Department Computer Administrators (DCAs)
What is a DCA?
DCAs are IT professionals who work at the department or college level and
typically provide the following services to their units:
- Act as a liason between their users and units
on campus that provide centrally-hosted computing and network services. DCAs know who to
contact when there is a problem, and generally do so on their users' behalf.
- Desktop computer support: configuring machines, installing software,
applying patches, installing hardware, etc.
- Network support and troubleshooting: configure access to local network
resources (if applicable) such as printing, and help troubleshoot local
network problems. DCAs manage their unit's network space and are responsible for registering machines on
OSU's network.
- Provide advice to their units on what software and hardware to purchase.
- Some DCAs are also system administrators, responsible for local file
servers, email servers, etc.
- Provide support for specialty applications, such as research-related
computer programs and devices.
- Inform their users of impending changes or outages to centrally-provided
computing resources, and alert their users to important information such as
virus outbreaks.
Resources for DCAs
If you are a DCA and would like more information about who to contact for
help, and some resources for frequently asked questions, please visit the
following URL:
Resources for DCAs and Sysadmins
Who is my DCA?
To find out who your DCA is, visit the following URL:
http://oregonstate.edu/net/dca/
