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Computer Purchase Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should I bring/buy a Windows PC or Macintosh computer?
2. Should I bring/buy a desktop or laptop computer?
3. Can I buy my computer through WMU?
4. Can I charge a computer to my student account?
5. Do I have to buy my computer through WMU?
6. What software is recommended?
7. Do I need insurance for my computer?
8. Can I get my computer repaired at WMU?
9. Do I need my own printer?
10. Is there a limit on how many pages I can print using lab printers?
11. What about wireless?
12. Is there any help available?
13. What should I have on my computer to protect it against viruses and other malware?

1. Should I bring/buy a Windows PC or Macintosh computer?

Windows PCs are used predominantly on campus, however, there are some disciplines for which a Macintosh may be more advantageous (Art, Music, etc.). Check with your academic advisor to see if your academic area recommends one or the other. Haworth College of Business students should check with the Office of Student Development (Advising) to see if they are required to purchase a laptop for their courses. Otherwise, your computer decision should be based on your preference.

2. Should I bring/buy a desktop or laptop computer?

Consider where you will want to use your computer, including whether or not you want to carry it to class, the library, or take advantage of wireless technology and use it outside, etc. Desktop computers generally have bigger monitors and more easily used keyboards and often cost considerably less than a laptop. Their use, however, is confined to the residence hall room or home. Laptops can be used anywhere but are more easily damaged and/or stolen. If you wish to take advantage of the wireless technology that is now available all over WMU's campus, you will have to bring/buy a laptop computer. Other pros and cons:

3. Can I buy my computer through WMU?

Yes. WMU offers a year-round computer sales program to enrolled students, faculty and staff. Products are sold at educationally discounted prices at TotalTECH, WMU's campus computer store, located in the Bookstore on the main level of the Bernhard Center. More information may be found at http://www.wmich.edu/totaltech.

4. Can I charge a computer to my student account?

No, computers may not be charged to a student account, however financial aid may possibly be available on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Financial Aid office at (269) 387-6000 to find out if you are eligible.

5. Do I have to buy my computer through WMU?

No, however WMU can offer prices utilizing an educational discount that may be lower than prices obtained elsewhere. Also, purchasing through WMU will allow a higher standard of customer service as WMU offers warranty repairs, as well as the most advantageous warranty packages.

6. What software is recommended?

The Microsoft Office suite for a standard set of desktop software applications is recommended for students. It includes word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. WMU can offer this product at a great discount because of an agreement with Microsoft. This package is used in computer labs on campus and if you are planning on using the lab laser printers, your documents will have to have been created using this, i.e. compatible, software. Also, if you are in a discipline that requires an electronic portfolio (Business, Education, etc.), we also recommend Adobe Dreamweaver, and Photoshop Elements. All of these packages are available for purchase for educationally discounted prices at TotalTECH.

7. Do I need insurance for my computer?

WMU does not provide insurance for residents' belongings. Insurance is a good idea, especially for laptop computers which are more susceptible to damage or loss. Parents may have a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy that will provide coverage for college students as part of the standard policy or at an additional premium.

8. Can I get my computer repaired at WMU?

The Office of Information Technology has a computer repair shop that is a warranty repair center for Apple, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, and Hp computers. There is a charge for non-warranty repairs. For more information, please visit their Web site at www.wmich.edu/oit/crs/.

9. Do I need my own printer?

You do not need to have your own printer. Laser printers are available to all students in campus computer labs, although color printing is generally not available. Please note that you will need to use compatible software (Microsoft Office, etc.) in order to utilize computer lab printers.

10. Is there a limit to how many pages I can print using lab printers?

Yes, students may print no more than 500 pages per semester using University lab printers.

11. What about wireless?

WMU has a completely wireless campus. This means that a student having a laptop or PDA with a wireless card, can connect to the Internet from any public area on campus. This does not affect residence hall rooms as they are wired for Ethernet connections.

12. Is there any help available?

Yes. If you have questions about purchasing a computer through WMU, please contact TotalTECH, WMU's computer sales store, at (269) 387-5460, or visit the TotalTECH Web site at http://www.wmich.edu/totaltech/. Questions about Financial Aid availability should be addressed to the Financial Aid Office at (269) 387-6000. All other questions regarding OIT services should be addressed to the OIT Help Desk at (269) 387-HELP (387-4357). Or, visit their Web site at http://www.wmich.edu/oit/helpdesk/.

13. What should I have on my computer to protect it against viruses and other malware?

• Windows ® Based PC
  • If you have a Windows PC, you will need to be current with Windows ® Updates.
  • Have Symantec anti-virus software installed with an up to date "virus definition file".
  • If you are running Windows ® XP, enable the Internect Connection Firewall.
  • Software to remove Adware and Spyware is also recommended.
• Macintosh Based PC
  • Be current with Security Updates.
  • Have Anti-Virus software installed with an up to date "virus definition file".