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Email

tsc@mail.wvu.edu

Service

Evansdale Campus
Brooke Tower
Room G49 (just off the elevator)
Hours: M-F, 8:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Phone: 304-293-6201, Option 2

Purchasing

WVU Bookstore Downtown Campus
PO Box 6357
Morgantown, WV 26506
Hours: M-F, 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Phone: 304-293-4687 or 304-293-0777
Fax: 304-293-4688
Call for special appointments

Computer Purchasing

 

Should I buy a laptop or desktop?

Short answer:
It's really a matter of preference, although students in journalism and MBA are recommended to have laptops. Currently the split of student machines is approximately 70% laptop, 30% desktop.

Long answer:
When deciding between a laptop and a desktop, there a number of key issues that must be addressed. The first is portability - if the student is on a sports team or will be traveling a lot, a laptop is a good idea. But, purchasing a laptop solely for classroom use is a matter of personal preference. Another important question is whether the laptop is truly worth the extra cost. Laptops are generally $300-$500 more than desktops for similiar performance. If space is a concern, it's important to understand that a fully loaded desktop with a 17" flat panel LCD is still less expensive than most laptops. Finally, a big concern most parents have with laptops is security. Please see 'What security devices and software are available?'

Is Dell better than Gateway (or vice versa)?

Short answer:
No - Dell and Gateway are the top both top level computer manufacters, and both have special agreements with WVU, so it's a matter of preference.

Long answer:
In terms of service and support, Dell has a slight upper hand. All Dell machines that the TSC recommends have a 3 year, Next Business Day, Onsite warranty, and the laptops have the additional CompleteCare coverage. Gateway's warranty is 3 years as well, but the coverage is limited. The tradeoff here is price - because of the additional support, Dell machines are more expensive. However, upgrading the warranty on a Gateway usually levels out the prices between the two companies, so keep that in mind. As stated above, the decision is largely based on user preference - many parents come in with a bias based on previous experience with a particular company, and that's perfectly alright. We at the TSC have personal preferences as well, but we won't try to sway you in either direction - the choice is yours.

Why do I need Windows XP Pro instead of XP Home?

Short answer:
Students living in the residence halls (Towers, Dadisman, Boreman, Arnold, Stalnaker, Pierpont, and Summit) should have Windows XP Professional for security reasons for connection to ResNet, WVU's Residental Network (internet connection). Windows XP Professional is much more reliable. Windows XP Media Center Edition is not recommended.

Long answer:
Windows XP Professional was built to operate in a business-like environment utilitizing network technology such as ethernet and wireless connectivity. Windows XP Home was not, thus there is no guarantee that it will be able to connect to the school's network. We've had a number of XP Home machines that refuse to connect to the internet, and while this may not be the case for all machines, it has caused enough concern for us to highly recommend the Professional edition. We at the TSC are trying to ensure that students will have as few problems as possible when using the network.

Can I have the machine shipped here?

Short answer: No, you'll need to have the machine shipped to your home address if the student will be living in one of the school's residence halls.

Long answer:
Students who will be living in one of WVU's residence halls cannot receive mail until they are established in the dorm. In general, it's better to have the machine shipped to the student's home address in case of any problems, or if extra configuration is necessary.

What's the difference between business grade and consumer grade?

Short answer::
Reliabilty, consistency, service and support.

Long answer:
Consumer grade machines, such as the Dell Inspiron and Dimension, are not bad machines. However, these machines are used by Dell for product testing. With product testing, parts from different hardware manufacturers are mixed and matched in order to determine what parts work best with each other. Thus, two Dimension desktops bearing the same model number and specs may have memory from two different manufacters, or hard drives from two different manufacters. The end result of this product testing is that the most reliable hardware is used in the business grade machines, such as Dell's OptiPlex and Latitude lines. It is because of this increased reliability, as well as the increased support that we recommend the business grade lines.

Why do these prices seem so high?

Short answer:
The prices may seem high, but these machines are discounted on the average 10% to 16% off the normal price.

Long answer:
All machines suggested by the TSC have the necessary hardware and software for students attending the university. As such, these machines may appear to be higher in price than machines that are advertised on TV, etc. Adding the features required by the university to an advertised machine raises the price to $200 on the average ABOVE the prices listed for the suggested machines.

What about a Sony, HP, etc.?

Any machine will do, but because of the discounts available from Dell and Gateway, we recommend purchasing from one of these companies.

What are the different warranty types?

A three-year onsite next business day warranty provides excellent coverage on a new computer. The onsite warranty is good whereever the computer is currently located and the inclusion of the next business day feature guarentees arrival of a technician or hardware within 48 hours. An upgrade that is usually avaliable on laptops and desktops is the accidental damage coverage. This type of warranty covers the computer from spills, drops and other accidental damages. Most consumer grade computers come with a standard one year parts and limited labor warranty or in some cases a three year parts and limited labor. The warranty may sound good, but the consumer is left to replace any faulty hardware and the replacement hardware is shipped standard ground meaning more time spent waiting on the part to arrive.

What security devices and software are available?

The most common device is a Kensington security cable - a 6 ft. galvanized steel cable that is compatible with most laptops. These cables are available in combination lock and key-based versions. Another security device is a motion alarm - once enabled, if the laptop is moved physically, the user will have 5 seconds (normally) to disarm the device with the security code. Failure to do so causes the device to emmit a very high pitched siren alarm. There is also low-level software available that allows remote control of the machine in the event of a theft. Please visit Computrace for more information. Finally, Safeware offers hardware and software insurance for computers.

What about printers?

Students can take documents saved on CDs, floppy disks or as email attachments and print the document at any computer lab or library for $0.06 a page. Inkjet printers are usually cheaper to buy but more expensive to maintain than Laserjet printers. The advantage of the Inkjet printers is their color capability at a very cheap price. Laserjet printers can also do color prints but are considerably more expensive. Inkjet cartridges usually cost less than the toner cartridges for Laserjets but dry out over time forcing them to be replaced even if they were not used more than once.

What software do I need?

Students are recommended to have Microsoft Windows XP Professional for the operating system, and Microsoft Office 2003 (Standard or Professional). Office 2003 Standard contains Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Outlook. Office 2003 Professional contains everything in Standard and an additional product, Access (a database program).

What about virus protection?

WVU has a site license for Symantec Antivirus, and this will be distributed to students when they check in to their room or by download at Symantec AntiVirus today!. Thus, students will not need to provide their own virus protection

 

Updated October 23, 2007