The Lifecycle of Devices

This article explains what we mean by “in support devices “and why it’s critical to stop using unsupported devices and dispose of them correctly. By understanding UoR device and cyber security policies and ensuring that all devices remain in support, you contribute to a secure, efficient, and sustainable IT environment at the University of Reading.

Reasons why I want to keep my old computer

Digital Technology Services (DTS) are responsible for ensuring that the computing devices used across the University of Reading (UoR) are secure, efficient, and compliant with manufacturer and software standards. All the devices we allow on our network need to be “in support” in order to achieve this.

What do we mean by a device which is “in support”?

An “in support” device is one that can run an operating system that is currently supported by the manufacturer. The current oldest in support operating systems are:

  • For Windows devices, this means Windows 10  (supported until October 2025).
  • For macOS devices, this means macOS Ventura (supported until June 2025).

Devices must be running at least the versions stated above (or later) to be “in support”. We may contact you to organise an upgrade if it isn’t running an in support version.

If your device cannot run a supported operating system, it is considered “out of support” and will need to be removed, even if it is still working.

Why removing unsupported devices is critical

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Devices running an out of support operating system are a major risk. In order to protect ourselves from a data breach or cyber attack, DTS is empowered to ensure that only devices in support are on our network and being used to access our systems. In addition, there are increasing costs to productivity and resource requirements through maintaining older operating systems.

  • Risk Security Breaches: Devices will no longer receive vendor updates to protect against cyber threats.
  • Out of support operating systems aren’t actively monitored for potential vulnerabilities, so become more susceptible to attack the older they are.
  • Impact Performance: new features won’t be added to old versions of software, and so devices may be incompatible with newer applications and services.
  • Older devices usually have less processing power which means newer applications may struggle to run.
  • Increase Costs: Maintaining several versions complicates IT management. Licenses need to be purchased for all versions of operating system in use.
  • As devices get older, many may require more frequent IT support and specialised knowledge to keep going.

Key Device Policy points

DTS has been given budget by the University to fund one device per role in the organisational structure (where appropriate). This means:
  • One Centrally Funded Device: DTS will provide a centrally funded device when you do not already have a supported device.
  • No New Devices for Existing In-Support Devices: If you have a device that meets support requirements (e.g., it can run Windows 10 or macOS Ventura), DTS will not supply a new device. This includes devices not purchased through DTS.
  • You may have Multiple Devices*: You may use multiple devices, but every device must be in support. Any device not in support will be removed. 
  • Disposing of Unsupported Devices: If a device becomes unsupported, DTS will ask you to dispose of it via the appropriate disposal processes.

*DTS will only provide one device per person from central IT funding, any additional devices must be purchased by your department or function following the Procurement procedure for IT Equipment.

How to dispose of unsupported devices

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Devices which are out of support pose risks to our security and must be disposed of appropriately. When a device becomes unsupported, contact DTS to arrange for secure and responsible disposal. This ensures data security and adherence to environmental and regulatory guidelines.

Please see Reuse & Recycle

Some Common Examples:

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Staff Member A has an HP Laptop purchased during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This is now out of support.

Outcome: DTS will provide a replacement Surface Laptop that is centrally funded and retrieve the old HP laptop for disposal.

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Researcher B has multiple devices, a 2013 iMac (out of support), 2018 MacBook Pro (in support) and a 2022 MacBook Air (in support).

Outcome: DTS will ask that the 2013 iMac is disposed of as it is out of support. If the Researcher wishes to replace the iMac, they can purchase a new device themselves via the Hardware Exception Process. No new device will be funded centrally due to the Researcher having a currently in support device.

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Staff Member C has a 2024 Surface 6 laptop (in support) which they were given by the Device Lifecycle team, and a 2016 Viglen desktop (out of support) which they are still using in the office.

Outcome: DTS will disconnect the 2016 Viglen desktop from the network and remove it for disposal, and Staff Member C should use the Surface Laptop.

Further reading

https://www.reading.ac.uk/digital-technology-services/cyber-security/unsupported-software

https://blogs.reading.ac.uk/itsnews/2024/06/06/ueb-adopts-device-policy/

https://www.reading.ac.uk/digital-technology-services/cyber-security

Help and contact

If you have any questions or need any advice, please contact the IT Service Desk

 

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