Questions & Answers
Central Michigan University is announcing an opportunity for incoming and current CMU students to purchase a personal computer at special pricing. Although, computers are available for purchase throughout the year via various purchasing programs offered by the University, the Campus Computing Program offers additional volume discounts at the start of the academic year. The PC and printer configurations offered will be supported and compatible with CMU's computing environment. The attached sheet offers a product description, a not-to-exceed price, and ordering guidelines.
 

Who Needs a Personal Computer?
CMU is a computing and networking intensive environment with many fields of study requiring word processing, spreadsheet analysis, statistical analysis, and simulation. Academic work increasingly relies upon on-line library resources, electronic mail and bulletin boards, CMU's on-line information system, or the Internet.

CMU students have access to a number of full feature computer labs in academic buildings, the Library, and residence halls. These labs are equipped with up-to-date hardware, software, and connections to the campus-wide network that links the university to the World Wide Web. However, computer labs may be crowded at peak times, not all labs are open 24 hours/7days, and some students prefer to work from their room. Therefore, many students find it worthwhile to have their own computer on-campus.

Can I Bring My Computer from Home?

If you currently have a computer which is a 1-2 years old and is a Pentium 4 1.0GHz or above, it will probably serve you well for the next year or more, particularly if you plan to use it primarily for word processing. If you will be using software specific to your course of study, such as Auto CAD or scientific programs, you will want to check the minimum system requirements for that package to be sure your current system is capable of running the product.

Our ResNet and Information Technology  technicians support manufacturers such as Gateway, Dell, IBM, and Apple equipment on campus. Technicians will assist with student's electronic store systems whenever possible, but cannot guarantee they will be able to correct problems in these systems. In these cases, we recommend the student contact either the store service center from which the purchase was made or to contact the manufacturer direct for additional support.

What Will A New Computer Do That My Current System May Not?

Newer computers offer faster processors, more RAM, larger disk storage, built-in CD-RW and DVD/R drives, and higher graphics accelerators. Additional memory is important for running more sophisticated software and running multiple programs simultaneously. Larger hard drives allow for storage of large applications, graphics, and data files. Many of the software packages currently utilized in education are provided on CD-ROM media which is less expensive to produce and faster to install. You will find many departments distributing software and instructional materials on CD-ROM media. In addition, the newer notebook/laptop configurations are offering many of the same updated features of the desktop PC's, and are being packaged in lighter and more compact case designs.

Which Computer Should I Buy?
Making an informed decision which will meet your individual computing needs as well as your budget can be difficult. You may want to consider some of the following items when making your decision:
 
  • More powerful PCs, 2.4 GHz -3.2 GHz, are recommended if you are looking for a system which will meet your computing needs for 4-5 years and keep up with future software advancements.
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  • Less powerful systems, 1.0GHz - 2.0GHz with 128 - 256 MB RAM, will be able to process applications such as word processing and spreadsheets. These low-end systems may require upgrades to memory, add CD-ROM drives, or Zip drives for storage. If you are considering upgrading to Windows  XP, the University recommends a minimum of 256MB RAM with 512MB being optimal especially if you plan to run the full version of the Microsoft Office Suite.
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  • CMU supports Macintosh, Intel and Unix based systems. Some schools and/or departments may be standardized on a specific platform, therefore, check with your school or department before making your purchase decision.
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  • Recent changes in operating systems make both Macintosh and Intel based machines easy to use. Advanced knowledge of PCs is not required to use a Windows based system. The University currently supports Windows '95/98, 2000, XP, and NT V. 4.0, and Macintosh System 7.61 and 8.1 - 10.0.(Including Latest OSX releases)
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  • Budget for software as well as hardware. The PC and Notebook configurations selected for the Campus Computing Program will include Windows 2000 or XP which are supported by the University. Microsoft Office 2003 will be available for purchase at academic pricing for an additional $199 at the time of purchase. You may need additional software for communications or specific to your course of study, and these costs will be in addition to the PC's cost. Please note that unauthorized copying of licensed software is subject to University sanctions, as well as local, state and federal laws.
  • Consider networking capabilities, especially for residence hall rooms. The University has Ethernet networking ports currently installed in all residence hall rooms. The Residence Life Office will let you know the number of available ports in your room. All PC's offered through the Campus Computing Program will come complete with a minimum of a 10/100 Ethernet adapter which will allow for direct connection from home or University location. Notebooks will come with a Modem/Ethernet PCMCIA card for direct connectivity while at school or home.
  • If you are bringing a computer from home and do not have an Ethernet card for Internet access, the University is recommending all Pentium systems have a 10/100 Twisted Pair Ethernet card installed and tested prior to coming to campus. Low-end system configuration may require an ISA Ethernet card, and we suggest you contact the store or company where you purchased you system for the exact requirements.

What if I want a Different Configuration?

If the configurations offered do not meet your needs and would like to configure a systems to meet your specific needs, you can order direct from the following manufacturers:

The University has agreements with these manufacturers to provide educational pricing to incoming and currently enrolled students and faculty/staff. Please identify yourself as a Central Michigan University, not CMU, student. If you are interested in Compaq or IBM products, please contact any authorized reseller.

How do I Connect to the Resnet?

Residence Life provides instructional materials on residence hall computer labs and technical services along with your housing assignment. For ResNet service, you can complete a work order from obtained from the main desk in the residence hall lobby. In addition to this service, Technology Operations offers Help Desk services at a nominal fee. The CMU Help Desk can be contacted at (989) 774-3662, Monday-Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM, for hardware and software support.

What is the Difference Between an Electronics Store PC and CMU's Offering?
Most all manufacturers such as Compaq, IBM, Dell and Gateway have two different PC lines. One is what we call the "electronics store" version which was developed for home or small business office use. The components are whatever was "low bid" that week, therefore, the component brands change frequently in these models. Also, these systems are designed to run a couple hours per day and then be turned off. Often these systems are difficult to upgrade to the next generation processor or to add RAM, and often Ethernet cards are difficult at best to install. In addition, large electronic stores will purchase obsolete models and offer them at drastically reduced prices, but "buyer beware!" Replacement parts for these systems are almost impossible to find and often the system must be returned to manufacturer for repairs which means you may be without your PC for up to six weeks or more.

If you are purchasing from an electronics store, again, we recommend they install your Ethernet card for Internet connectivity and to allow you to test it prior to leaving the store. Again, electronic store versions of PC's are made to run from modems and Ethernet connectivity for these systems is difficult at best.

CAMPUS COMPUTER PROGRAM OFFERINGS:
Products will be offered directly from all Vendors / Manufacturers. Personnel and demonstration equipment will be available, during the orientation sessions, to address questions and concerns, and provide for hands on testing. The University has elected to offer multiple options from each manufacturer / vendor which should fulfill a students basic computing requirements for the next 4-5 years. (Check with your specific program/department for more information about special requirements) To review the specifications and costs go to the Configure/Price/Purchase section. If you have any questions concerning the Student Orientation Computer offer, contact Brad Stambaugh at (989) 774-3141.

Are Notebook Computers Safe on Campus?

Yes, notebooks are relatively safe on campus, but you do need to take more precautions than if you have a desktop system. Students must recognize the "portability" of notebooks and take extra care to safeguard their system while they are not around. We recommend that they get their student ID engraved on the case and that system access is password protected so it cannot be accessed without authorization. In addition, students with notebooks systems should conceal them, preferably not in a desk drawer, while they are not in their room. Two of the three thefts reported on notebooks were due to students leaving them in a residence hall lobby and next to their car in the parking lot.

Who Sets Up My Computer?
Students are responsible for setting up their own PC, and the new systems come with a color coded set up guide which makes the initial set up quite easy. If you need assistance, you can request services through a ResNet Work Order Request. Services are scheduled when the student is available to sit with the technician while system work is being completed.

In addition, OIT offers Help Desk services at a nominal fee. Their hours are Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 6 PM, for both hardware and software support. You can reach the CMU Help Desk at (989) 774-3662.