On top of the piles of storage bins, shower caddies, desk lamps and alarm clocks,
students packing up for their first year in college are lugging along a computer.
And, if they’re savvy, they’ve already decided whether they need Microsoft Windows
2000 or XP Professional, what kind of anti-virus software to choose, whether
they want to install a 10/100 Ethernet adapter and whether they want a CD-ROM
or a DVD-ROM.
Also, searching for what brand of computer to purchase can sometimes be the most difficult part of the process. With their choice of Dell, IBM, Packard Bell, Gateway and Apple, among others, many students are left confused about what brand will best suit their needs.
Once the brand is chosen, it is time to decide whether to get a laptop or a desktop. According to Infohq.com, a Web site developed to give unbiased information and advice on purchasing computers and personal financial matters, there are pros and cons to both types of computers.
The pros to desktop computers are cheaper costs, easier upgrade abilities, faster speeds and the fact that they are harder to steal, an important factor for students living in on-campus housing. Laptops, on the other hand, are mobile, take up little space, and can be used in the classroom.
On most college Web sites, technological service departments suggest laptops for incoming students, due to the growing number of universities with access to wireless networking, however most have not made it a mandatory policy. Such is the case for Roger Williams University, Johnson & Wales University and Salve Regina University. Many schools also have lists of recommendations for configuration of personal computer systems, which include minimum RAM, word processing programs, anti-virus software, network configurations, floppy drives and more.
Once a student is aware of the college’s computer requirements, they must think of how much they are willing to spend. According to Infohq.com, desktop or laptop computers should be bought for about $1,000, as long as they meet necessary requirements.
Students at Providence College, Roger Williams University, Johnson & Wales and Salve Regina have the option of going through Rhode Island-based computer reseller company, CompUtopia, whom are contracted to execute the purchase and service needs of the students.
According to Thomas Brennan, director of information technologies at Salve Regina, the CompUtopia program is an option that the university gives to students and their parents for convenience, and many of them use it.
Brennan said Salve Regina has certain suggestions for students purchasing computers.
“We try to steer new students toward laptops rather than desktops, for mobility and space reasons,” Brennan said.
According to Brennan, the only requirements the university has are the installation
of a Windows XP operating system and Microsoft Office Suite, as well as an anti-virus
program that is installed by the university.
LeeMarie Kennedy is an intern at PBN.
