Laptop Frequently Asked Questions
UMD Students and Parents have many questions about what kind of computer/software
is needed and required at UMD. Also, the people wonder what kind of computers and software
we sell and suggest. We hope this FAQ (frequently asked question) list will help answer questions. Please consult this list, and 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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In brief:
College of Liberal Arts (CLA)
Has required laptops for incoming freshman for 3 years now.
Windows or Mac laptop.
College of Education Human Service Professions (CEHSP)
Requires ALL undergrad students have a Windows or Mac laptop.
Windows or Mac laptops.
Labovitz School of Business (LSBE)
Requires ALL students have a Windows or Mac laptop.
School of Fine Arts (SFA)
Art Design: 15" Macbook Pro required and Adobe Creative Suite
Theatre: strongly recommend same as Art Design
Music: recommends Macbook-laptop or windows laptop
College of Science and Engineering (SCSE)
Encourages a laptop or desktop, but does not specifically require a laptop.
Medical School
Requires ALL students have a laptop.
College of Pharmacy
Does not require a laptop.
If you come into UMD as "undecided", that defaults you to the CLA college,
which requires 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.
By summertime, we work to keep laptop-packages in stock that meet the requirements.
We are selling Dell and HP laptops (windows) and Apple laptops (mac).
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If a UMD student buys their required laptop at the UMD
Computer Corner (bookstore), is it tax-free?
Yes,
but only IF the purchase is rung-out in our store. Just like textbooks, which are required for
college and thus tax-free to students via UMDCC/bookstore, so laptops that are required are
tax-free for students via the UMDCC/bookstore.
The purchase does has to be rung-out at the UMDCC/bookstore to be tax-free. Laptops have to be
bought in-store or via our umdcc.com/umdstores.com "online store" to be tax-free.
Online purchases, where you purchased directly from education websites that we link to,
like dell.com and apple.com ARE NOT TAX-FREE.
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Can I charge my laptop to my UCARD (student ID)?
Yes.
This just puts the charge onto your tuition bill. It is a convenient way to purchase at the UMDCC/bookstore. Keep in mind, though, it 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 * * *
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Is there a way to get this added to 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 UCARD 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 info there,
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 our required UMD laptop at
the UMD Computer Corner?
No!
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What software is required and recommended at UMD?
In general most students need:
a) Microsoft Office (word,excel,powerpoint)
b) An Anti-Virus Software
c) Possibly an Anti-spyware Program.
Also, SFA Graphic Design majors generally need:
d) Adobe CS4 Design Premium (student)
MS Office:
UMD / U of M "currently-enrolled" students are eligible for one (roughly) $12 copy
of MS-Office thru the University.
They are also eligible for one (roughly) $12 copy of Windows-Vista.
How to buy?
A. Go online, http://msca.umn.edu, login and do an online purchase
(this charges to your tuition bill)
B. Physically pickup the install DVD/CD at UMD Computer Corner.
(note: incoming Fall Semester freshman CANNOT make this purchase until mid-august)
Antivirus:
UMD / U of M "currently-enrolled" students are eligible for a free copy of Symantec Antivirus.
(this is a large file, and it is assumed you have a fast internet connection to download it)
AntiSpyware / Anti-adware:
There are a variety of programs out there.
As of Jan. 2008, 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.
Some suggested titles:
Adobe CS4 Design Premium student:
We only sell this to currently-enrolled-UMD-students for $306 plus tax.
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Do we need a printer?
Some students get their own printer. Some borrow their roomates, ome bring files on usb-drive to Library computers or other labs to print on the laser printers there.
Basic printers are around $50.
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How do the students get to the Internet?
Wired:
Each student living in campus housing (dorms/apts) have access to a wired (ethernet) internet connection.
Wireless:
Many areas on the UMD campus have wireless internet access for students/staff with university user & passwords.
Examples of areas with the Library, Food Court , Kirby Student Center, and some lounge areas.
More information about internet connections at ITSS computing page:
http://www.d.umn.edu/itss/computing/
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Questions? Call us at (218)726-6218 or email us.
To be eligible to purchase hardware or software at the Computer Corner,
you must be a student, faculty or staff member at UMD or another qualified
institution of higher education.
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