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Orientation for Freshmen

Making Decisions about a Computer

Do I need my own computer and printer?

The answer to that question, like many others, is “it depends.” It is important to consider your current computer use. Things to consider:

  • The university has an excellent student/computer ratio. All residence halls have up-to-date computer labs that are open 24 hours a day. All academic buildings also have computer labs, with the ones in the Old Library open 24 hours, 7 days a week. If you are bringing a desktop computer, you may want to talk with your roommate. Sharing a computer with your roommate is also a possibility, although ground rules about who uses it when would have to be clear from the beginning.
  • If you are used to having a computer available whenever you want to use it, then it may be difficult to adjust to leaving your room to use a computer, or waiting for a computer to be free during the busy times of the semester.
  • Printing in the labs is free; students provide their own paper. However, there can be a wait to use a printer during busy times of the year. If you have a computer, it is probably best to buy a printer (or find a package deal that includes one). Or talk with your roommate—it is at times easier to share a printer than a computer.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop computer?

As with all computer purchases, whether to buy a laptop or a desktop is a personal decision. However, here are a few things to consider:

  • UW-Eau Claire has a wireless environment, with the exception of inside the residence halls, so if you buy a laptop you may want to get it with a built in wireless card.
  • Laptops are convenient—they can be carried around, you can use them to watch a DVD in bed or you can take them home on weekends and breaks.
  • Laptops are more fragile than desktops and much more expensive to repair. A spilled glass of water can destroy a laptop, but only requires a $20 keyboard in a desktop, for example.
  • Laptops are far more easily stolen.

What brand of computer should I buy? Does the university get a discount?

  • Whether to buy a PC or a MAC is, again, a personal decision. The campus has both PC and MAC labs. Certain majors—particularly Art—use MACs.
  • The university has an agreement with Dell computers that gives the student up to a 12% discount. You can find information about this at: http://www.uwec.edu/lts/desktop/purchasing.htm
  • The College of Business has arranged a discount for laptops from Lenovo (formerly IBM) which is available to all UW-Eau Claire students and faculty. You can find information about this at: http://www.uwec.edu/
    cob/technology/lenovo_thinkpads.htm
  • Apple provides a 10% discount for students on their Web site.

What software should I buy for my computer?

What software you need will depend on your coursework. If you would like Microsoft products, you can take advantage of the contract between UW System and Microsoft. Any degree seeking student at a UW System school is eligible to purchase software at a considerable discount. It can be ordered online: http://wiscsoftware.wisc.edu/wisc/ If you have any questions, contact the LTS Help Desk at 836-5711.

Are there laptops available for short term use?

Students may check out a University-owned laptop for 24, 48 hours, or the weekend for free. To check out a laptop, stop by the McIntyre Library Circulation Desk with your driver’s license and student ID. More information is available by contacting the McIntyre Library Student Laptop Checkout at 836-5383 or on the Web at http://laptop.uwec.edu.

How do I connect to the internet from off campus?

If you are living off-campus, there are a couple of ways you can access the Internet:

  • Cable Modem: Charter Communications offers high speed cable modems. For more information, please contact Charter Communications or on the Web at http://www.charter.net.
  • DSL Service: SBC offers DSL service within Eau Claire. You need to contact SBC to see if the area you will be living in is part of their coverage area. For more information contact SBC or on the Web at http://www.sbc.com.
  • Modem access: UW-Eau Claire does not provide modem access for students. DiscoverNet offers a discount for UW-Eau Claire student, staff & faculty. For more information, please contact DiscoverNet or on the Web at http://uwec.discover-net.net.
  • Modem access: For information on other providers in this area go to: www.thelist.com or see your yellow pages in the local phone book.

What can you access from off campus?

You can access anything from home that you could access on campus—your H: drive, your email, the Blugold system. To learn how to map your computer to your H: drive, go to http://www.uwec.edu/helpdesk/map.htm

How can I get help with computer related issues?

Learning and Technology Services Help Desk
Old Library 1106
715-836-5711
helpdesk@uwec.edu

The LTS help desk can answer questions about all aspects of computing—from hardware, to software.

ResCom Help Desk
Towers Halll, 126B
rescom@uwec.edu
715-855-4271

Students living in the residence halls will find computer help at the ResCom Help Desk, Towers Hall 126B.

BITS (Bringing Instructional Technology to Students
Old Library 1106
836-5157
training@uwec.edu

This program provides one on one technology training. If you need help with any of the software packages supported by UW-Eau Claire, BITS can help.

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