- Should I Buy a Computer?
- Which Computer Should I Buy?
- Where Should I Buy My Computer?
- What About a Printer?
Should I Buy a Computer?
CUIT provides support for both Windows and Apple computers.
Columbia does not require undergraduates to own computers, and CUIT hosts computer labs for student use. However, more and more classes use email as a conduit for assignment notifications and many students find owning a computer convenient. Several of the professional schools—for example, Law and Health Sciences—have their own specific requirements or recommendations. If you are a student or faculty member of any of these schools, speak to them for further information.
Note: Students must activate their computer accounts before they can access their email or use CUIT lab facilities. If you have not, visit myUNI. We also recommend purchasing a USB flash drive to store and transport your data. A 2GB flash drive is fairly inexpensive and some University preferred vendors have discounts available.
Which Computer Should I Buy?
Some General Guidelines
The most important question to ask yourself when selecting a computer is what you're going to use it for. Most personal computers at Columbia are used for five tasks:
- Word processing
- Internet browsing
- Accessing Columbia online resources (email, CourseWorks, Student Services Online (SSOL), Directory of Classes, library journals, etc.)
- Programming/Data analysis
- Recreation/games
Whatever your needs, we recommend that you purchase a computer which meets Energy Star requirements. You should purchase as much memory (RAM) and hard drive space as you can comfortably afford. Processor speed has less of an impact on longevity and long-term usefulness than ample storage space and lots of RAM. A minimum for extended longevity would be 2 GB of RAM. Increasing to 4 GB higher performance or for 64 bit systems is highly recommended. Hard drives should have a minimum of 250 GB. We are not suggesting that you purchase a computer with faculties beyond your need, but remember that your needs may change over time.
We always recommend your computer has CD and DVD recording (DVD-RW) capability. DVD burned disks hold either 4-9GB of data, songs and videos.
We also recommend purchasing a USB flash drive to store and transport your data. A 2GB flash drive is fairly inexpensive and some University preferred vendors have discounts available.
For those performing statistical analysis or writing computer programs, most programming and data analysis tools actually reside on Columbia's shared central computer systems. Your personal computer is simply used to access these tools, and does little actual processing.
Extended Warranties
You should consider getting an extended warranty with your computer as a hedge against future hardware or operating system issues. This is strongly suggested if you are buying a laptop or if the standard warranty period is one year or less.
Please note: CUIT does not provide hardware repair support to students, and offers only limited operating system support inasmuch as they relate to specific programs used to access University online resources. If an issue falls outside of these parameters, it's good to have an alternate to fall back on like a manufacturer's extended warranty.
Windows or Apple?
The choice of platform (Windows, Mac, Linux) is essentially a matter of personal preference. If you are already familiar with one platform, there is no particular reason to switch. Your school may have more specific criteria, so check with your academic advisor before deciding.
CUIT provides certain relevant software, documentation and limited operating system support for Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Apple OS X. No support is available for Linux.
If you know you will need to use a particular software package which only runs on a specific platform, this should dictate your choice.
Word processing and browsing the Internet are accomplished equally with either an Apple or a Windows computer. Many games, statistical analysis and programming tools are available solely for the Windows operating system. Audio/Video editing can be done on both platforms but Apple computers tend to have the edge in stability and functionality.
Desktop or Laptop?
Laptops have the advantage of being mobile and light. Desktops are usually cheaper, easier to repair/upgrade and harder to steal.
There are many different types of laptops. Some are ultraportables, designed to be as light as possible (less than 4 lbs). This results in increased cost, decreased durability and fewer capabilities (for example, smaller screen, smaller hard drive, and shorter battery life).
Other laptops are designed to be “desktop replacements,” in that they have most of the functionality and storage capacity of a desktop computer while still occupying significantly less surface area than a desktop PC’s CPU, monitor, keyboard, speakers and mouse.
Whichever you decide, both will do what you need if you first understand your priorities. A 4-6 pound laptop might sound like nothing but it’s heavier than it seems and the laptop weight itself doesn’t include the additional weight and inconvenience of the power supply, laptop bag and possible extra battery—not to mention your books.
Internet Access
Before you access the network, you should have the latest security updates for your operating system. As a Columbia University affiliate, you can install Symantec Anti-Virus for free.
For more information about Columbia’s networks, visit the Network and Wireless page.
Choosing a Display
LCD (flat-panel) monitors come in a variety of sizes, generally from 13 to 30 inches. They are available in HD and Standard Definition.
Recommended Display Specifications
- Dot pitch: .28mm or smaller
- Refresh Rate: 72-hertz
- Min. Possible Resolution: 1024 x 768 pixels or higher
Where Should I Buy My Computer?
CUIT has negotiated discount arrangements with Apple, Dell and other vendors on behalf of the Columbia community. You are in no way obligated to purchase from these vendors if you prefer shopping elsewhere.
We recommend you visit a store or showroom to examine a computer prior to purchase.
What About a Used Computer?
Buying a used computer can save money in the short term. If you choose to do so, make sure you ask for the original operating system and restore CDs/DVDs. Problems may occur down the line that require you to reinstall all software. Without the original discs, you will need to pay for new licensed copies. You should also keep in mind that buying an older computer means you probably have an older operating system. Operating systems as they get older are less likely to be supported or compatible with more recent software.
We recommend any first-time or novice users purchase a new computer. Used computers bring reliability into question and purchasing from individuals leaves you with no recourse should you need help with hardware problems.
A company selling refurbished computers is a more viable option as they often include a short warranty with each purchase.
What About a Printer?
All students have a quota of pages they can print via the network printers. Network printers are available in many locations on-campus. This may not be enough for some students however, and many opt to purchase printers. The two common types are:
Inkjet printers
Less expensive, produce many colors, may have more options (photo printing, USB ports for digital cameras, etc.) but sometimes are less reliable. Requires two toner cartridges and lasts for hundreds of pages.
Laser printers
More expensive with fewer features, but usually very reliable. Toner cartridges last for thousands of pages and can be recharged.
CUIT does not currently offer hardware repair support, including personal printers.