Desktop Support

The goal of the desktop support team is to provide MPC staff and faculty with an optimal desktop computing environment. This involves setting up new computers, installing and maintaining software, and maintaining computer hardware.

The highest priority of Desktop Support is rapid response to computer malfunctions, since researcher downtime is very expensive. When a computer problem cannot be repaired immediately, desktop support staff supply a replacement computer. The team responds to trouble tickets within minutes during normal business hours, and can also respond to emergencies that take place on weekends and evenings.

The Desktop Support team is responsible for maintaining 134 computers used by MPC research staff and faculty. This total includes 116 Windows XP desktop computers ranging from 866MHz to 3.6GHz, 16 Windows-based laptops, and two iMacs used by our graphic designers. In addition, the group maintains dozens of printers, scanners, and LCD projectors, including a high-speed Fujitsu duplex scanner and two large format roll printers, an Epson Stylus Pro 9600 44 inch and a Stylus Pro 4000 24 inch.

The team is headed by Phil Voxland, a seasoned desktop support specialist, and a team of undergraduate research assistants, including Graham Huppert, Peter Bailey, and Steve Chung.

If you are an MPC member and would like to make use of these services, please contact  Bill Block for more information.