For students in Arts & Sciences, owning a computer is optional, but a large percentage of students choose to buy one. Since many computer labs are available both in residential areas and on the main campus,you can easily find a computer to use for completing assignments, writing papers, and accessing email. For students in some programs, purchasing a computer with a specific configuration is required later for more advanced courses in these majors. Please contact your department for details about these requirements.

A Windows or Macintosh computer will meet the needs of most students for word processing and email. There are more Windows computers in use on campus, but both Windows and Mac computers are available in various student labs. If there are no specific guidelines from your program and you have a preference for one or the other type of computer, you should bring that type of computer with you.

If your computer will be used in University-owned housing, be sure to buy one with built-in networking hardware (ethernet) and wireless to take advantage of high speed data connections available in campus housing and wireless available in may places on campus. We also recommend that you check with Student Technology Services for more specific guidelines.

General hardware recommendations:

Windows computer:
Look for an Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo or AMD X2 (or higher). We recommend a minimum processor speed of 2.0 GHz, with Windows XP or Vista, and you should include a minimum of 2GB of RAM (Random Access Memory). For hard drive space, any size from 100 GB and up will provide ample space for file storage unless you are working with multimedia files such as video. A CD-ROM drive is standard on almost all new computers. You may wish to include a DVD-RW drive to allow you to create and play DVDs.

Macintosh computer:
Look for a 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, with OSX and 2 GB of RAM as a minimum. Either the iMac or Mini line is a good option. Macs can be set up to include a “Superdrive” which gives you the ability to play and burn CDs and DVDs.

Storage:
We recommend a USB “keychain” or “jump” drive which provides an inexpensive, reliable portable option for storing data. If you plan to work with larger files such as video or large data sets, we recommend an external USB or Firewire hard drive.

Where to buy:
The Campus Bookstore in the Mallinckrodt Center sells Apple and Sony Vaio Computer systems at discounts to students, faculty, and staff. The store also carries computer supplies, disks, printer cartridges, computer paper, mouse pads and computer reference books. For more information and pricing on computers, see the Bookstore website or call (314) 935-5580.

Arts & Sciences Computing uses many vendors for computer equipment. These are a few links to our more common vendors. Most offer special educational pricing, look for educational pricing links on their sites.

  Click on Find My School at the upper right corner and enter Missouri & St. Louis in the   selection area

online, at the Mini Retail Store at the Galleria (5-10min from campus), or West County Mall (15-20 Min from Campus)

Software recommendations:

A good basic set of software for Windows or Macintosh includes:

• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Internet Explorer, Safari (for Macintosh) or Firefox, latest versions (free)
• MacroMedia Flash Player (free)
• QuickTime Player (free)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)
• Java (free)

Some new computers come with Microsoft Works which creates files not easily readable in MS Office. MS Works is NOT recommended for use on campus.

The campus bookstore sells software to students at a discount. For more information and pricing on software, see the Bookstore website or call (314) 935-7424.

Information for faculty and staff:

Arts & Sciences Departmental Support can provide purchase recommendations for hardware or software that our staff have knowledge of or experience with.

All other purchases are at the discretion of your department. Support for some items may be limited. You may check with your Departmental Support Rep. to find out if a product is supported.

CDWG
2 Enterprise Dr. Suite 404
Shelton, CT 06484

Paul Huzi
Direct line: 800-508-2394 x 87053
Fax Number: 203-899-2153
Email: paul.huzi@cdwg.com

USB Printer Cable
APC USB A-B 10 FT Cable
CDW Part: 246534
Mfg. Part: 19000CL-10
Price: $7.24

Ethernet Cable
Tripp Lite patch cable - 10 ft
CDW Part: 724903
Mfg. Part: N002-010-WH
Price: $6.98

Apple Inc.
Wash U. Vendor # 207768
Mailstop 198-HE
2420 Ridgepoint Dr.
Austin TX

Lori Clithero
Direct Line: 314 821-3777
Email: clithero@apple.com

Dell Computer Corporation
Wash U. Vendor # 816389
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682 Clint Freeman │ Dell Higher Education
(800) 289-3355  x7242224
Direct Fax: (512) 283-7082
Email: clint_freeman@dell.com

Lenovo Computer (formerly IBM)
Sean Phillips
(800) 405-6883 ext. 6329
Fax: (480) 776-8643
Email: sphillip@directlenovo.com