New Students
Common questions for new UWG students:
- Do I need a computer at UWG?
- If I purchase a computer, what do you recommend?
- What else will my computer need?
- Does UWG provide internet connectivity?
- What software will I need?
- Does UWG offer any software to students?
Do I need a computer at UWG?
The short answer is YES. You will need your own computer OR access to a computer as a student at UWG. While purchasing your own computer is not required, it is highly recommended. Students are expected to use a computer for their course work. You will need to be able to do research via the web, use word processing for class assignments, and use e-mail correspondence. These tasks will be things you do frequently, if not daily, to accomplish your class work at UWG.
Also, most professors now place their syllabi online (on their web page linked to the campus website) for students to view. Assignments, resource materials, and regular correspondence with classmates and instructors are available through e-mail and the Internet. In addition, many distance learning courses are available which use WebCT.
If I purchase a computer, what do you recommend?
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
| PC: | MAC: | |
| Operating System | Windows Vista Service Pack 1 | OS X - 10.5 |
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo 2Ghz | Intel Core 2 Duo 2Ghz |
| Memory | 2GB ram | 2GB ram |
| Hard Disk | 160GB hard drive | 160GB hard drive |
| CD Drive | DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive | DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive |
| Monitor | Monitor | Monitor |
| Portable Storage | USB Memory Key | USB Memory Key |
| ResNet Connectivity |
10/100 Ethernet Card & Category 5 Ethernet Cable (for Campus residents) |
10/100 Ethernet Card & Category 5 Ethernet Cable (for Campus residents) |
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Possible Downgraded Performance)
| PC: | MAC: | |
| Operating System | Windows XP SP3 | OS X - 10.3 |
| Processor | 1.5Ghz Pentium IV | 1Ghz G4 |
| Memory | 512MB ram | 512MB ram |
| Hard Disk | 60GB hard drive | 60GB hard drive |
| CD Drive | CD-ROM | CD-ROM |
| Monitor | Monitor | Monitor |
| ResNet Connectivity |
10/100 Ethernet Card & Category 5 Ethernet Cable (for Campus residents) |
10/100 Ethernet Card & Category 5 Ethernet Cable (for Campus residents) |
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What else will my computer need?
Other recommendations for your computer:
- A CD-ROM Drive
- A USB Key Storage Device
- Soundcard/Speakers
- Internet Capability & Connection (*If you live in a residence hall and wish to use Resnet)
- A Compatible Printer (An inkjet printer will work fine. A color printer, while nice, is not necessary.)
Does UWG provide internet connectivity?
Yes, if you live on Campus! On Campus, you may connect to UWG's own high speed ResNet. To connect, you'll need a compatible PC as well as:
- A 10-baseT OR 10/100-baseT Ethernet card and its supplied drivers diskette
- Category 5 Ethernet cable of appropriate length. NOTE: Telephone Cables WILL NOT work. Only use Ethernet Cable!
What software will I need?
We recommend:
- Word Processing Software (I.e. Microsoft Word, Corel Word Perfect) UWG computer labs are equipped with Microsoft's Office Suite. If you already have Corel Suite or Star office, they are also acceptable.
- Spreadsheets (I.e. Microsoft Excel).
- Web Browser (I.e. Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox) UWG computer labs have both Mozilla Firefox and Internet Explorer. You may find that Internet Explorer is more compatible with certain online applications at UWG.
Does UWG offer any software to students?
Yes! UWG now participates in the Student Microsoft Campus Agreement which enables students to obtain free copies of the latest versions of specific Microsoft software. Microsoft Office and the latest operating system are typically available. For more information on the Student Campus Agreement, be sure to visit http://www.westga.edu/~mcastu/.