Purchasing A Computer
- Decide whether a portable computer or a desktop computer is more appropriate
for your work habits. Desktop computers are generally less expensive but
require that you do your work in one location. Laptop and Tablet computers allow students
to compute on the go, connecting to the campus network wirelessly or from network jacks around campus. If your courses, activities,
and research involve a lot of travel or fieldwork, you may also find a portable
computer to be a good investment
- Look at the needs of your major and whether you plan on participating
in online courses as well as on campus. If online, you may want to consider
getting a faster Internet connection, such as DSL or cable.
- Decide between Apple Macintosh and Windows system. With a few exceptions
for Art and Communications, all labs consist entirely of Windows PCs.
- Decide on a budgeting strategy, but plan for the long term. You could
buy a powerful computer now or buy an inexpensive computer now and plan
to upgrade it later on. Some vendors even have leasing programs that allow
you to upgrade your computer every 2-3 years.
- Budget for software as well as hardware. Word processing and spreadsheet software can be purchased with most systems; however, you may also need other software for communications, graphics, and specialized projects. Many popular software packages are available at discounted prices at the Bookstore. Unauthorized copying of licensed software is illegal and an infringment of Federal copyright laws.
Do You Need a New Computer?
As a student at MCCC, you will use a computer. Word processing and email are used by nearly everyone on campus. The curriculum in many fields requires students to use spreadsheets, computer graphics, computer programs, or statistical analysis. Students use the World Wide Web for academic research, to look for summer jobs, to explore interests and hobbies, and to complete administrative tasks on campus.
Most MCCC students (80% in the 1999-2000 school year) have their own computers. However, all students have access to the Learning Assistance Lab, which is equipped with up-to-date hardware, software, and connections to the MCCC network.
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Discounts
MCCC has academic pricing discounts of 2-4%, depending on the model, with Dell Computers
Which Computer To Buy?
- Before you purchase a system, we urge you to examine how you will
use that computer. Your work habits, possible fields of study, and interests
should shape your decision.
Repair
Should your computer software or hardware break down, contact the vendor where you purchased the computer first. If for some reason this is not possible, and friends and family are unable to help, there are some local vendors listed below that do PC repair. More can be found in the phone book.
Please note that we are NOT recommending these vendors.
Unfortunately, there is no service we know of that rates vendors in the area
for quality of service.
