2011-2012 Suggestions for Computer Purchasing

1. There's not a single specification for a computer.  Almost everyone coming in is using a laptop for portability now.  Most any good computer will work fine as most of the work will likely be for word processing, spreadsheets, email, and web surfing. The more memory you can get the better, 4GB or more.  If you get more than 3GB, you'll need to get a 64bit Windows Operating System to take full advantage of it (most vendors will select this for you, and you can use a 64bit OS with less than 4GB also).
2. If you think you'll be doing any CAD work on your computer, it may be beneficial to make sure that you have a good video card in it, especially a laptop—laptop video usually can't be easily upgraded later.  Note however that CAD software can be expensive, and the college computer labs already have it.
3. If you get a smaller screen size on the laptop for portability, in can be beneficial to get an external monitor for home use.  But, be sure to check that the laptop supports it (almost all do).
4. Smaller laptops sometimes don't have DVD drives.  This can be an issue if you need to load software and have no other computer available.
5. It should come with at least 802.11g wireless networking (WiFi) But, 802.11n is newer, faster, and the campus is moving to that standard.
6. A good warranty is a major advantage.  You may want to consider next day service to lessen the amount of time you may have to be without your computer.  It usually costs more, but can pay for itself in lost productivity, and peace of mind.
7. In case something does happen, you should have an external hard drive for backup.  Or, at least have some plan for backing up your data.

Other Computer Related Suggestions

1. Load a good virus protection package before using the computer on the web.  UNL currently uses Sophos, which you can get from the campus help desk (105 501 Building) downloading from the web at http://antivirus.unl.edu/ using your My.UNL username/password or taking a blank CD to the help desk.
2. Get Microsoft Office from the campus Computer Store. The university has a contract with Microsoft so the software is available to students for about $20.  You can also buy a Windows 7 upgrade, and/or Office for Mac.
3. The UNL Computer Shop is probably your cheapest place to buy cables and various other items.  Check-out marketplace.unl.edu and sales.unl.edu.
4. Wait before you purchase software for classes until the instructors tell you exactly what is needed. Most of the packages are sold at the campus Computer Store at reduced prices.  The Engineering Computer Labs include most of the software that instructors want students to use, so you should not have to purchase any software.  Some books come with a time limited student edition of software.
5. Most software used by Engineering only comes in versions for Microsoft Windows and isn't supported on Macintosh computers.  However, you may be able to run the software by dual-booting or running a virtual MS Windows on your Macintosh (using bootcamp/parallels/VMware software).
6. USB flash drives are cheap and the best way to transfer files from lab computers to home and vice-versa.  Some instructors have students hand them in with homework so you may need more than one.
7. Get an external hard drive and use it to back up your data.  Often.  Backup flash drives too—in case they stop working or you lose them.

Check out the Recommendations Page on the College of Engineering web site for more in-depth recommendations and information.

The University has a purchase agreement with Dell. Check prices on the 'public' side though too.  With sales/specials/coupons sometimes the public side is cheaper.  Go to the Web site link below and select Dell on the right side (personal purchases).    http://sales.unl.edu/catalog/Prime_Vendors.asp

University Computer Use Policy is located at http://www.unl.edu/ucomm/compuse/