Computer Buying Guide
Buying the right computer for college is a big decision. At the VSU Tech Shop, we are here to help you with making this important decision. Whether you choose a portable laptop or a dedicated desktop, there are a few minimum recommended specs to make sure you meet.
Processor – 2.0 GHz dual-core
Hard Drive – 160GB
RAM – 2GB
Optical Drive – DVD-ROM/CD-RW
USB/FireWire – 2 USB/1 FireWire
Should we buy a new computer or just send the old one with our student?
While the old family computer has certainly been a dependable machine, it has not been put through the rigors of college life. Buying your student a new computer is certainly the best choice to make. Computers are no longer an accessory that students use occassionly. Students use their computers in nearly every class for a wide variety of projects ranging from typing papers and creating presentations to recording videos and watching lectures. Today's computers offer both the software and hardware to make these activites not only possible, but professional.
Should I buy a laptop or a desktop computer?
We recommend purchasing a laptop computer for a couple of reasons. First, laptops are completely contained within themselves. There is no external keyboard, monitor, mouse or tower to take up space in your dorm room. This frees up the limited space in your dorm for all of your other stuff. Secondly, laptops are portable. You can take them with you to class, the front lawn, and anywhere else you go so you can be productive and creative anywhere. And with VSUHallNet, you can connect to the internet on campus, so a laptop brings the world to you anywhere you go.
What computer should I buy for my major?
While most majors at VSU do not have specific guidelines for the type of computer you need, it is recommended to meet with your adivsor or instructors to see what they recommend. VSU faculty members are very knowledgeable concerning the state of technology in their chosen fields, and they can inform you about specific requirements, software, and peripherals that will make your college experience both productive and enjoyable.
What computer will get me through my college career?
While most computer systems will last for several years when cared for properly, some are better than others. We recommend Apple Macintosh computers. Whether you choose a MacBook Pro, iMac, or Mac mini, you are buying an industry leader in reliability, service, and support. All Macs run Mac OS X, which is the world’s most advanced operating system, and you can run the latest applications from Adobe, Microsoft, and others.
But will a Mac work at VSU?
Not only will Macs work on campus, they perform better than their PC counterparts. Mac OS X is extremely secure, with almost no threat from viruses and spyware. OS X is also designed by the same people who design the hardware for Apple, so everything works together, seamlessly. The new MacBooks and MacBook Pros run above the minimum requirements for VSU campus, offering a more enjoyable computing experience. Microsoft Office 2008 is also available for Mac, so productivity is part of the Mac experience now, as well. The Tech Shop carries the full line of Mac computers, and we are an authorized service center. We offer one-to-one training, so making the switch to Mac will be fun and easy.
Wes Babcock, Computer Services Specialist/Apple Certified Macintosh Technician