Computer Specifications

Your own computer at NC State

As an NC State student, you can use a state-of-the-art campus data network and state-of-the-art computer labs, but you may also find it very helpful to have your own computer on campus. This page offers topics to consider as you decide whether to bring a computer with you.

Do I really need my own personal computer at NC State?

NC State does not require or expect you to have your own computer. However, your college or department may do so. For example:

The College of Engineering expects all incoming undergraduates to have a laptop that meets college specifications.

The College of Design requires that students have a computer at the beginning of their second year.

What minimum specifications should my computer have?

Before you buy a computer, be sure to read the recommendations of both of these:

NC State's Office of Information Technology (OIT) for:

A new computer

A computer you already own

Your college or department (if applicable).

The OIT recommendations are updated annually and are available by New Student Orientation in July. In addition, the page on hardware considerations can help you decide what features you'll need.

Laptop or desktop - what should I consider?

Mobility
Wireless access to NC State's campus network is growing. A laptop with a wireless card offers you opportunities to connect at an increasing number of locations. See Coverage Map for existing locations and check frequently for the new ones that will be added throughout the year.

Frequency of use
You will be spending many hours on your computer, and most of the time a desktop's larger, separate monitor and keyboard may be more comfortable to use than those of a laptop. Or, if you choose a laptop, you may also want to get an external monitor and keyboard for it.

Theft and damage
A laptop's portability makes it more likely to be stolen than a desktop, and it is more prone to being dropped and possibly damaged.

Expense
A laptop may cost more to buy, maintain and repair than a desktop.

Traditional laptop or tablet PC?
A tablet PC is a laptop with a touch sensitive screen that rotates 180 degrees right and left as well as forward and backward. Today's tablet PCs are versatile, allowing you to use a standard keyboard and mouse along with a digital pen or stylus. Handwriting recognition software lets you create documents or input data with the stylus. Most tablet PCs run on Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005. Others are Linux-based, but Apple does not offer one.

Some advantages of a tablet PC:

Lies flat; doesn't interrupt line of sight

Can be held in one arm while standing or giving a presentation

Can be used more flexibly, e.g. reading Web sites or e-mail while lounging around

Recognizes handwriting (easier than typing for some users)

Some disadvantages:

Costs more than a traditional laptop

Generally has less power

Typically has a smaller screen, 14" or less

May not have an internal optical drive

You can try out a tablet PC at the NC State Bookstore's Computer Connections.

What are some of my purchasing options?

If you have applied for financial aid and anticipate buying a computer, the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid can include its cost when they consider you for financial aid only if you purchase it during the summer preceding your fall enrollment or after the fall semester begins.
The Computer Connections department at the main NC State Bookstore (919-515-3400) sells computer hardware, provides links to vendors who offer special pricing for NC State students, and sells a wide variety of software at educational discounts. Before you buy, you may want to compare prices there.

What should I bring with my computer?

If you bring your own computer, be sure to include its associated documentation, warranty information, and backup installation disks. Keep these in a safe place in case you need to reinstall or reconfigure any hardware or software.

Will I need a personal printer?

If you bring your computer to campus, consider bringing a printer as well. You may be able to print a document in a computer lab for a fee, depending on the software used to create it. However, it will probably be much more convenient to print in your room. You might also prefer to bring other peripherals, depending on your particular course of study.

What software will I need?

There is no software requirement, but a word processor, spreadsheet, and Web browser are essential. Also, you may want to purchase your own copy of some of the applications used in various classes, including educationally-discounted versions at the NC State Bookstores - Computer Software.

To access university resources on the Web, we recommend that you use a Web browser that supports HTML 3.0 or later and Netscape plug-ins. Both Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer (6.0 or higher) exceed these specifications and are free online from Mozilla and Microsoft, respectively.

NC State has licensing agreements with software manufacturers and suppliers. For a complete listing of available software Software@NCState.

What about maintenance and repair?

We highly recommend purchasing a full 3-year on-site maintenance and repair agreement offered by your computer's manufacturer. Also see the page on computer repairs.

How about theft deterrence

To discourage theft, it is a good idea to engrave your driver's license or ID number (NOT your Social Security number) on all computer equipment you bring to campus. NC State Campus Police offers engravers for this purpose. If you have a laptop, keep a separate record of its serial number and the Ethernet address of any Ethernet card you have. Also see Safe Computing at NC State.

How do I connect my computer to the campus network?

There are several options for connecting your computer to the campus network, depending on where you live. See Network, Voice & Video for details.

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