It is great to see campus get with the times and adjust to using new technologies and be aware of software changes. This is a benefit to the college, community, and overall the students as a whole. Some colleges are using office 2003 and some labs are using windows XP. When these students graduate they are at an disadvantage because they don't have that experience using new technology like Windows 8.1 or Microsoft Office 2013 or Microsoft Office 365. Going over DU's laptop requirements they are showing to be a leader when it comes to adjusting their infrastructure to changing technology. Let's go over the general laptop requirements and program(major) requirements. I will not re-write what's already written therefore I will just reference where the information can be found.
Why have a laptop?
- Computers are shared
So with that said here is our recommendations:
The ideal thing to do is to wipe down the mouse and keyboard before using it. However, you will be singled out as a germaphobe so to not standout by wiping down the mouse and keyboard remember to use a hand sanitizer immediately after leaving the computer lab and watch your hands right after. This leads to something unrelated and that is opening doors. Restroom door handle are nasty because again, I've seen guys walk right out without washing their hands. So if possible use automatic doors, use a paper towel to open door or your knee. To add to this how much of us remember to watch your hands before grabbing breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Now picture using the computer lab without sanitizing, opening numerous doors with your hands, use the bathroom numerous times, and then holding that awesome BLT/Double cheese burger and taking a bite. If it is delicious let's lick those fingers. Yep it is a little gross but I can honestly say that I've only develop this side about me after living on campus.
- Lack of control over the computers
Can't install programs. Do you like using Chrome or Firefox over Internet Explorer? Well, using a campus PC you don't have a choice. System Administrators may also like using Chrome or Firefox versus Internet explorer but they can't(or very hard) to lock it down using group policy like they could with Internet Explorer. Another reason of the lack of control is the choice of virus programs being used. In my experience this is Symantec Antivirus and let me just stop there.
- Time limit
I think that there are 30-60 min time limit in some computer labs that I've seen. When you are doing research on various topics 30-60 min is just not enough time in my opinion.
- Mainly for academic purposes
Access to some websites will be blocked. Facebook and Pandora may not be available. Yes, this will also be block if you are using the campus network on your personal laptop but on your laptop you can circumvent the system by tunneling over known ports like port 22 and port 443 used for SSH and SSL/HTTPS, respectively.
- No food or drink
- Availability of computers
Computer labs are usually overcrowded during midterms or finals week. Why is that because no one happened to ready my blog. Having your own computer during this time will help to take away some added stress of taking those finals.
- Lab hours - criteria
Lab hours are usually restricted to daytime so if you want to work on a overnight project then you are out of luck until the morning. Having your own desktop or laptop during this time can greatly increase your productivity. Special departments such as Computer Science, Business, Music, etc have their own computer labs accessible to students doing advance research or special projects. Normally access is granted if you take certain coarse per semester. Access is normally granted per semester. Speak to an adviser about accessing these labs for study.
So you have decided to purchase your own personal computer. Here are some things you should know.
- Computer should meet program requirements - (Click each link to view requirements)
2014 - 2015 Laptop Minimum & Recommended Specifications for School of Art and Art History - University of Denver
2014 - 2015 Laptop Minimum & Recommended Specifications for Daniels College of Business - University of Denver
2014 - 2015 Laptop Minimum & Recommended Specifications for Dept. of Computer Science - University of Denver
2014 - 2015 Laptop Minimum & Recommended Specifications for Dept. of Engineering - University of Denver
2014 - 2015 Laptop Minimum & Recommended Specifications for School of Lamont School of Music - University of Denver
2014 - 2015 Laptop Minimum & Recommended Specifications for School of Sturm College of Law laptop - University of Denver
- Decide between having Microsoft based computer or Apple based computer
If you have a Windows PC, you can run the DUnet Computer Check to see if your computer is compatible with the University of Denver Network
Where do we(akITs.net) fits in?
Because students can't get their issue fixed at the college, most likely taking their PC to the nearest computer shop. Who will quote student PC users ridiculous prices. Exactly, one of the reasons why I started akITs.net to provide computer support to students and low income families.
Here is our recommendation if you are a student.
- Take your PC to the on-campus Help Desk for students
- The Help Desk will fix it if it is software related and meets their standards
- If it is Hardware related the Help Desk will let you know whether the computer is under warranty and/or may followup with 3rd party vendor for on your behalf
- If your computer is out of warranty and your on-campus Help Desk refuse to repair it then bring it to us for troubleshooting and repair. We never charge for diagnostics and our prices are either $20 or $40(with some exceptions) depending on date and time of drop off.
Thank you for reading and look forward to your comments. You can also email us at [email protected] or call us at 720-432-5285. To get to us you can take the "E" or "F" Line on the Light-Rail to Lincoln Station. See pictures below on how to get to us by using the Light Rail or Vehicle.