Computers at the ERC
14.1 Introduction
ERS has set standards according to Church policy for computers and software used in the ERC. Netbooks, tablet PCs, and iPads (which are not authorized) are considered computers and also follow the guidelines in this section. The following instructions apply to all professional and volunteer centers but not to stake employment operations.
14.2 Computer Policy Guidelines
Computer Policy Guidelines
- One laptop is authorized per paid employee.
- Professional centers should have a minimum of six desktop PCs.
- Volunteer centers should have a minimum of two desktop PCs.
- The number of desktop PCs is determined by the average number of daily members who use the computers in the center and the available space to house the computers.
- Desktop PCs must be physically housed in the assigned center.
- Cascaded computers, personally owned computers, and donated computers are not for use in the ERC (see section 14.4, “Cascaded Computers”).
- Only Church-purchased computers are allowed to be connected to the wired network.
- The Global Service Desk or Technical Support Representatives (TSRs) are authorized to provide technical assistance only to Church-purchased computers.
- The ERC operating budget is only to be used for repairs, maintenance, software, licensing, Internet connection, and so forth, for Church-purchased computers.
Personally-Owned Computers
- Personally owned computers should not be connected to the Church wired network, but they can be connected to the Church’s guest wireless network, where available.
- Damage to or theft of a personally owned computer used in conducting ERS business is the responsibility of the computer owner.
Donated Computers
- Donated computers are not allowed.
Computer Theft (for the US & Canada)
- When not in use, laptops and mobile computers should be in secure areas
- When laptop is left temporarily in a vehicle, ensure it is out of sight
- If computers are missing or stolen
- Immediately report the loss to the Church’s TPA by calling 1-866-774-5768
- Report the incident to the local police
- Contact your MFO and/or ERS Administration for direction
- Complete the Incident Report Form
- For more information, you may follow this link: “Reporting Claims of Damage/Loss”
14.3 Requesting Computers for the Center
Computer hardware and peripheral equipment are not to be purchased with ERC budgets. This equipment is purchased through Welfare Headquarters.
Centers can submit a request to increase the number of computers through the following steps:
- Document the daily number of members who have used the center’s computers in the past six months. The attached tables outline the authorized number of desktop computers (not including laptops) with the corresponding average daily member traffic.
- Exclude from member traffic numbers those who are attending workshops or other services. They do not count toward member traffic unless they use the computers.
- Complete the Computer Request Form and submit it to your MFO.
- For centers that qualify, the request will be taken to the Welfare Finance Committee for approval. Computers are not added automatically based on volume but only after formal approval is received and corresponding budget is appropriated.
Each year, the Welfare Department budgets for new computers to add to centers in the United States and Canada.
14.4 Cascaded Computers
When new computers are received, cascaded computers should be returned to the Church immediately. Some areas have requested to keep cascaded computers. The Information and Communication Systems Department (ICS) and ERS do not recommend the use of cascaded computers for the following reasons:
- The Global Service Desk or TSRs are not authorized to provide technical assistance or support to maintain the security and integrity of cascaded computers.
- Cascaded computers cannot be connected to and networked with other center computers, since they do not receive support to maintain security and integrity.
- Center operating budgets cannot be used for repairs, maintenance, software, re-imaging, licensing, Internet connection, and so forth.
- TSRs would need to remove all data from a cascaded computer, re-image it, and then send it to the ERC. Maintaining additional operating system licenses increases costs for the Church.
- Cascaded computers have a higher failure rate, since they are generally four years old. It may take several cascaded computers to be equivalent to one new computer. In most cases it is more cost effective to request new computers.
- Daily member traffic volume should justify the need for additional authorized computers, so there should be no need for cascaded computers.
Policy surrounding cascaded computers can be confusing for staff, since cascaded computers often look the same as the new computers.
If, as an exception to policy, the MFO authorizes the use of cascaded computers, the MFO must use the area budget to pay for all charges relating to re-imaging, shipping, software licensing, or other incremental charges for a cascaded computer. ERC budgets cannot be used for cascaded computers.
14.5 Software and Internet
Software
- The ERC operating budget may not be used to purchase software.
- Software should only be purchased with prior approval from ERS headquarters.
- Software not certified by the ICS test lab is not to be installed on authorized baseline computers.
- Only legally licensed software is to be used when conducting ERS business.
Internet Connections
- All professional and volunteer centers should have an Internet connection.
- Only one Internet connection and Internet Service Provider (ISP) is authorized for ERS centers. The center cannot purchase additional lines.
- Wireless Internet connections at ERCs are only allowed if they have been purchased and approved through ICS.
- Candidates, missionaries, volunteers, and staff may connect their personal computers to approved guest wireless connections at ERCs. Unauthorized or non-Church computers are not to be connected to the Church network.
Requesting Wireless Internet
Professional ERCs are equipped with wireless Internet when they begin operations. Volunteer ERCs may submit a request for wireless Internet after documenting six consecutive months of computer traffic with at least 10 job seekers per day.
Centers can submit a request for wireless Internet through the following steps:
- Document the daily number of job seekers who have used the center’s computers in the past six months.
- Exclude from job seeker traffic numbers those who are attending workshops or other services. They do not count toward job seeker traffic unless they use the computers.
- Complete the Computer or Wireless Request Form and submit it to your MFO.
14.6 Copy Machines and Printers (U.S. and Canada)
Standard Number of Copy Machines and Printers
ERC copy machines and printers are networked and shared throughout the center. In a world where printing is becoming less common, it is not intended for professional staff, missionaries, or volunteers to have their own printer. Precautions should be followed when printing confidential documents. The standard number for each center is explained below.
PERC:
- Large multi-function color (Copy/Print/Fax/Scan)
- Laser printer
- Laser printer for wireless internet
VERC:
- Small multi-function color (Copy/Print/Fax/Scan)
- Laser printer
When a VERC meets the requirements to receive wireless internet, the center is also eligible for a laser printer for wireless devices. If you feel your ERC needs more copiers/printers, contact your MFO.
Requesting Copy Machines or Printers
Copy machines and printers are peripheral computer equipment and ERC operating budgets are not used for their purchase nor for the purchase of computer software (see operations guide section 15 - Computers at the ERC). Multi-Function copiers are replaced through the R&I (Replacement and Improvement) process administered by your local FM office. Laser printers are ordered through the help desk, call 801-240-4357 or helpdesk@ldschurch.org to start a ticket. The Purchasing Reference Guide lists the current model of copiers/printers to be ordered.
Disposal of Copy Machines or Printers
When a multi-function device is replaced, the FM will assist with disposal through the Dell PC Recycling Program. Laser printers are disposed of locally.
14.7 Email Addresses
Church email accounts are to be used when conducting Church business (i.e. when contacting candidates, leaders, employers, schools, small-business resources, etc.). Missionaries, account representatives, and volunteers use center ldsmail.net email addresses. Church employees are given a personal ldschurch.org email address. The ldschurch.org email address is more secure, and therefore ERS employees will continue to use their own ldschurch.org email address.
Requesting Additional Email Addresses
The manager oversees ldsmail.net accounts. The manager decides how many email accounts are needed, who will share each account, what the password will be, and when the password should be changed.
Ldsmail.net email addresses may be shared among missionaries and volunteers or passed from one staff member to the next as staff completes their service. The ldsmail.net email addresses identify the ERC, rather than individuals (e.g. if Hong Kong requested three additional email addresses, the email addresses would be LDSJobs.HongKong1@ldsmail.net, LDSJobs.HongKong2@ldsmail.net, and LDSJobs.HongKong3@ldsmail.net).
To request more ldsmail.net accounts send an email request to your Manager of Field Operations.
14.8 Member and Leader Services Software
Member and Leader Services (MLS) is an application used by wards and stakes to organize information, send reports, and do finances. In order to safeguard the confidentiality and privacy of Church members, information maintained in MLS is only to be used by wards and stakes.
ERC staff, missionaries, and volunteers should not request printouts, exports, or access to MLS data. Doing so is not within the established purpose of the system and is contrary to Church policy.
ERC staff may give suggestions to Church leaders about how MLS can be used within stakes and wards to help members become more self-reliant.