Do I need to own a computer?

While Terry does not have a blanket computer requirement, some programs, including the MBA program, do require students to own a laptop. Additionally, some Terry classes have a specific laptop requirement. You will need to check with your program of choice to determine their requirements. Students often find that a personal laptop best suits their needs in terms of portability and access. Most of campus is covered by wireless access authenticated by your UGA MyID.

If you need access to public computing resources on campus, there are a variety of locations available on the Athens campus, including the Miller Learning Center.

Buying New or Used

Almost any new laptop will meet Terry class and program requirements. We have noted the minimum laptop requirements below. These are based on the specifications for this year's classes and are not meant to serve as a comprehensive guide for a full program of study.

The University of Georgia has a vendor relationship with Dell and Apple that will offer you a competitive price alternative on a new laptop. Visit the UGA Bookstore web site for information on a laptop configured and priced for UGA students. You may also visit the Dell Higher Education web site or the Apple Higher Education web site for more flexible configurations and pricing specific to higher education, including good prices on Microsoft Office products.

Note: A Windows platform is standard in Terry. Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 are accepted operating systems.

Buying an Apple laptop?

If you are considering buying an Apple laptop, be advised that there may be software required by faculty for instruction that will not run on the Apple platform. Microsoft Office for Mac also has some differences that may cause issues for you.

Students have two options to enable Windows software to run on an Apple system. The first option is to use Apple's built-in program, Boot Camp, to run Windows. Boot Camp is a free utility, but it does require the purchase of a Windows OS in addition to any other required Windows-based software packages. The second option is to purchase either VMWare Fusion or Parallels, two software packages which allow users to run both Windows and the Mac OS on the same system. In addition to purchasing VMWare and Parallels, you must also purchase a Windows OS license and any other Windows-based software package that you will need.

The UGA Bookstore offers educational discounts for Windows, Microsoft Office, VMWare Fusion, Parallels, and Apple computers. Parallels and the Windows OS may also be purchased at a discount from the University System of Georgia's Software Resource and Services (Personal) site.

Laptop support

It is each student's responsibility to ensure his/her laptop is functioning properly and is able to connect to the PAWS network. TEC Services, a service center for the University of Georgia, is a certified warranty center for Apple, Dell, and Lenovo. The closest laptop drop-off point is at the Miller Learning Center, Third Floor East. More information can be found on the TEC Services web site.

Minimum requirements

Network Card
We use a wireless network on UGA campuses. You are required to have a wireless B/G/or N network card built-in to your laptop or as an add-on when classes start.

Productivity Software
Varies by program (see below) and class.

Operating System
Terry College requires Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Other options you may need/want to consider
A 3-year warranty covering parts + on-site labor (next business day)
A "complete care" type warranty that will repair or replace your laptop regardless of type of damage
Lithium battery as primary battery and a secondary back-up battery
USB memory stick or USB backup hard drive
Surge protector
DVD-/+RW Drive
Home connectivity via dial-up or high speed internet service (cable modem or DSL)

MBA Program software requirements:
The MBA programs require Microsoft Office Standard 2003 or 2007, the latter of which is available at the UGA Bookstore at deeply discounted prices for students. Microsoft also runs a program for current students that, if still valid, can be found on their Ultimate Steal site. There may also be additional software that will be provided for you to install in some classes, so you will need to make sure that you have available hard drive space.

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