Technology Specifications for Student Computers
Technology at Union University
- Technology Overview: Union University provides each student with filtered Internet access,
an e-mail account (an official means of university communication), online access to mid-term and final grades, access to research databases and more. These resources can be accessed on or
off campus. Learn more.
- Computer Labs: The main student labs with approximately fifty Windows workstations
are located in the Penick Academic Complex (PAC), near the Library on the
Jackson campus. Three labs are available at the Germantown campus. These
computers have all of the necessary software required for general academic
use, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). There is also a laser printer available
for academic needs. The Jackson student Help Desk in the lab area is
staffed during posted lab hours. Learn more about lab hours and locations. For password problems, how-to questions, lab hours, etc., call
the Help Desk at 731-661-HELP (4357).
- Residence complexes: To use the network port in each bedroom, you need am Ethernet network
interface card (NIC) installed in your computer. If your computer does not already have a
NIC installed then we can help with the installation if you provide the
card and an Ethernet cable. NICs
and Ethernet cables are available at most electronics stores. We provide network-related support to
students for free, assisting with network connection and with
troubleshooting problems related to network connectivity. Call 731-661-HELP for assistance. If you need general technical support for your personally-owned computer, call 731-661-5577.
- Wireless: UU_Wireless
network/internet access is available in all academic buildings, all
residence complexes and the Student Union Building. You will need an
802.11G, 802.11B or 802.11N wireless network adapter. Please note: personal wireless access
points are not allowed anywhere on campus, including the dorms. You can print to designated university PawPrint printers from your own laptop.
If you are purchasing a new
computer to bring to Union, here are a few things to consider:
- Desktop vs. Laptop: When purchasing a computer, consider how you plan to use the computer. If you want a fast computer to play games
then you will probably want a desktop. Desktops tend to be cheaper and offer more possibilities for upgrading
hardware. However, if you want a
portable computer that does not take much desk space in your dorm room then
consider a laptop. Most desktops and
laptops currently available will be more than adequate for web access, e-mail,
and word processing. If you are
purchasing a new computer, consider the warranty options that the manufacturer
may offer. They will often cover
hardware related problems, but you may have to pay extra to extend the warranty
period and/or coverage. You may also
want to check with the hardware and software vendors to see it they offer
academic pricing for students.
- Following is a list of minimum specifications that we
recommend for students purchasing a new computer:
- Processor: Intel i5 – 2.5 GHz or faster
- Operating System: For Windows, Vista Home Premium, Version 7 Home Premium or Version 8; For Mac,
OS X 10.6 or later
- Memory: 8GB-16GB
- Hard drive: 250GB-500GB
- Optical drive: CD/DVD-RW
- Networking: 100Mbps-1Gbps Network Card ; For a laptop, 802.11Gor B or N Wireless Card
- Display: For a desktop, 21” or larger LCD display;
For a laptop, 13” or larger
- Laptop Battery: A second battery could be useful
for work extended hours away from electricity
- External hard drive: An external hard drive (or internet/cloud-based storage) is useful for backup purposes
- Productivity Software: We recommend that you purchase Microsoft Office. This will make it easier for you to edit
files seamlessly between the computer labs and your personal computer.
- For purchasing and
security recommendations see www.uu.edu/it/help/software.cfm or www.uu.edu/it/help/hardware.cfm
Other useful information: Union University’s Acceptable Use Policy can be found at www.uu.edu/it/policies/aup.cfm
Updated April 18, 2013
