Download this PDF (552KB)Most schools and colleges do not require students to own a computer, but a few do. Check with your academic program to be certain (see answer to the following question).
Having your own computer can be helpful and convenient. Whether you own a computer or not, all students can take advantage of computers at Campus Computing Sites.
Both Windows and Macs are used throughout the University. Your decision should be based on program-of-study requirements, price, functionality, overall lifestyle, and academic advisor suggestions.
Most students choose notebooks because they are easy to transport, and wireless networking opportunities increase the places where you can work online. If you like the freedom of a notebook, go with it. However, be aware that notebooks are more easily damaged and stolen, while desktop computers generally have bigger screens and often cost less. Choose what you think will work best for you.
The University offers a year-round computer consulting and sales program through the U-M Computer Showcase. Available products include Windows and Mac computers, software, iPods, printers, cables, and other items that are sold at not-for-profit prices.
Visit the Showcase during Orientation. The Showcase has locations on the ground floor of the Michigan Union and on the main concourse of Pierpont Commons.
Showcase staff will answer questions about making smart choices, even if you decide to purchase your system elsewhere. If you are comparison shopping, consider any additional costs, such as extended warranties. The Showcase bundles an extended warranty in the price of the computers it sells (see next question on "warranties").
When you purchase a computer, be sure you understand what the manufacturer's warranty covers and for how long. Not all warranties are equal (for example, some cover accidental damage and some do not).
The U-M Computer Showcase bundles most of the computers it sells with a three-year warranty. Yes, the warranty adds to the purchase price, but repairs can be expensive and a good warranty can pay for itself over time.
No matter where you purchase your computer, understand that you are buying the warranty from the manufacturer, not from the Showcase or other retailer. The manufacturer sets the terms of the warranty.
For questions on service or repair, see the Computer Resources section.
It depends. If you buy a computer in the spring, you'll have more time to become familiar with it. On the other hand, by waiting until later in the summer, you can take advantage of back-toschool computer specials and newer models offered by certain vendors—although good deals are available throughout the year. Some students even wait until after they move-in. Check with the U-M Computer Showcase for specials and to get advice.
Adaptive Technology Computing Services provides a broad range of specialized computing workstations to serve the needs of students with disabilities, including mobility impairment, learning or reading impairments, deafness, low vision, and blindness. Ergo-assistive computing environments and equipment are available throughout campus.
We recommend Microsoft Office as a standard set of software applications, including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software. Enrolled students can purchase Microsoft Office through the U-M Computer Showcase at significantly discounted educational prices. Other Microsoft products and software from vendors, such as Adobe, are also available. Some Microsoft products are on DVDs, so you will need a DVD drive.
We recommend checking the Showcase's prices before purchasing elsewhere. If you purchase software before arriving, be sure to bring the discs to campus in case you need to reinstall the software.
On the Blue Disc website, U-M offers various types of preconfigured software. The university also provides and strongly recommends downloading the anti-virus software.
If you need to use additional standard or specialized software, Virtual Sites allows you to remotely access software on Campus Computing Sites' workstations from any computer with an Internet connection.
Expect to see several new technologies evolve over the course of your academic career. Be sure to check with your school or college for specific recommendations.
The following specs should support your immediate needs. Most new computers exceed them.
Computing is changing so quickly that we expect you'll see several new technologies evolve over the course of your academic career. Be sure to check with your school or college for any specific recommendations.
The following specs should support your needs for the coming year. Most new computers exceed these minimums. Having or getting additional RAM, storage, and speed is generally a good idea.
The standard student computing services include your uniqname (login ID), UMICH Kerberos password, e-mail, online storage space (IFS), and access to computers, printers, and software. Some students receive additional services through their school or college.
Your U-M e-mail address is your uniqname (login ID) and "@umich.edu" (for example, bjensen@umich.edu). Share your uniqname with anyone, but never share your password. You can use a number of mail applications, but we suggest starting with U-M's web-based e-mail.
All residence hall rooms are wired with Ethernet for Internet access. University Housing charges an annual fee—automatically billed to your student account—for the network connection, ResComp support services, and educational programs.
You will need an Ethernet cable (available at the Computer Showcase) to connect your Ethernet-ready computer to the wall jack in the room. There is no charge to use a hub if there are more computers in your room than wall jacks. DSL service is available in Northwood Apartments and is included in the rental agreement.
Some residence halls offer wireless networking in common areas. In-room wireless is available in certain halls.
There are various resources on or near campus:
You have several available options:
It is recommended. The University does not carry insurance for student belongings that are lost, stolen, or damaged, so getting insurance is an excellent idea. Your parents may have a policy that provides coverage for college students in on-campus housing as part of a standard policy. If not, they may be able to add this coverage at an additional cost. Other options include renters' insurance, which is quite reasonable when compared to the cost of a replacement computer. For added safety, a security kit that locks down computer components is a good investment.
Yes. Check the map on the Wireless Network website for specific locations and information about using wireless on campus. Your notebook computer will need to have a wireless card (see our Recommended Computer Requirements for more details).
If you need assistance setting up your computer, stop by the Computer Showcase.
No, but many students like the convenience of owning a printer. All students can print on University laser printers located in ResComp Sites, Campus Computing Sites, and some University Library locations.
As a convenience, you also can use MPrint, which allows you to print remotely to any Campus Computing Sites' printer.
A printing allocation is included as part of your standard computing services. All color printing and additional black-and-white printing exceeding your allocation at ResComp and Campus Computing Sites will be charged directly to your student account. You can check online to see how much of your allotment is left.
We recommend arriving to campus with a cell phone, even if it only has the most basic features and services, such as the ability to dial 9-1-1 and receive incoming calls.
Yes. To protect your computer and the campus networks, the University provides a couple of options. We recommend that you take advantage of one of these options as soon as you set up your computer.
1) U-M offers excellent commercial software at no charge: Sophos Anti-Virus for the Mac and VirusScan for Windows. This software protects against adware and spyware as well. We've configured these programs to check for updates every hour, so you will always have the most current protection. You can download your anti-virus program from the Blue Disc website.
2) During Fall Move-In and Welcome Week, ResComp and ITS offer free Inoculation Stations. The I-Stations are centralized support locations where you can follow self-guided instructions to patch your operating system and install anti-virus software. For I-Station dates, times, and locations, visit the ResComp website.
Computer safety is a major concern to the University community. We strongly recommend that you visit the U-M IT Security Services website. There you will discover ways to protect yourself and your computer.
The U-M Department of Public Safety automatically notifies students, faculty, and staff by e-mail when there is an active, major campus emergency. Additional notification methods include text and voice messages. To receive text and voice message alerts during an emergency, you need to register on Wolverine Access under "Student Business."
For more info, visit UM Emergency Alert.
Log in to the MFile website or click on the "My IFS Home" icon on any Campus Computing Sites' computer. Use this secure space to store and share files and to publish your personal website.
You can download software from the Blue Disc website (Fugu or Fetch for Macs, or SSH Secure Shell for Windows) to access your IFS home directory. Additional space beyond the standard allocation is available for a nominal fee.
Certain forms of file sharing are legal, while others are not. It is possible to share files and not know you're doing so. The penalties for illegally sharing files can be costly.
As a service to students, the University has designed a service called BAYU (Be Aware You're Uploading), which notifies users on the residence halls' networks that they might be uploading. The system does not look at the content being uploaded, nor does it look at the content on the computer's hard drive. Instead, it sends an e-mail with a link to educational information and University resources to the person whose computer is uploading.
Yes, backing up your files regularly is very important. You should back up often and check your backups to make sure they are reliable. The University supplies 10 GB of secure online file storage.
Your e-mail address is automatically set to use U-M's Do Not Spam List. This list rejects mail from known spam sources. You also can sign up for SpamBox, which filters out any spam that gets past the list and places it in your SpamBox folder. It's a good idea to regularly check this folder for any misplaced messages before deleting the spam. These measures will reduce, but not eliminate, spam.
For more info on dealing with spam, visit the U-M Spam Busters website.
Your parents will need to sign up for a Friend Account and you will need to authorize them to access specific services, such as University billing statements and financial aid data.
Once you get to campus, there is a variety of information available to students through ResComp, ITS, University Library, and the U-M Computer Showcase.
