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Technology Recommendations

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:

• Operating system: Microsoft Windows 7 (PC), OS X 10.7 (Mac)
• Hard drive free space: 50GB
• Processor speed & memory: equivalent to an Intel Core 2 Duo/2GB
• Networking capability: 802.11g and/or n wireless
• Antivirus program: needs to be up-to-date
• Productivity program: Microsoft Office 2010 (PC) or Microsoft Office 2011 (Mac)
• Good idea: backup storage, Ethernet cable, surge suppressor

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7 Key Considerations When Choosing a Computer

1. Software: UVa students get Microsoft Office and OS upgrades for $15 per title; antivirus is free, so don't pay extra for it on a new computer.

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

   Yes, you can get Microsoft software, including the latest full versions of Microsoft Office and Windows, for the very low cost of just $15 per title — a significant savings from the full-priced software, and even the educational discount pricing.

   This is possible through an agreement UVa has with Microsoft for students enrolled in a degree program. (If you are not working towards a degree given by UVa, you are not covered by UVa’s Microsoft software licenses. You can still buy Microsoft and other software from Cavalier Computers at standard educational pricing, but not under the $15 plan.)

   • If you buy a computer through the CAV program at Cavalier Computers, your Microsoft software comes pre-installed, at no additional charge.
   • If you buy a computer somewhere else, or are bringing one from home:
     • Wait to get the latest version of Microsoft Office (Office 2013 for Windows, Office 2011 for Macs) — don’t get it pre-installed; and/or
     • Wait to upgrade your older Windows computer to Windows 8; and/or
     • Wait to buy a copy of Windows 8 to run on your Mac...

   ...until you are on Grounds and can show your UVa student ID to get your software for $15 per title.

   Notes: Get your University student ID card at Summer Orientation, or once you arrive on Grounds in the fall. Get your software from Cavalier Computers in the UVa Bookstore or TJ's Locker in the Aquatic & Fitness Center. You must show your UVa ID and sign a form.

   Inventory is not always in stock at either Bookstore location, 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.

   Free Antivirus

   A self-updating antivirus program, Microsoft Endpoint Protection, is provided for you at no cost, as long as you are at UVa.

   Specialized Software

   With some specialized software, there may be a limited number of licenses available for use at any given time at the University. To be assured of access at all times, or if you find you’ll be using specific applications regularly for a class, you may wish to purchase your own copy of the software. For many software titles, Cavalier Computers offers deep educational discounts for students.

   Specialized software is available:

   • On Public Computers: One ITS public computing lab and several other non-ITS labs around Grounds offer access to specialized academic software packages you might need.
   • On the UVa Hive: You can also access many specialized academic software titles on your computer, virtually, via the UVa Hive.
   • From Software Central: Some software titles are available for free as well (once you have your Permanent UVa password) from ITS Software Central.

   Collaboration Spaces

   There are collaboration spaces available across Grounds for you to bring your laptop or tablet and collaborate with peers on projects and research. These often 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.

2. School: Check whether your school has specific technology recommendations.
3. Warranty Coverage: Compare service plans carefully.

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   Do not forget about a service plan; hardware repairs may be 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.
   • If you are considering forgoing a service plan because you know how to do your own computer repair, remember that doing so will take time from your studies, and you can’t control when a computer will fail.
   • If your maintenance plan is simply to buy a new computer when the old one fails or becomes obsolete, having a backup storage system in place and knowing how to use those backups to recover your files and programs is essential.
4. Portability: Think about weight if you're going to carry it around all day.

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   Do be prepared to carry your technology with you around Grounds!

   • Keep 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” around Grounds to do group projects, print on the go, or work between classes.
   • Consider buying an external monitor (or maybe a second computer if possible), for those times when you need a larger screen or more horsepower, particularly if you are worried that lighter-weight notebooks, tablets, and smartphones will lack everything you need.
5. Backup/Storage: Do some disaster planning ahead of time. UVa offers real or virtual storage space.

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   Do not fail to consider how you will back up your files. Crashes happen; so plan ahead now and you will thank yourself later!

   • Academic files: UVa provides free online file storage for your University documents.
   • Personal files: Plan on another backup storage mechanism too, for your personal photo, music, and/or video library. This could just be membership with a storage website (e.g., Box, Dropbox, Mozy, Carbonite, etc.). The “cloud” makes it easy; just ensure you have configured your backup storage service to sync all the files you need on all the devices you desire. (You don’t want to be learning how to retrieve files from a backup for the first time the night before a paper is due!)
6. Comfort Level: Get a computer you're familiar with.

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   Do be honest with yourself regarding your comfort with technology. Some students are very familiar with different types of computers and devices, and understand new technology and software quickly, while others don’t.

   • If you are considering switching operating systems (e.g., from a Windows computer to a Mac, or vice versa), ask yourself whether that may create extra stress you don’t need your first year.
   • If you feel comfortable adding memory or upgrading hard drives on your own machine, starting with less memory and a smaller hard drive may save money in the long run. On the other hand, if you try to cut corners now but then realize you will need to pay someone to do such upgrades later, your costs will increase significantly.
7. Printer: If you need to print, get a printer with a USB port and cable since wireless printing is not supported in residence halls.

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   Through the University’s Printing and Copying Services, you can also print in various public locations around Grounds—either via your own laptop or the public printer stations—using a pre-paid deposit through your Cavalier Advantage account.

   You can print wirelessly to the public printers around Grounds. (See configuration instructions: Win 8, Win 7, Mac OS X 10.8, or Mac OS X 10.7.)

Accounts

• Accounts/Passwords: Be sure to review the 10-step process from passwords and ID verification to accounts and wireless that you will go through as you move from applicant to new admit to UVa student!
• Lost Password? Use the Lost Password Wizard to get a new one, selecting the appropriate status for yourself (“not yet a student” to get another Temporary password, or “current student” to reset your Permanent password).

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Internet Access: UVa Wireless & Wired

• Wireless is provided in all first-year residence halls, in the libraries, on the Lawn, and in most classrooms.
• First-time setup is easy once you are on Grounds and have your Permanent UVa password. Follow the instructions for the automated Network Setup Tool.
• Wireless is not recommended when trying to stream movies or TV shows—plug in an Ethernet cable for best viewing.

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UVa Email Account

• Students get a UVa Gmail account, provided by Google.
• Visit our FAQs for answers to most of your questions.

UVa-Provided Online File Storage Options

• Box: This popular online storage service to UVa students in the Fall. Stay tuned for more details.
• UVaCollab: Used by professors for course management at UVa. You have 4GB of personal storage in your UVaCollab My Workspace area, accessible from anywhere, via the Web.
• Home Directory Service: Enables you to save and store files in the UVa Hive and access them later; and even to publish your own page on the Internet, using its access to personal Web space. It provides 4GB of storage.

24/7 Free Tech Support

• Get Help: Contact the UVa Help Desk 24/7/365 for tech support.
  • Call 4-HELP (434-924-4357) or toll-free at 1-866-469-4866.
  • Or, contact them via email, live chat, or fill out a Help Request Form.
  • You can also search ITS’s website for instructions or assistance with your issue.
• Stay Informed:
  • Find us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter!
  • Subscribe to the System Status mail list or the ITS System Status RSS feed on our Feeds page.

About Cable Television, Cell Phones, & Mobile Devices

• Cable TV sign up: You can do this once you have received your Housing assignment (mid-July). See availability, pricing, and channel information (subject to change) and how to connect your TV.

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  Note that some residence halls have cable TV included in the Housing fee. If cable TV is not included in your room rate, coordinate sign-up and payment with your roommate (if you have one), as each residence hall room contains only one hookup.

  Pricing has not yet been set for the 2013-2014 school year, but last year, cable TV was $17.60/month.

• For cell phones, smartphones, tablets, & mobile devices: AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have put in cell boosters in student residence hall areas and in certain other public venues (such as the John Paul Jones Arena, Scott Stadium, and Newcomb Hall). Other cellular carriers do serve the Charlottesville market and may work for you.

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  Considerations When Choosing a Mobile Device Model

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

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

  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.
  • Weighing a tablet versus a computer? We are often asked if a tablet (e.g., an iPad or an Android tablet) would be an adequate substitute for a notebook computer. For many things, tablets can be a substitute: taking notes in class, browsing the Web, doing email and light editing—all are possible on a tablet. It may be preferable, therefore, to carry a lightweight tablet around, and keep the notebook computer in reserve. However, the wide variety in tablet capabilities makes it difficult to recommend them as a total replacement for a full-featured laptop computer at this time. So if you plan to only have one device, ITS does not recommend that single device be a tablet.
  • Trying to decide between getting an iOS or an Android mobile device? If you are torn between getting an Apple device (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 the UVa 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, Tablet, or Other Mobile Device at UVa

  Your smartphone and mobile device will only connect successfully to the UVa network after you have your Permanent UVa password. Attempts with a Temporary password will fail.

  • Connecting to a UVa wireless network: You can probably connect your smartphone and other mobile device(s) to UVa’s wireless network.
    • But only iOS devices—iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touches—can connect to the University’s encrypted cavalier wireless network.
    • All other types of devices must connect to UVa’s unencrypted wahoo network.
  • Connecting to your UVa email account: You may also wish to configure your smartphone or mobile device to read your UVa email account.

Related Links

• Find ITS on Facebook
• Follow ITS on Twitter
• Computing Accounts for New Students
• Passwords, ID Verification, Accounts, & Wireless
• Check Your UVa Email
• CAV Program at Cavalier Computers
• Public Laser Printer Locations

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