If you decide to purchase a computer, we suggest that you follow the standard UNC Charlotte Student Computing recommendations for hardware and software.		Student Computing UNC Charlotte www
Quick jump menu... Dell and Apple Stores Buying Guide Suggested Hardware Laptops vs Desktops Internet Access Suggested Software Other Software Assistive Technology

UNC Charlotte Dell & Apple Stores

		Windows Computers Click Here for Dell Computer Student Purchases.
		Macintosh Computers Click Here for Apple Computer Student Purchases.

Buying Guide

Most students are not required to own a computer at UNC Charlotte. Some colleges may strongly recommend computer ownership; others will recommend that you use their lab computers. College of Architecture students are required to purchase a laptop. Check the college recommendations for your college to determine what’s best for you.

If you plan to purchase a computer, UNC Charlotte has partnered with Dell and Apple to offer discounted pricing. These computers are configured to last through a 4-year stay at the University, to provide maximum performance and to take advantage of technologies like wireless computing.

Dell computers are also priced to include a 4-year warranty service and are tagged with a toll-free service number and special coding that lets the service representative know you are part of UNC Charlotte's purchase program. You are in no way obligated to purchase a computer through these programs.

Discounted software from Adobe and Microsoft is also available through the UNC Charlotte bookstore. Check the Technology tab on the UNC Charlotte bookstore website for more information on student discounts.

Suggested Hardware

If you plan to purchase a new computer, the optimum configuration below is sufficiently robust to handle the current operating systems and application software and will meet University computing requirements during the next four years. If you’re using an existing computer to access online University applications, it should meet or exceed the minimum configuration for adequate performance.

Wireless computing users should check the wireless setup information for hardware requirements for your laptop.

Laptops vs Desktops

UNC Charlotte students (except Architecture majors) are not required to own a computer, however, many students find it helpful and convenient to do so. Whether it's best to own a laptop or a desktop depends mostly on personal preference.

Need to borrow a laptop for a few hours? Atkins Library has laptops available for students to check-out while on campus. See the library's laptop circulation policy for more information.

Wireless computing on campus gives wireless laptop users access to the Internet and many web applications and resources delivered with a web browser. Get more information about configuring your laptop for wireless access and find the wireless access points.

Internet Access

Internet access is available in the open computer labs, via wireless access on campus and in all residential housing. Campus residences connect via cable modem using Road Runner High Speed Online. Check the system requirements for residential Internet access. Wireless Internet access is not available in residential housing.

Housing Technology Services (HTS) delivers technical services to students living in residential housing. Visit HTS for information and assistance with computing, phone and cable services.

Suggested Software

Some colleges at the University require or recommend discipline specific software for your personal computer. Please check the college recommendations for more information.

Microsoft Office is the primary office productivity software used at the University and can be found in most of the departmental and all of the open computer labs. If you choose to purchase a computer from Dell or Apple, you can include Microsoft Office in the purchase price or check the UNC Charlotte bookstore for discounted prices on software from Microsoft and Adobe.

Norton AntiVirus is available to download to your computer and you may install the SAS statistical package and Mathmatica at no charge. Copies of these software products can be checked out at the Collections Desk on the 2nd floor of Atkins Library. Be sure to bring your Student ID.

Other Software

Microsoft Developer Network Academic Alliance (MSDNAA) permits the faculty and students in CCI, COE and COB BISOM department to install operating systems, server and programming products for research purposes.

Products are downloaded from the UNC Charlotte MSDNAA website. Students registered with these colleges and departments receive a welcome email from Microsoft with a userid (e-mail address) and password, which are required for access.

Assistive Technology

Student Computing works with the Office of Disability Services to provide assistive technology that can make technology more accessible for students. Equipment and software is available to assist students with vision or hearing impairments, motor or orthopedic impairments or learning disabilities.