ITS recommends a 5-year life span for all computers. Maximum life span should not exceed 8 years and the device should be able to run the manufacturer’s most current operating system.
For campus use, the desktop or laptop device must use a supported operating system in order to ensure that security vulnerabilities are addressed. Source - Cal State University Policy (see Supported Operating Systems section)
Devices that have been relegated to Cal Poly Surplus are not supported on the Cal Poly network.
Current Operating System Compatibility
PC
Mac
Importance of Computing Device Lifecycle Standards
Every product has a lifecycle. When an IT product reaches what is commonly known as “end of life,” it no longer receives security updates or technical support from the manufacturer. That leaves these devices running vulnerabilities that are easy targets for hackers, viruses, malware, data theft and data loss.
Network Connectivity Requirements
To ensure that the functionality, confidentiality, integrity, and availability of IT resources are kept intact, ITS requires that devices connected to the network:
Run computer management software
Keep all operating systems, device firmware, and security-related patches from the vendor up-to-date
End of Life (EOL)
When manufacturers or software providers reach their End of Life (EOL) status, those computers are removed.
ITS will not re-deploy computers that are older than 7 years old or are no longer capable of receiving security updates from the computer manufacturer or operating system developer.
This applies to all state-owned and corporation-owned devices.
When a computer stops meeting these requirements, ITS recommends replacement or decommission.
You may contact your IT support team for a recommendation for replacement.