Purchasing Computers
Although Fairfield University maintains numerous computer labs that are open to all students, many undergraduates choose to purchase their own desktop or laptop systems for use in their Residence Hall rooms. While the Computing & Network Services department does not sell machines to students, we do make recommendations on systems that we've found to be reliable, cost-effective, and fully compatible with the University's standard software and network configurations.
For an explanation of the computer buying process, the benefits of buying a computer through the school, and recommendations when buying a computer, click on the following link to the presentation slides from the C&NS brown-bag luncheon presentation on "Solving the Computer Purchasing Puzzle."
Purchasing a New Windows-Based PC
The University's preferred provider for PCs is Dell. Any newly purchased Dell desktop or laptop machine will function on the University's network; we do recommend, however, that any computers have a minimum of 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM installed to take full advantage of network services and assure that future operating systems run smoothly on your computer.
Dell will provide a discount to Fairfield University students, faculty, and staff if their PC is purchased through Dell's web site or at 1-888-987-3355. To order over the web click here. This is an 'Auto-Login'; the first time you enter the site you will be asked to create a new Dell Personal Profile by providing your name, email address, and a new Personal Password that is unique to you. On subsequent visits, you will log directly into your Premier Dell.com site, without having to re-enter any information.
Another technical specification a buyer should be aware of is that computers must come equipped with an Ethernet Network card installed. This card is known as an "Integrated Network Adapter (NIC)" - this will enable a student to connect directly to Fairfield's network. Students should also come to campus with a Category 5e copper Ethernet cable to connect the computer to the network port.
Ethernet cables can be purchased at the University Bookstore.
Purchasing a New Apple Macintosh Computer
The University fully supports newer Macintosh computers, and maintains a number of Mac labs on campus. Any newly purchased Apple desktop or laptop machine - including the iMac and MacBook - will function on the University's network. We recommend that, if possible, any new Mac purchased come with 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.
All current Macs come with the necessary Ethernet card to connect to Fairfield's network.
To purchase Fairfield's recommended Apple computers with an education discount, click here. If you choose to purchase an Apple computer other than those we've pre-configured, please remember that C&NS recommends that all Apple purchases include:
- Microsoft Office 2008 ($149.95)
- AppleCare 3-Year Warranty (price varies depending on computer model)
|
