Do You Need a Computer for College?
Every fall semester brings new students to SVSU, along with questions about technology needs. This document is here to provide basic guidelines for parents and students to consider when purchasing computers to prepare for the demands of college life. Before you go out and buy a computer, you should know that SVSU provides several ways for students to use computers on campus, and how students may connect to the campus network (see Where to Connect @ SVSU). Those living on campus can connect their own personal computers to ResNet data ports available in their housing units.
While SVSU has one of the best student to computer ratios amongst Michigan colleges, many students prefer having their own personal computer (be it a laptop or a desktop). So, if you're wanting to buy a computer you should first think about your college/career needs, your budget, and if mobility is necessary. Mobility refers to notebook/laptop computers that can be carried around with the student.
SVSU is primarily a wired campus, but does offer both wired and wireless access points for laptops to access the campus network at different locations through-out the campus (see Wireless Network Overview). The predominant computing platform on campus, and throughout the world for that matter, is Microsoft Windows. SVSU does provide a higher ratio of Windows computers versus Apple Macintosh, but both are widely available to students on campus (see MicroLab Open Lab Schedule).
Important Note
Regardless of how you connect your personal computer to the campus network (wired, wireless, or ResNet), all systems must be registered and have a valid antivirus program fully operational and updated, along with the latest operating system updates installed.
College/Career Needs to Consider
Most of the computers on the market today will suffice for most students entering into college. They simply need to have network capabilities and run basic software applications like Microsoft Office or Corel WordPerfect (which by the way, SVSU offers the Corel WordPerfect suite FREE to registered students). Students can always download and use other "free" Microsoft compatible software, such as OpenOffice.org. SVSU has both Microsoft and Corel applications available in all teaching and open labs, and are used by faculty/staff in their offices. See Home Computer Choices in left menu for more deals.
Students should have an idea on what the computing demands are for their career or field of study. Art majors computing requirements are significantly different than those in say English, Political Science, Psychology, and so on. Courses/careers in Art, Communication/Multimedia, Engineering and other scientific fields of study, typically demand powerful computers to run the software for their perspective industries. Such computers usually have more powerful CPUs, more RAM memory, and larger hard drives.
Again, you need to consider the student's major or field of study when making your computer purchase. Art and Communication/Multimedia students would find their industry to lean heavily on Apple Macintosh computers. Students can do just about everything on WindowsXP computers, but the Apple computer is dominant in those graphics/multimedia industries and owning one would provide that extra benefit of hands-on knowledge when seeking employment. Apple computers tend to be more costly, but are becoming more versatile in their product offerings (you could make the system dual-boot, providing both Mac OS and Windows on the same hardware). Most industries will utilize Microsoft Windows.
Hardware Recommendation
- CPU power should coincide with perceived need of career field (some programs require more power to perform basic functions)
- Buy a computer that has at least 2GB of RAM - more, if affordable.
- Stay away from Windows XP Home versions - go with Professional for more stability.
- Ethernet port for wired network connectivity
- DVD/CDRW combo drive
- USB ports for extra devices (such as printers and USB Keydrives for file backup)
Additional Considerations For Laptop Users
- SVSU does not provide wireless access in the housing units, but it is available via other hotspots or access points on campus (see Wireless link above).
- If you want wireless capability in your housing unit, you'll need to check-out a wireless switch from the housing office. For more information, see: Switch Policy
- 802.11b compatible; to access the SVSU wireless network.
- Laptops must have WPA security capabilities when connecting to the SVSU wireless network (WEP is not sufficient)
- Housing units have data ports available for connecting ResNet. This is a wired ethernet connection that requires an ethernet port on the computer and an ethernet cable.
Other Considerations
- Regardless of what computer system you choose, consider the warranty and service options offered. How important/critical is getting the system repaired in a timely fashion? The answer dictates the type of service you may need to purchase. It may be a local computer store, on-site service technician, or mail-in depot repair (common for laptop purchases). Be sure to ask about the options and the associated costs, and time to repair estimates...
- When using the wired connections on campus (such as ResNet), your laptop/computer must have an ethernet network interface card (NIC) and a straight-thru 8-wire Cat5e ethernet cable.
Free Software?
Visit the Software Downloads page for more information (see left menu).
Still Not Sure?
Feel free to contact the ITS Support Center for advice. It would also be to your advantage to talk with the faculty to get their perspectives on what kind technology is best suited for the field of study chosen.