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Computing Services Recommended Laptop/Desktop
Purchases Available to Union students and employees |
Union students and employees are eligible to purchase
discounted computers and accessories.
Special deal from Microsoft! Get Microsoft Office
for Windows for $59.95!
Some sources:
· www.dell.com/unionuniversity
o Be sure to use the Member ID on that page
o During the online ordering processing, you will be asked for an e-mail address. Any valid e-mail address is OK. It does not have to be a uu.edu address.
o You may also order at 1-800-695-8133
o Microsoft Office 2007 for Windows will be useful
o 1-800-MY-APPLE
o Apple’s active promotions (if any) are listed at www.apple.com/promo/
o Consider adding Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac (Student/Home Edition)
o Union’s account representative is Noah Cage
o 1-866-282-6931
FAQs:
1.
Is
there any technology all Union students are required to have?
· Students are welcome to use the labs provided on the Jackson and Germantown campuses. Many students have a personally-owned laptop or desktop.
· Effective fall 2009, any student needing to create/modify/save a document using a university computer will need a USB drive (also called a thumb drive or flash drive).
· If you are bringing computer equipment for use in a resident apartment, be sure to get a power strip with surge protection.
· If you plan to use the wired network connection in a resident apartment, you will need an Ethernet network cable. You can get one at Walmart, Target, etc.
2. Is there any preference for Windows vs. Mac?
· About 90% of Union’s university-owned equipment is Windows-based and about 10% is Mac-based. Some academic departments use one platform exclusively, while others have a mix of both. If you are fairly sure what your major will be, you may want to contact members of your academic department in case they have recommendations for hardware or software. You can find a list of departments and employees at www.uu.edu/directories/facultystaff/
3.
Are
there computer options beyond the recommended Apple and Dell systems?
· Yes. You may configure other systems at each site or purchase another brand.
· If you buy from another company, be sure to ask about academic discounting and about the computer’s warranty options/costs.
4.
Will
my existing computer be OK for use in Union’s residence complexes?
· See www.uu.edu/computing/tech2010.htm for details.
5.
Are
there payment options other than those offered by the companies?
· Students may contact Union’s Student Financial Planning office (731-661-5015) to determine if a computer purchase can be covered by financial aid.
· Employees may contact Union’s Human Resources office (731-661-5220) regarding payroll deduction for personally-owned technology purchases.
6.
When
will I get my Union network account?
· A student’s network account is generally created a few days before the beginning of the first term of enrollment for classes. For example, incoming freshmen who register during June will have their accounts (and Union ID) cards by late August or early September, depending on the date classes start. Use of the account is generally explained through the student orientation process.
· An employee’s network account is generally created just before employment begins. Use of the account is generally explained in a handout received from Union’s HR office during employee orientation.
7.
If I
want to purchase before I have a Union network account or Union ID, what can I
do?
· Incoming students who what to purchase from any academic hardware/software supplier may obtain verification of Union enrollment at Union Station (731-661-5000).
8.
What
free software is available?
· Free anti-virus software is available for PCs at free.avg.com and for newer Macs at www.iantivirus.com
· As alternatives for Windows-based word processing, spreadsheets, etc., see www.openoffice.org. For Mac-based tools, see www.neooffice.org . Web-based tools are available at docs.google.com . Union makes no recommendation for or against these tools. Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.) may be required for some homework submissions.
9.
How
do I reduce problems with my personally-owned computer?
· Periodically install security patches at WindowsUpdate.microsoft.com or on a Mac under the Apple menu using Software Updates.
· Keep your anti-virus software updated. On-campus students can get free anti-virus software at www.uu.edu/resnet - click Support, then Virus Help.
· If you are using Union’s Blackboard system (eclass.uu.edu), be sure to run the Check Browser feature at the top right of the initial web page. This will check for supported browsers, the correct version of Java, pop-up allowances, etc. required for the proper operation of Blackboard.
10. How can I get support for my
personally-owned computer in the event of a problem?
· Computing Services can help connect a student’s computer to the wired network in the residence complexes; call x5585 (731-661-5585) for help. (Note: Union’s Computing Services is not able to provide general technical support for personally-owned equipment.)
· If your computer is having hardware problems and is under warranty, contact the company from which you purchased it.
· After the warranty period, there are two options:
o contact local computer stores for help;
o contact the local student chapter of ACM (Association for Computing Machinery); they offer technical support for a nominal fee; contact Dr. Max Li at 731-661-5577 or hli@uu.edu or in office C-48.
11. What policies apply to use of technology at
Union?
· See www.uu.edu/computing/aup.htm
Updated September 4, 2009