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Students at UVa

Computing Information for New Undergraduates

How to Choose the Right Computer for You

A laptop computer is essential for your academic career at the University. You may opt to buy a new computer or bring one from home, but it must meet the minimum standards outlined below, and you may also want to keep in mind these key considerations when choosing a computer.

Minimum University Standards

At an absolute minimum, your computer should have:

  • Minimum Operating System:
    • Windows 7 SP1 (Professional preferred)
    • Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
  • Minimum Processor Speed: Equivalent to an Intel Core 2 Duo (1.5 GHz)
  • Minimum RAM: 2 GB (Gigabytes) minimum, 4 GB recommended
  • Minimum Hard Disk Space: 150 GB (Gigabytes) of free hard disk space (after all programs are loaded)
  • Networking Capability: Wireless networking (802.11g or n) and an Ethernet port
  • Strongly Recommended Accessories:
    • An Ethernet cable (Even if you will primarily use wireless, a wired connection is faster and more reliable for things like video-streaming and chatting, watching movies or television, and large file uploads and downloads.)

Considerations When Choosing a Computer

Below are some “Do’s and Don’ts” to keep in mind when trying to decide where to purchase a computer, or choosing between brands, models, or features.

Price: Don’t Spend Too Much on Software

Your Likely Major or Field of Study: Check for Recommendations

  • DO be sure to check whether your school has a specific requirement or recommendation before you make a final decision on your computer.
    • Be sure to check with your academic advisor before you make a final decision on your computer’s make and model.

Warranty Coverage: Compare Service Plans

  • DO NOT forget about a service plan in case hardware repairs are needed while you are at school.
    • Compare length of coverage (2, 3, or 4 years) as well as location of service.
    • Ask: Will I have to pack up and ship my computer away for repairs if needed? Are on-site or nearby repair options available with this service plan?
    • The Cavalier Computer Service Center on-Grounds in the UVa Bookstore is licensed to repair some computers.

Portability: Plan to Carry Your Computer With You

  • DO be prepared to carry your laptop with you around Grounds.
    • Keep a laptop’s weight in mind when choosing among models. Try to balance features and horsepower with portability when making your decision.
    • You will likely want to take advantage of public computing spaces, often called “collaboration spaces,” available around Grounds to do group projects, print on the go, or work between classes.
    • Consider buying an external monitor for those times when you need a larger screen if you are worried that lighter-weight notebooks lack the screen width you need.

Backup Storage: Plan Ahead for the Inevitable

  • DO plan on a method to back up your files. Crashes happen; you will thank yourself later!
    • UVa provides 2 options for free online file storage for your academic documents.
    • But plan on another backup storage mechanism too—such as an external hard drive and/or a personal storage website (e.g., Dropbox, Mozy, Carbonite, etc., just to name a few of the many choices)—because in addition to your academic work, you will want to protect your photo, music, and/or video library. Backup storage is free to inexpensive, especially compared to the cost of replacing all your files!
    • Create a strategy. Once you’ve figured out how you will perform backups (they can be automated with most services), ensure they are done regularly. All the external hard drive space and free online storage in the world won’t help you if you don’t actually take the time to use them!

Public Computing Spaces

  • Collaboration Spaces
    • There are collaboration spaces available across Grounds for you to bring your laptop and collaborate with peers on projects and research. These areas include features such as comfortable chairs, wireless and wired Internet access, multiple power outlets, and some lend out other computing accessories to enhance your collaborations.
  • Printing, Computing Lab, & Public Printing Stations
    • Wireless printing: If you decide to bring your own computer, know that wireless printing is not supported or recommended. We recommend you connect your computer with a cable when you need to print.
    • Public computers: One public computing lab offers access to specialized academic software packages you might need that are not available virtually via the Hive.
    • Printing around Grounds: Through the University’s Printing and Copying Services, you can also print in various public locations around Grounds—either:

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About ITS Services & Accounts

NetBadge, ID Verification, & Your Permanent UVa Password

ITS provides the NetBadge authentication service for identity verification, which protects many University systems and resources.

  • At first, as an applicant and newly admitted student, you have only a Temporary password.
  • Later, you will have a Permanent password, which you will use to log into NetBadge as a full-fledged student—and beyond!

For a complete explanation of the 10-step process you will go through—from having a Temporary password, to completing your in-person identity verification, to having a Permanent password with full access to UVa systems—see Passwords, ID Verification, Accounts, & Wireless.

Internet Access: UVa Wireless & Wired Networks

UVa Wireless Network

  • Wireless Coverage
    • Wireless is provided in all first-year residence halls, in the libraries, on the Lawn, and in most classrooms.
  • What You Should Know about Wireless Connections
    • As with cell phone coverage, there may be a few dead spots and dropped connections. Wireless may also perform less-than-optimally if you are in a crowded location.
      • Do not plan on watching movies or television shows on wireless (e.g., via your Wii, Xbox, Roku, Slingbox, etc. or via services such as Hulu, VuDu, NetFlix, or Xfiniity). Save all that for your wired connection!
      • Similarly, enjoy better performance when streaming short videos from sites such as YouTube, or when video-chatting using services such as Skype: connect with an Ethernet cable rather than wirelessly.
      • Please be respectful of fellow students. The wireless network is a resource that must be shared, and your activities on it impact performance for everyone!
  • To Access the UVa Wireless Network...

Wired (Ethernet) Network

  • Wired Coverage
    • Every first-year student residence hall room has a network outlet for a wired connection for each person in the room. (So, double rooms have 2 Ethernet ports; triple rooms have 3, etc.)
  • What You Should Know about Wired Connections
    • Even if you’ll primarily use wireless, a wired connection is faster and more reliable for things like video-streaming and chatting, watching movies or television, and large file uploads and downloads.
      • So, get an Ethernet cable if you don’t have one!
  • To Access the UVa Wired Network...
    • Plug your computer into a wall port using an Ethernet cable. You have one in your dorm room and they are provided all across Grounds.

Off-Grounds Access to IT Services

Occasionally you may need to access some restricted UVa services from off-Grounds; this varies from service to service.

Your UVa Email Account

Your University email account will be provided by UVa Gmail.

Online File Storage

ITS provides you access to 2 free online services to back up important academic files. Both are accessible from anywhere (once you have your Permanent UVa password):

  • UVaCollab is the online collaboration and learning environment used by professors for course management at UVa.
    • Collab is also used by many members of the UVa community for collaboration among student clubs, organizations, committees, and project groups.
    • You may upload documents for personal storage to your Collab My Workspace area, and then access them from anywhere, via the Web.
  • Home Directory Service enables you to save your files online, create them in one place and later print them in another, and even to publish your own page on the Internet, using its easy access to personal Web space.

24/7 Tech Support

You can get free help with software provided by ITS or recommended for use with ITS services, regardless of where you bought your computer.

  • Self-Help Online: Try searching ITS’s website for instructions or assistance with your issue.
  • Help by Phone, Email, or IM: Contact the UVa Help Desk 24/7/365 for assistance:
    • Call 4-HELP (434-924-4357) or toll-free at 1-866-469-4866.
    • You can also email, instant message live chat, or fill out a Help Request Form.
  • Stay Informed: We post University tech-related news, upgrades, downtimes, events, and tips, and respond to your comments and questions via social media:

Free & Low-Cost Software

ITS provides some software to students at very low or no cost.

Free Software

An antivirus subscription is provided for you at no cost, as long as you are at UVa. Some other software titles are available for free as well (once you have your Permanent UVa password).

  • Available via download/install on your computer: Some software—including the antivirus program Symantec Endpoint Protection—is downloadable at no cost from Software Central.
  • Available virtually: Some advanced academic software packages can be streamed to you, on your own computer, for free, via an online UVa service called the Hive.

Microsoft Software for Just $15 (Upgrade Very Inexpensively!)

Yes, you really can get Microsoft software, including the latest full, professional version of the Microsoft Office suite, for the very low cost of just $15, a significant savings from the full-priced software, or even the educational discount pricing.

This means you can upgrade to Windows 7 or install the latest version of Microsoft Office at a very, very low cost! This is possible through an agreement UVa has with Microsoft. See the Microsoft Software Chooser Wizard for more info.

  • Covered Microsoft Software
    • Microsoft Office 2010 Enterprise Edition for Windows;
    • Office 2011 for the Mac; and
    • Windows 7 Ultimate (to upgrade from Windows Vista, or to run Windows on a Mac).
  • To Take Advantage of the Microsoft Software Discount
    1. When choosing a computer, be sure you do not spend too much on software:
      • Bought a computer through the CAV program at Cavalier Computers?
        • Your software already comes pre-installed, at no additional charge.
      • Bought a computer somewhere else, or bringing one from home?
        • Buy a computer without Microsoft Office pre-installed; and/or
        • Wait to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7; and/or
        • Wait to buy a copy of Windows to run on your Mac.
    2. Anytime after you get your University ID card at Summer Orientation, or once you arrive on Grounds in the fall:
      1. Go to Cavalier Computers (at either location, the UVa Bookstore or TJ’s Locker in the Aquatic & Fitness Center) to buy your Microsoft software on disk for just $15.
      2. Show your valid University ID and sign a form.
      3. Install and begin using your new, licensed software!
      Inventory is not always in stock at Cavalier Computers, particularly during Summer Orientation. Before you go, you may want to check with their staff to ensure they currently have a copy available of the software you need.

Low-Cost Software

For other software titles, Cavalier Computers offers deep educational discounts for students.

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About Cable Television, Cell Phones & Mobile Devices

ITS provides cable TV services in the residence halls. Also, some information about mobile phone service in Charlottesville is provided below.

Cable TV

You’ll have to coordinate sign-up and payment for cable TV with your roommate, as each residence hall room contains only one hookup. Pricing is $17.30/month.

Cell Phones, Smartphones, & Mobile Devices

You may have questions about whether your current cell phone and/or mobile device will continue to work well for you once you arrive on Grounds.

Recommended Mobile Device Vendors

  • Recommended vendors: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have each made a significant investment to fund a University system to provide excellent cellular coverage in student residence hall areas and in certain other public venues (such as the John Paul Jones Arena, Scott Stadium, and Newcomb Hall).
    • Since the enhanced cellular coverage only works for the wireless carriers that funded the system, we strongly recommend the use of cellular phones from these vendors.
  • Other vendors: Other cellular carriers do serve the Charlottesville market and their devices might also work well for you, depending where you work and live.
    • You may want to compare towers, coverage, roaming charges, and store locations when you’re making a decision. The University does not have wireless coverage information for other carriers that serve the Charlottesville area.

Considerations When Choosing a Device Model

Since coverage varies across Grounds, you should know that in general, different phone models with a single provider also vary in their ability to pick up signals in some areas.

Other things to consider:

  • Unsure what provider will work best for you? Wait until you have arrived on Grounds, bring your current cell phone and/or mobile device with you, and evaluate then.
  • Considering upgrading your phone? Having a “smartphone” is particularly helpful at times where you want to look something up online or check your UVa email on the go, such as in between classes, and you do not happen to have your laptop with you.
  • Trying to decide between getting an iOS or an Android mobile device? If you are torn between getting an Apple iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, and an Android smartphone or mobile device, know that at this time, it is easier to configure an Apple iOS device for our network than it is an Android device. This is because iOS devices are standardized, while Android devices vary widely across manufacturers and models.

Connecting Your Smartphone or Mobile Device at UVa

  Page Updated: Monday 2012-04-16 16:00:06 EDT

Standards & Policy

University of Virginia
Information Technology Services
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P.O. Box 400324
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22904-4324 USA

UVa Help Desk: 434-924-HELP (434-924-4357) • 4help@virginia.edu

Page Updated: 2012-04-16; © 2012 by the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia.

The information contained on the University of Virginia’s Department of Information Technology Services (ITS) website is provided as a public service with the understanding that ITS makes no representations or warranties, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information, including warrantees of title, non-infringement of copyright or patent rights of others. These pages are expected to represent the University of Virginia community and the State of Virginia in a professional manner in accordance with the University of Virginia’s Computing Policies.