Computer Purchase Recommendations
FAQ for AU Students and Parents

Learning to use computers is a key part of your Aurora University education and every student will need regular access to a good PC. We recommend that if possible students purchase their own machines. We hope this document will help answer some of your questions about this important decision. For details on computing at AU, see http://www.aurora.edu/its/.

Are students required to purchase their own computers?

Computer purchase is not required, but it's strongly recommended. Computer applications are now used in most AU classes and every student will be expected to develop basic computer proficiencies during their stay at the university. Students who do not own their own computers, or who have a computer at home but need to use one while on campus, can make use of the student computing labs. However, lab space and availability is limited and most students will find that they can be more productive if they own their own machines.

What are the minimum requirements for student-owned computers?

Students occasionally bring older machines to campus, but these can present certain performance and compatibility issues, so we recommend that your computer be no more than a year or two old and be equipped with a recent version of the appropriate operating system. For best performance, flexibility, and utility, a network interface card, and at least one available USB port. For performance reasons the machine should have at least 1GB(1024mb) of memory and a hard disk with at least 80GB capacity but you can make do with less if necessary. Choice of monitor, keyboard, and mouse are personal preferences that have more to do with comfort issues than performance and power.

Should I buy a Windows computer or a Macintosh?

Most AU network services are standards-based and can be accessed from most current desktop/laptop machines, so you are free to select your hardware based on personal preferences. All platforms have their advantages and disadvantages: Windows machines tend to be less expensive and will run more different types of software, but they are more vulnerable to viruses and can be more trouble-prone and difficult to use than Macs. Students who have appropriate technical skills are welcome to use Linux-based personal computers, but should realize that these systems require more skill and experience to manage and may not run certain types of desktop software. MS Windows computers are standard at AU, but for most purposes alternative hardware will meet your computing needs. The computers labs are available if you need access to computing resources not supported by your personal machine.

Should I buy a desktop or laptop?

This is another personal choice. Laptops are of course more mobile and take up less space on your desk, but they are also somewhat more expensive, more vulnerable to damage (because they are moved from place to place), and represent a higher security risk. The availability of wireless services at many campus locations on campus, however, gives students with wireless laptops the flexibility of being able to connect to the network from many locations. If you choose a laptop, be sure to buy a good security cable and don't neglect to use it.

What additional features or components do you recommend?

For external storage, students should purchase a USB drive (also known as memory stick, flash drive, or thumb drive). These miniature devices have high storage capacity and can be used for backup and as a means for moving your data from one location to another. For example, you can work in the library or a computer lab and at the end of the session take your data home with you stored on your USB drive. Students should also consider getting a computer with a CD-R/CD-RW drive. This makes it possible not only to read CDs but also write to them. Writable CDs are particularly useful for large-scale backup or handling very large multimedia files, and given the current cost of blank CD-R discs, provide a very inexpensive form of portable data storage. Floppy disks are becoming obsolete and are vulnerable to failure, and for those reasons are falling out of use. ZIP drives and other removable media are not only more expensive to use than USB drives and CR-Rs, but are not supported in the computer labs.

Is network access available in the residence halls?

Wired network services are available in all residence halls, so students planning on bringing their own computers to the dorms will be able to connect directly to the campus network. Your machine will need a network interface card (Ethernet card) to access this service. Most likely your new machine will have one built-in, but make sure before you buy. If the machine lacks a network card, you can purchase an add-on card at a modest cost. A 10baseT card will work, but for best compatibility with the network you'll need a 10/100 Mbps card. For more information on network services in the dorms, see the ITS technical bulletin Connecting Your PC to the Residence Hall Network on the AU website.

Does AU provide wireless network access?

Wireless network services are now available on the AU main campus with particular focus on public locations such as the library, food service areas, public meeting spaces, and some classrooms. We do not have plans at this time for extending wireless services to the residence halls, so dorm residents will need to make sure their machines have appropriate wired Ethernet cards (see above). AU's wireless network supports the 802.11b/g standard.

What software applications are required on student-owned computers?

AU does not require that any specific software titles be installed on student-owned computers, but every student will need a full-featured office suite including a word processor, spreadsheet application, and presentation package. Microsoft Office is widely used by AU faculty and staff and is available in the computer labs, but purchase of this software package is not required and most alternative products will meet your needs. No-cost alternative office software that will emulate most MS Office document types is also available. Special-purpose software required for classes (statistical packages, compilers, etc.) are available in the computer labs or may be provided with textbooks. In addition to the office suite your machine will need a web browser (it will most likely already be installed on your new machine) and appropriate tools for handing electronic mail. Your machine should also be equipped with good anti-virus software, and that software must be kept current. Your new PC may come with an introductory version of an anti-virus package already installed, but typically these packages expire after a few months and you must purchase a license in order to continue receiving antivirus updates (without which your antivirus software is as good as useless). ITS staff can help you locate no-cost alternatives. Windows users should be sure to download and install Windows updates as soon as they are available for protection against various Windows vulnerabilities. We also recommend the use of anti-spyware software. Free software in many of these categories is available. For more information see http://www.aurora.edu/its/freesoftware.htm.

Does AU provide computer repair services?

Because our resources are limited, AU technical support staff cannot offer hands-on repair services for privately owned equipment. We can, however, provide you with consulting services and technical advice. In many cases we will be able to help you solve your problem yourself, or alternatively direct you to a service where you can get the help you need. This is where a good warranty or service plan comes in handy.

Do I need a printer?

This isn't an easy question to answer because it depends on how you prefer to work. It's possible to function quite well without your own printer. Students who become comfortable working in a computer environment and get into the habit of backing up their data files may find that they do not need to print everything out. Some faculty are now requesting that students submit written work electronically rather than in hardcopy format, reducing the need for a printer. Students who occasionally need to print but do not want to purchase a printer of their own can bring their files to the computer labs for printing when necessary. For students who want the convenience of owning their own printer acceptable models are available at very reasonable cost. Resident students who need a printer will need to purchase their their own because networked printing is not available in the dorms.

Does AU sell computers?

AU does not offer a computer sales service. Fortunately, given the competitive pressures of the commercial computer marketplace, good machines at very reasonable prices are available from standard outlets.

What sellers or models do you recommend?

This is another personal choice. AU makes no specific recommendations as to model or vendor so you should select a source that best meets your needs. You'll probably get the best support from the standard vendors such as Dell, Gateway, and Apple, and at the other end of the scale it's prudent to avoid the lowest-price "no name" systems, but this leaves a wide middle ground. Whatever you chose to buy, it's important to purchase a machine with a service plan that matches your needs and abilities, although this will of course add somewhat to the total cost of ownership.