Buying a New Computer FAQs

Below we have provided answers to the most commonly asked questions about buying a new computer.

1. Do I need to bring a computer to campus?
2. Should I get a PC or a Macintosh?  Laptop or a desktop?
3. What software should I buy for my computer?
4. How powerful a computer do I need?
5. Does UST offer Wireless access?
6. What do I need to access the wireless network?
7. I’m going to live on campus—how do I get connected to the network?
8. I’m going to be living off campus—what do I need to get on the Internet?
9. What else should I know?
10. If I have more questions what should I do?

1.  Do I need to bring a computer to campus?

You don’t have to bring your own computer on campus, but it can be nice and convenient.  There are numerous computer labs on campus where you can use a computer to write papers and check your email, but having your own computer allows you the freedom to do your work in your own room or anywhere there is wireless service as well as guaranteeing that you don’t have to wait for a computer during the crunch times at the end of the semester.

2.  Should I get a PC or a Macintosh?  Laptop or a desktop?

It’s entirely up to you as a matter of personal choice!  We provide both PCs and Macintoshes in the labs.  The bookstore sells Apple computers, and software for both PCs and Apples.  You can also purchase computers through our online TechStore.  Apple, Dell, and CDW-G computers, peripherals (e.g., printers and scanners) as well as selected software titles are available at an educational discount. 

Laptop vs. desktop is also a matter of preference.  Laptops are portable and take up less space, but they’re also more expensive—as well as more easily dropped or stolen.

3.  What software should I buy for my computer?

All lab PCs are equipped with Microsoft Office 2003 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, FrontPage, and Access).  The lab Macs are equipped with Microsoft Office 2004 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).  We recommend that you get the matching version of Microsoft Office for your computer. 

4.  How powerful a computer do I need?

If you’ll be living on campus, you will want a computer that can connect to the campus network.  Our network lets you access your email, the Internet, your web directory and central storage directory from your Residence Hall room.  The preferred requirements for connecting to the UST network are listed here.  (If you’ll be living off-campus, you will probably want a computer that can run the current versions of Internet Explorer; their minimum requirements are similar.)

5.  Does UST offer Wireless access?

UST has wireless access available in the Residence Halls and public spaces in both St. Paul and Minneapolis.

6.  What do I need to access the wireless network?

To access the wireless network you will need:

• A laptop computer running Windows 2000, XP or Mac OS X.
• A wireless network card.  It must be a Wi-Fi certified wireless network card that is 802.11g compatible. (Wireless network cards are available at most computer stores.)
• Anti-virus software. You can download Sophos for free.

7.  I’m going to live on campus—how do I get connected to the wired network?

• Make sure your computer has a professionally installed Ethernet card, including drivers. (Drivers are the software required to let your computer use the Ethernet card.)  Be sure to ask about this—some stores will install Ethernet cards but not the drivers!  If you are buying a computer, we suggest you have the Ethernet card installed by the original manufacturer or the store where you purchase the computer.
• Pick up our step-by-step instructions on connecting your computer to the campus network.  Instructions will be available during move-in weekend and on the IRT website.  Most of our students are able to connect their computers to the network using these instructions.
• Call us if you have trouble.  We will be available if you have difficulty configuring your computer for the network.  In the meantime, if you have questions about purchasing a computer and its compatibility with our network specifications, give us a call at (651) 962-6230.

8.  I’m going to be living off campus—what do I need to get on the Internet?

An Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides access to the Internet from home.  ISPs will let you send and receive e-mail, browse the Web, download files and participate in online chats.  You must personally sign up for service from an ISP to get to St. Thomas resources from home.  IRT cannot help you with this service, www.thelist.com may be used as a reference to help choose the appropriate ISP for you.  Be sure to ask about educational discounts.

9.  What else should I know?

Many computer manufacturers, resellers, and software companies offer an academic discount.  As a St. Thomas student, you qualify for these.  If you aren’t sure if a manufacturer offers an academic discount, ask!  All computer equipment and software sold at the St. Thomas Bookstore and at the UST Tech Store have these discounts built in.  Before making purchases, consider calling the St. Thomas bookstore to compare prices.  Software, especially, can be much cheaper.

Before you bring a new computer to campus, make sure that it is insured.  (If you currently live with your parents, it may be covered under their homeowner’s policy.)  Fire, theft, and tornadoes can happen anywhere, and none of them are good for computers. 

Don’t forget to keep your computer healthy:

• Passwords:  Make sure you change your administrative password.  This is the password you use to log into the computer.  Hackers use a number of generic passwords to try to access your computer.  Keep your computer safe by creating a password that no one else knows.
  
• Windows Update:  Windows Update alerts you when Microsoft has an update for your computer, such as patches for new virus, software, or drivers for the hardware attached to your computer.  These updates are important for the security of your computer.  Accept the invitation to update your computer when the opportunity presents itself.
   Anti-virus protection is up to date:  It is critical that you have your anti-virus software up to date.  New viruses come out daily and it’s important that you update your anti-virus software so your computer is protected against these new viruses.  
  
• Peer to Peer sharing:  A popular activity in which many college students participate in is sharing music.  Many applications/freeware that students use to download music are intrusive and open your computer to vulnerabilities.  It is also against the law to download copyrighted music and material.  The RIAA (Record Industry Artist Association) takes action against users who download illegal music.  Illegal downloading is also given a lower priority on the St. Thomas network compared to legitimate and legal downloading from pay sites. 

10. If I have more questions what should I do?

Contact the IRT tech desk at IRTHelp@stthomas.edu or 651.962.6230