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Student Computer Requirement

All UD students are required to have a notebook computer.  Computer hardware and software requirements vary depending on your major.  You buy the computer following the requirements based on your major and UD supplies all the software you need including Microsoft Office and Symantec Antivirus Protection.

Note: The computer initiative changed to a bring your own model in 2010 when purchase through the University was no longer offered.  The UDit Help Desk charges fees for services that were free under the old initiative even if you purchase a notebook from the UD Bookstore TechShop vendor, GovConnection. 

For More Information

Hardware Requirements

Majors preferring Windows-based notebook Majors preferring MacBook Pro notebook
  • College of Arts & Sciences(except Music & Visual Arts)
  • School of Business
  • School of Education & Allied Professions(except Art Education)
  • School of Engineering
  • Department of Music
  • Art Education program in the School of Education and Allied Professions
Majors requiring MacBook Pro notebook
  • Department of Visual Arts 

Specifications

Windows-based notebooks (PDF)
Mac-based notebooks (PDF)
Mac-notebooks in majors preferring a Windows OS (PDF)

Update: 07/09/12 - The new MacBook Pro Retina Display model is not supported with existing apps required for 2012-2013 year.  No MacBook Air model is supported including the newest 512 GB model.  The Retina Display and Air do not have a SuperDrive or built in Ethernet.

For concerns about the MacBook Pro Retina model watch the video http://cnettv.cnet.com/cracking-open-macbook-pro-retina-display/9742-1_53-50127429.html.  Reports of image retention, poor rendering of web pages and inabilty to use features of some apps are just a few issues.  Use your money to buy a more reasonably priced model that meets the requirements for your major or role at UD and can easily be upgraded or repaired should the need arise.  

Microsoft Office is not supported with Retina Display - http://www.tuaw.com/2012/08/15/microsoft-has-no-plans-for-retina-office-apps/

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Accessories

- available for purchase from the UD TechShop (except CD's and manuals included with notebook computer)

Required

  • Network cable (a.k.a. "data" or "cat 5 Ethernet" cable) to connect to the wired campus network for faster software downloads and heavy-duty on-line work
  • Notebook CDs, user manuals, other software installation CDs, etc. just in case they’re needed for technical support purposes
Recommended
  • External hard drive and/or USB (a.k.a. "thumb" or "flash" drive to use for regularly saving back-up copies of critical files like papers and class projects. 
  • External hard drive for full system backups (Mac - Time Machine or Windows - Backup & Restore)
  • Laptop Security Cable Lock to help deter against notebook theft in your residence and in public places

Optional

  • Laptop Case to help prevent physical damage when taking notebook around campus and off campus
  • Printer - There are printers available around campus as part of a pay-to-print program, but not in the residence halls.  Many students opt to bring a standard inkjet or black and white LaserJet personal printer.  The supported connection types for printers in student housing facilities are Bluetooth and USB. 
Note: Ethernet and wireless network printing will not work in any student housing facility.  Devices connecting to the UD network must be able to run a network access control agent or a web browser for username/password authentication to get Internet connectivity.

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Operating Systems

Supported Operating Systems

As of May 1, 2012 UDit supports OS versions:

  • Mac OS 10.6.8 (phasing out support during 2012-13 year)
  • Mac OS 10.7.4 
  • Windows XP SP3 (phasing out support during 2012-13 year)
  • Windows Vista SP2 (phasing out support during 2013-14 year)
  • Windows 7 SP1
Note: Home and Starter versions of Windows operating system not recommended.

Testing in Progress

Testing in progress - known issues relate to printing and release of supported third party applications.  

  • Mac OS 10.8 - released July 25, 2012
  • Windows 8 - released October 26, 2012

Note: Full support provided approximately six months after vendor release to market.  We cannot stop you from trying to use an OS we do not support - if there is something you cannot do such as printing to a network printer or using an app that does not yet run on a new OS - it is on you, not us.

Mac OS 10.8 Issues:

  1. Antivirus - Symantec 11 (SEP 11) not recommended for OS 10.8.  The timeframe for a supported SEP 12 release to the UD community is uncertain but expected during Summer 2013.
  2. Network Printing - Server upgrades required on backend to support new version of CUPS implemented in OS 10.8.  UDit hopes to have this in place for Fall 2013.
  3. Logger Pro - requires free update to version 3.8.6 released 10/22/12

Windows 8 Issues:

  1. Antivirus - Symantec 11 (SEP 11) will not install on Windows 8.  The timeframe for a supported SEP 12 release to the UD community is uncertain but expected during Summer 2013.
  2. Network printing - University needs to implement a major change to the current printing system.  Will happen summer of 2013 to support Windows 8.
  3. SPSS - version in use Spring 2013 semester not supported on Windows 8
  4. SAS - version in use Spring 2013 semester not supported on Windows 8
  5. Logger Pro - requires free update to version 3.8.6 released 10/22/12
  6. Novell VPN via go.udayton.edu does not install on WIndows 8.  No word from Novell on expected support date.  This mostly affects faculty and staff.
Updated 03/14/2013
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Warranty vs Insurance

Warranty and insurance are two different things…

Warranty - covers manufacturer’s defects only

Coverage is generally provided when you purchase a notebook.

Contact the support vendor for your notebook before coming to UD and ask what you need to do to get support while on campus. 

Not sure if you have warranty support?  Check your receipt/packing slip, or contact the notebook vendor or manufacturer. 

Note:  Check with us for out-of-warranty support and software support. We are unable to perform hardware warranty repair for student and non-UD owned notebooks as it would void the warranty.  However, we will provide guidance to let you know if your issue would be covered by our technical staff.

Insurance - covers issues like accidental damage and theft

Accidental damage (i.e. drop, liquid spill) and theft is most often not part of the warranty and not included with the purchase of a notebook.

UD strongly recommends that you purchase an insurance policy that covers accidental damage or theft of your notebook.

Where to get insurance:  

  • Your existing homeowners insurance - You may already have coverage through your existing policy or you may be able to purchase extra insurance to cover the notebook – check with your insurance agent.
  • A technology insurance company - Safeware is one company UD students have used in the past.  Coordinate with Safeware to purchase a policy – they'll send renewal notices to you directly through the contact information that you provide: http://www.safeware.com or 1-800-800-1492.

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