Duke’s on-campus OIT service desk offers free troubleshooting, laptop repairs, gear rentals, and more
It’s the last thing you want to see with a deadline approaching: your computer gives you an error message you’ve never seen before. Don’t panic! Duke students can head to the lower floor of Perkins Library, where The Link’s OIT service desk can help you get back on track right away.
From coffee spills to WiFi problems, technology hiccups are an unavoidable part of college life. Thankfully, Duke students don’t have to spend hours on the phone with customer service to address these problems. In fact, you don’t even need to leave campus!
Whether you bought your laptop here or through another retailer, you can walk into The Link and receive comprehensive IT support completely free of charge. Read on to learn more about The Link’s range of technology services, including software assistance, hardware support, gear loans, and more.
Walk-in IT support:
The Link houses the on-campus OIT service desk, your one-stop shop for all your technology needs. If you’re having any trouble with your laptop, before you call up your laptop’s manufacturer or make an appointment at the Genius Bar, stop by The Link. You can walk in and get help immediately — no appointment necessary.
Duke’s repair technicians are certified with Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and other major manufacturers, meaning they’re able to troubleshoot most problems you might encounter with your laptop. If you need to send your computer away for offsite servicing, students who purchased their laptop from the Duke Technology Center are also eligible for a free loaner laptop to use in the interim.
Exceptions to The Link’s coverage are rare, usually confined to specific external warranties on less common laptop brands. If they’re unable to address your concerns onsite, your Link technician will help you navigate your options. In all cases, The Link’s IT support is designed to get you back to work with as few disruptions as possible.
Borrow what you need:
Beyond its IT prowess, The Link is a treasure trove of equipment resources available for students to borrow — again, all free of charge! From cameras to headphones and laptop chargers, The Link offers an array of tools to enhance your projects, including:
- High Definition Video Camera
- Digital Voice Recorder
- Tripod
- Shotgun Mic
- Phone Charger
- Laptop Charger (Mac, Dell, Lenovo)
- USB-C Cable (USB and HDMI adapters)
- USB Headphones
- Headphones (1/8 in.)
- iPad Mini 4
- TI-84 Plus CE
- Gimbal Camera Stabilizer
- Handheld Projector
You can easily reserve your equipment online and pick it up at your scheduled appointment time. The process is designed to ensure you have access to the resources you need, precisely when you need them.
The Link on East Campus:
First-year students, The Link is here for you too. We know setting up a new laptop can be difficult, especially when you’re also trying to register with Duke’s network and access our campus-wide secure WiFi.
That’s why The Link is coming to East Campus during the first week of classes. From August 28 to September 2, The Link is setting up shop in the Lilly Library. Stop by between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. (12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Friday), to get immediate help with any technology questions you may have. Look out for them at RecFest on September 28th as well!
Contacting the Link:
Head to Perkins Library on Lower Level 1. If you enter Perkins through the Perkins-Bostock entryway and take the staircase down one floor, The Link’s service desk will be on your right.
- In-person support is available on a walk-in basis during these times:
- Sun: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Mon-Thurs: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Fri: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Live chat or call The Link’s team anytime from 3 p.m. on Sunday to 5 p.m. on Fridays — that’s 24-hour service almost any day of the week!
For a full list of resources and hours, visit OIT’s website here.
Your one-stop IT shop:
No matter what technology problems you’re facing, your first stop should be The Link. All onsite services are completely free for Duke students – and if they can’t help you onsite, they’ll help you figure out who can.
As you step into The Link, you’re stepping into the future of education at Duke, where technology bridges the gap between potential and achievement. Stop by today, and let us help you!