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What computer should I buy?
Students of the Graduate School of Management please click here
The following outlines the recommended considerations when buying a computer for a student at UD.
Minimum Requirements
Ethernet Port or Network Interface Card (10/100 Ethernet NIC)
Microsoft Office 2000 or later including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Good, up to date AntiVirus and AntiSpyware software is a must. We are currently recommending Computer Associates' suite of security software.
Recommended System
Pentium processors are faster than Celerons, and Athlons are faster than Semprons. Pentiums and Athlons are just about equal in performance. While your priorities may not dictate that your child have a monster machine, buying newer technology insulates them against obsolescence. The faster the computer - the longer it will be useful.
At a minimum any modern computer should have 2048MB (2GB) of RAM. The best and cheapest way to gain performance is with a RAM upgrade - we recommend that you put as much RAM in the computer as possible. RAM is even more important than CPU speed.
Buy the extended warranty - in the next three years it is very likely that the computer will need some form of repair and an extended warranty will make it easier and faster to get your child's computer up and running again.
Dell is highly recommended for ease of warranty transactions - if your child's computer breaks at school he/she can get Dell to fix it and does not need to mail it off to the manufacturer. Most other manufacturers including Apple, HP, Toshiba and others require the computer to be shipped or delivered to them for any service.
UD does have wireless networks on campus for laptop users. This is very convenient for study groups. We recommend that your student's laptop have a WiFi card (802.11 wireless network interface card).
I reiterate: Good, up to date AntiVirus and AntiSpyware software is a must. We are currently recommending Computer Associates' suite of security software.
Other recommendations
Buy a flash drive. Sometimes called thumb drives or USB drives, flash drives are very inexpensive, very stable, sturdy, and incredibly useful to students for carrying their work from home to the print lab and sometimes even to class. Flash drives are much, much better than floppy disks.
Once again: Good, up to date AntiVirus and AntiSpyware software is a must.
The University of Dallas has developed partnerships with computer manufacturers in order to provide discounts for our students. Please click here to take advantage of these discounts.
Please don't hesitate to contact me with any other technology concerns!
Questions or Support
GSM Students
Undergraduates
Braniff Graduates
School of Ministry
A3.1
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