Requirements for Students in the Dental College

Buying A New Computer

Processor

We recommend a 'Pentium 4', 'Core 2 Duo' or 'Athlon' processor.

'Celeron' or 'Sempron' processors are not recommended: these processors are budget-minded, but will usually fail to perform to users' expectations because they are not intended for high-performance results.

Memory

For optimal performance, we recommend AT LEAST 1GB of RAM. Anything less than 1GB will start to visibly slow down if you run multiple applications at once. (For example, when playing an audio CD or MP3 file while you check your email in Outlook, type a paper in Word, and browse the Internet with I.E. or Firefox.)

Hard Drive

Buy as much hard drive space as you think you will need. Most computers come with at least 40GB, but if you plan to use your computer frequently, and want to work with a scanner, with photos, or with music and videos, we recommend you look at a minimum of a 100GB drive.

CD Drive

Prices have dropped significantly in past years, so if you think there's a chance that you might want to make your own CD's or DVDs someday, invest in a DVD+_RW drive. Upgrade cost is around $75 - it's more expensive to upgrade your drive later.

Internet Access

You can connect through one of three methods: Dial-Up Modem, Local Area Network (LAN) adapter, or Wireless LAN (WLAN) adapter. Most people have begun to adopt WLAN, as laptops are exploding in popularity. Which you use depends on how much you want to pay per month, and what is available where you live.

Dial-Up Modems and LAN adapters are fairly simple to use, and are often included in the price of your computer. WLAN adapters, though, come in many different "flavors". For highest compatibility, we recommend a WLAN card using at least 802.11b/g protocol, preferably with 802.11a/b/g.

Buying a Dell

As a student, staff, or faculty member of the UNMC College of Dentistry, you are eligible to purchase a computer from Dell, Inc. at a substantial discount by shopping through their Higher Education site. Here's what to do:1. Open your web browser and enter the address "http://www.dell.com/eep/flyer". 2. On the page that loads, type the Member ID "US26478285".3. Start shopping for your dream PC!

Additionally, you can view any Dell specials specific to UNMC by navigating to " htpp://info.unmc.edu " and clicking on the "Employee/Students Discount Program" link on the left-hand side of the screen.

Buying another brand of PC

We can't be of much assistance with purchases of non-Dell computers because we don't work with them as often. If your salesperson will allow you to, however, you are welcome to bring in a printout of the specifications of any computer you are interested, and we will take a look at it!

Also, even if it's not a Dell, take your ID card and ask if there's any discounts you might be eligible for. It never hurts to ask!

Buying an Apple

As a student, staff or faculty member of the UNMC College of Dentistry, you are eligible to purchase Apple products from the UNL Computer Store at a discounted price.

Please note that Information Systems staff can only provide very limited support for problems or questions relating to Apple computers. The UNL Help Desk has more resources for help with an Apple.

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