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Computer Corner > Computer FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
UMD students and parents have many questions about what computers and software are required at UMD. We hope this list will help answer those questions. If you have additional questions you can contact the UMD Computer Corner by emailing umdcc@d.umn.edu or calling (218) 726-6218.
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Are laptops required at UMD?
Most of the collegiate units/schools now require laptops. Students who are "undecided" are classified in the College of Liberal Arts (CLA).
Detailed requirements for each collegiate unit are available at the UMD tech requirement website: http://www.d.umn.edu/unirel/homepage/technology.html
College of Liberal Arts (CLA): Requires ALL undergrad students to have a Windows or Mac laptop.
Students who are "undecided" are classified in CLA.
College of Education Human Service Professions (CEHSP): Requires ALL undergrad students have a Windows or Mac laptop.
Labovitz School of Business (LSBE): Requires ALL students have a Mac or Windows laptop or tablet.
School of Fine Arts (SFA):
- Art Design: 15" Macbook Pro required and Adobe Creative Suite software
- Theatre: strongly recommend same as Art Design
- Music: recommends Macbook-laptop or windows laptop
College of Science and Engineering (SCSE): Encourages, but does not specifically require a laptop.
Medical School: Requires ALL students have a laptop.
College of Pharmacy: Does not require a laptop.
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What exact laptop specifications are required?
Exact specifications required are listed at the UMD tech requirement website:
http://www.d.umn.edu/unirel/homepage/technology.html
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Does the UMD Computer Corner sell the required laptops?
Yes. We offer student pricing, and have laptop-packages in stock that meet the requirements.
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If I buy my required laptop at the UMD Computer Corner (bookstore), is it tax-free?
Yes, but only IF the laptop is required, and the purchase is rung-out in our store. Laptops can be
purchased in-store or via our umdcc.com/umdstores.com "online store" to be tax-free.
Online purchases, where you purchase directly from education websites that we link to,
like dell.com or apple.com ARE NOT TAX-FREE, even if required.
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Can I charge my laptop to my U-CARD (student ID)?
Yes. This puts the charge on your tuition bill. It is a convenient way to make purchases at UMD Stores. Keep in mind that the charge is being added to your tuition bill, and must be paid by the deadlines set by the University or a hold will be placed on your records.
* * * U-Cards can only be used for in-store purchases, they cannot be shipped * * *
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Is there a way to add my computer purchase to my student loans?
Is there in-store financing?
There are two ways to get this added to your student loans:
a) If you already have loans that will cover the cost of the laptop, purchasing the laptop with your U-CARD will put the charge onto your tuition.
b) UMD has a specific loan form to include the price of a laptop purchase in your tuition bill:
You can visit UMD's Financial Aid computer website, read the information,
and click on the "Request to Include the Cost of a Personal Computer in the Cost of Attendance" link to get the .PDF form.
UMD Stores DOES NOT have any in-store loan or financing plans.
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Do students have to buy their laptop at the UMD Computer Corner?
Students are encouraged to purchase their laptop at the Computer Corner. We offer educational discounts and knowledgeable staff.
Plus, your laptop purchase is tax free if required by your collegiate unit.
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What software is required/recommended at UMD?
In general most students need:
Microsoft Office (word,excel):
UMD / U of M "currently-enrolled" students are eligible for one student-priced copy of MS-Office through the University.
They are also eligible for one student-priced copy of Windows software.
To order: Go online to, http://msca.umn.edu , log in and order the version you need. The charge is placed on your tuition bill.
Bring your receipt and U-Card to the UMD Stores Computer Corner for pickup. Please note:
incoming Fall Semester freshman CANNOT make this purchase until mid-august.
Anti-Virus Software:
UMD / U of M "currently-enrolled" students are eligible for a free copy of Symantec Antivirus. It can be downloaded from this website: http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/security/nav/
AntiSpyware / Anti-adware:
There are a variety of programs out there. UMD/U of M has not officially chosen to license or distribute any particular Anti-spyware.
The Computer Corner will have some in stock, but you may also purchase or download them directly.
Adobe CS5 Design Premium (student version): SFA Graphic Design majors generally need this. The student version is only available to currently-enrolled-UMD-students. See our website for current pricing.
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Do I need a printer?
Students can purchase a printer, share with a room-mate, or bring files on USB-drive to Library computers or other labs to use the laser printers there.
The Computer Corner offers basic printers for under $50.
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How do the students get to the Internet?
Wired: Each student living in campus housing (dorms/apts) has access to a wired (ethernet) internet connection.
Wireless: Many areas on the UMD campus have wireless internet access for students/staff with university user ID & passwords. Wireless access is available in the Library, Food Court , Kirby Student Center, and some lounge areas.
More information about internet connections is available at the ITSS computing page:
http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/computing/
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Who or what is the Information Technology Department?
Information Technology Systems & Services (ITSS) makes the computers run on campus. Among many things, ITSS are the people who run the campus internet (network, ethernet, servers, etc.) manage all the student and staff internet and email accounts, fix broken computers, run the campus computer labs, offer advice, solve problems, offer workshops, administer AV equipment AND run the campus telephones!
More information is available at the ITSS web page:
http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/
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Questions? Call us at (218)726-6218 or email us.
To be eligible to purchase most hardware or software at the Computer Corner, you must be a current student, faculty or staff member at UMD or another qualified
institution of higher education.
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