Frequently Asked Questions About Computer Usage at Temple

(Updated July 2011)

Introduction
Do I need to own a computer?
Should I buy a desktop or laptop computer or an iPad?
Should I buy an Apple Mac or a Windows-based computer?
What kind of computer should I buy?
What software should I buy?
Does Temple offer discounts on computers?
Computer shopping is confusing. How do I know what to buy?
What kind of printer should I buy?
Do I need to have an e-mail address and Internet connection?
Does Temple offer telephone service for residence hall students?

Introduction
Computer technology continues to play an essential role on college campuses for coursework, research, and communication. A computer is an important tool that you will use to take advantage of Temple's state-of-the-art technology resources. These resources have received national recognition. For example, Temple was named one of the premier technology campuses in the country (The Princeton Review) and, for six consecutive years, one of the "Best Places to Work in IT" (Computerworld).

Do I need to own a computer?
Temple does not require students to own a computer. The University has over 60 computer labs throughout the campuses with over 3,500 workstations, including 600 computers and the latest software in the state-of-the-art TECH Center (www.temple.edu/cs/techcenter). Students use the resources in the labs to work on papers, perform research activities, and access the Internet and e-mail.

While not required, Temple still recommends that you consider buying your own computer, if possible. A recent survey found that 96% of Temple students own computers. Owning your computer can prove to be indispensable in meeting course requirements on your own schedule and taking advantage of Temple's technology resources and services.

Should I buy a desktop or laptop computer or an iPad?
Either a laptop or desktop computer is acceptable, but you should base your decision on the model that best suits your needs. Laptops have major advantages. They are mobile, compact, and ideal for taking advantage of Temple's free wireless Internet locations throughout campus. Laptops, however, are vulnerable to theft and damage, more expensive to buy and repair, and have a smaller screen and keyboard than a desktop model.

Desktop models are typically less expensive, more expandable, and often more comfortable to use than laptops. On the other hand, they are designed for stationary locations, so they take up more space than a laptop.

If you plan to bring your computer to classes or wish to use the Temple's wireless network, you might consider buying a laptop. If you prefer to work primarily in your room, you might consider purchasing a desktop model.

Temple does not recommend purchasing an Apple iPad as a primary computer. While the iPad is an innovative device and has many uses, including convenient web browsing, at this stage it is not a replacement for a PC or Mac.

Should I buy an Apple Mac or a Windows-based computer?
In general, either one is fine. Computer Services suggests you first check with your particular school or college to see if a specific platform is recommended. Currently, about 35% of Temple's residence hall students own a Mac.

What kind of computer should I buy?
Temple does not endorse a particular computer brand or type. You can minimize potential problems, however, by selecting a name-brand manufacturer, such as Apple, Dell, HP, or Lenovo. These manufacturers generally use name-brand components and offer reliable customer support. If you have computer problems, you can also contract with SOMA, a computer repair and maintenance company, for warranty and post warranty hardware repair service on campus.

Should I purchase an Apple iPad?
Temple does not recommend purchasing an Apple iPad as a primary computer.  The iPad, for example, does not have USB ports or Ethernet capability, and does not support Adobe Flash, which is a technology used on many web sites. While the iPad is an innovative device and has many uses, including convenient web browsing, at this stage it is not a replacement for a PC or Mac.

What software should I buy?
Overall, Microsoft Office is a very popular suite of programs used at Temple. Temple students can purchase a downloaded copy of Microsoft Office Professional Academic 2010 (for Windows) for only $79.95 at www.theultimatesteal.com. The Office Professional software suite includes Word 2010, Excel 2010, PowerPoint 2010, Access 2010, Publisher 2010, Outlook 2010, and OneNote 2010.

Depending on your major, you may need other software as well. Temple students can purchase a variety of software online, some at up to 80% off regular prices including Microsoft and Adobe programs through Journey Education Marketing at www.journeyed.com/select.

Finally, through the Computer Services antivirus program, residence hall students receive Temple's required version of Symantec antivirus software at no charge. Students may also purchase this software for home use for $8. Details are available at www.temple.edu/cs/security/virusinfo.

Does Temple offer discounts on computers?
Temple does not sell computers, but several major computer companies offer educational discounts. Some companies offer discounts for Temple students. To learn more, see Temple vendor discounts.

Also, see each manufacturer's web site for academic or educational sections. Specials are sometimes advertised in major newspapers. Major discount retail stores also offer periodic sales where prices may compete with educational offers.

Computer shopping is confusing. How do I know what to buy?
Computer Services suggests that you first check with your particular school or college to see if a specific configuration is recommended. Suggested minimum requirements for basic/standard and higher-end PC and Mac laptops and desktops are as follows:

To purchase a higher-end model, a recommended configuration is:

What kind of printer should I buy?
A color ink jet printer is a good choice because of low-cost and versatility. Printer manufacturers include Dell, Epson, Lexmark, and HP. Temple does not endorse a particular printer brand.

Do I need to have an e-mail address and Internet connection?
Temple provides you with a free @temple.edu account that you will use for e-mail and coursework. In fact, Temple uses e-mail as an official means to communicate with students. Internet access is available for students living in University-owned residence halls through a high-speed Ethernet connection in each University-owned room. This service is included as an amenity with the price of the room. Wireless access is available in the residence hall lounge areas. If you have an Internet connection at home, you can access Temple's computer resources. A high-speed FIOS, cable modem, or DSL connection is recommended.

Wireless Internet access is also available throughout campus. For details on wireless access, see the Computer Services wireless web site at www.temple.edu/cs/wireless.

Does Temple offer telephone service for residence hall students?
Telephone service for incoming, emergency, and on-campus calls is available as an amenity with the price of the room in University-owned residence halls. Students can make free 5-digit internal campus calls, and also use a prepaid calling card for making local, long distance, and international calls. In addition, voicemail is included with Temple's telephone service.