Computer Buying Guide
| What type of computer should I bring to VSU? |
We recommend a laptop for two reasons:
1. Save space - Student housing on campus can be a little bit tight, depending on how much stuff you bring with you. A laptop does not need dedicated desk space, so it is easy to move it around where you need it to be.
2. HallNet - At VSU, HallNet is the internet portal for students. It is a wireless network that covers the entirety of campus, from residence halls to academic buildings. With a laptop, you are free to move about campus and always have your computer and internet connection handy.
| What should I consider when purchasing a computer? |
The first thing to think about is the longevity of the computer. Spending a little bit more money upfront will save some of the hassle of repairs and buying a new computer. This also goes for sending hand-me-down computers with your student. If the computer is nearing the end of its usefulness at home, then it certainly will not fare well in the harsh conditions of college life. So, purchasing a new machine that will last 3-4 years is very important. We also suggest going with a name brand such as Apple or Hewlett Packard. These systems offer great reliability and longevity at competitive price points Also, stay away from closeout specials on new computers, as these systems generally have out-of-date components that will not last throughout a college career. Finally, give the Tech Shop a call and one of our sales associates can guide you to the right computer for your student.
| Will a Mac work on VSU Campus? |
Not only will Macs work on campus, they perform better than their PC counterparts. Mac OSX (the operating system on all Macs) is extremely secure, with almost no threat from viruses and spyware. OSX 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.
| What are the minimum specifications for the computer I bring to college? |
(These are recommended minimums)
- Processor - 2.0 GHZ
- Hard Drive - 80 GB
- RAM - 1GB (2GB for Vista)
- CDROM - DVD-ROM/CD-RW
- USB slots - Two (2) USB 2.0 ports
- Operating System - WIN XP Pro / Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard
| What specifications will last me throughout my college career? |
- Processor - at least 2.4 GHZ
- Hard Drive - at least 160 GB
- RAM - at least 2GB of DDR2
- DVD-RW/CD-RW
- USB slots - 2 slots
- Operating System - WIN XP Pro / Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard
| What software programs are compatible with what's being used at VSU? |
Microsoft Office Professional 2007 (for PC) or Microsoft Office 2008 (for Mac) are being run in campus labs. The new file formats introduced in the reference releases have all but taken over the office productivity market. Running Office on your personal computer is almost a given and is highly recommended. The campus also uses many software titles from Adobe, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, Dreamweaver, Flash, and more. For all of you software needs, shop at the VSU Tech Shop. We offer everything you need at academic prices to save you money.
| Which computer systems are compatible with HallNet (VSU's wireless Internet program)? |
Any system with an 802.11b/g/n wireless adapter will work on HallNet. Most laptop systems have this technology built in, so buying an external device is not necessary. Most PCs are running the 802.11g specification. All new Macs run the latest 802.11n specification for greater signal distance and faster transfer rates. If you have wireless questions, please call and our technical staff can help you determine what you need to go wireless.
| Does the VSU Tech Shop sell computers? |
Yes we do. We carry the full line of Apple computers, including MacBooks, MacBook Pros, iMacs, and Mac minis. We also carry the commercial line of HP laptops. Visit our Laptops page to see what models are available and compare specs. We offer all of our computer systems at academic pricing to help you save money while getting to best computer possible.
| How can you pay for your computer products at the VSU Tech Shop? |
We accept cash, check, credit cards, and debit cards. We take Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. You can also use your FLEX account; however, we do not accept Blazer Bucks. Due to security regulations, we cannot currently accept credit card payments over the internet. Please call and a Sales Associate will be more than happy to assist you with your purchase over the phone.
If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please email me at
Wes Babcock, Lead Technician/Store Ops Supervisor