting remotely via Remote Desktop Gateway you can turn your PC back on using the Wake My PC facility. Alternatively, staff and students can access most services from the cloud such as OneDrive for Business, or use the VPN

Opt-out/in

In some instances, staff may need to temporarily disable their computer's power-saving settings in order to run complex/specialist functions and programs over longer periods. You must specify a robust reason, such as needing a computer to run over long periods to conduct experiments, for example. Opting out will only apply to the computer you are using. To opt out of power saving, enter your details at Power Saving registration (Open in internet Explorer).

Please be aware that opting out means that up to half a tonne of additional CO2 is released into the atmosphere every year, so as soon as you're able to opt back in please do.

To opt back in, simply visit Power Saving registration (Open in Internet Explorer) again. The option to Opt back in will be available for you to select.