Does the campus have a plan for keeping its hardware and software current, and if so, what is the replacement cycle?
Computing and networking are now a permanent and growing part of campus infrastructure. Both hardware and software are changing at a very rapid pace and so must be replaced on a regular basis.
Does the college have an explicit, orderly plan for replacing its hardware and software? Is this process built into the budget? What is the "replacement cycle" (specifically, how long is a system used before it is replaced)? Recent history points to a hardware replacement cycle of three years. Older systems may still operate, but often cannot support the newer, larger software packages needed for coursework and homework. Software typically must be replaced annually.
It is important that faculty and student machines be compatible if teachers are to effectively build computing and networking into the curriculum and homework. Are the faculty and student machines replaced on the same cycle?
Finally, does the campus offer help for the student in replacing software on their own computers? A student–owned or –leased computer must keep up through replacement cycles in order to remain truly useful.
