Is it time for you to upgrade your personal computer? The University is offering an Employee Computer Purchase Program to enable UD faculty and staff to acq uire new computer systems for their own personal use and professional development.

The 2000 Employee Computer Purchase Program (ECPP) will run from Oct. 2 through Nov. 17.

The ECPP offers an opportunity for eligible faculty and staff members and retirees to upgrade an existing computer or to make a first-time purchase. Participants can chrough payroll deduction. University retirees who elect to participate can receive the 5 percent cash discount.

The Technology Solutions Center (TSC) has demonstration equipment from Apple and Gateway on display in 002B Smith Hall. Stop by the TSC between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, or contact the TSC staff (8hoose to purchase any system configuration available from Gateway or Apple, and can choose to purchase additional items from the Gateway Accessory Store.

Employees who receive full benefits coverage can purchase $500 to $4,000 of eligible hardware and software and can choose either a 5 percent cash discount or interest-free financing t31-8895, [tsc-info@udel.edu]).

Beginning Oct. 2, UD employees can participate in the program by visiting [http://www.udel.edu/ecpp/]. Participants will be able to review the on-line instructions, establish their eligibility on the web and browse the vendors' web sites. Participants can then place Gateway system orders online or come to the TSC to place an order with Apple or the Gateway Accessory Store.

When the University has received a participant's order, TSC staff will arrange a time for each participant to pick up his or her system. At system pick-up, participants will either pay for their purchases in full or sign the ECPP loan agreement and authorization for payroll deduction.

For more information, visit [http://www.udel.edu/ecpp/] and select the link to "Frequently Asked Questions," stop by the TSC (002B Smith Hall), or contact the TSC staff (831-8895, [tsc-info@udel.edu]).