Recommendations for Incoming Students
Unsure about which computer to buy? Visit our recommended systems page for suggestions on computers to fit your needs and your major!
Operating System
Incoming students should be running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Mac OS X. (If buying a new computer, students should purchase it with XP Home and then buy an XP Pro or Vista upgrade from us for less than $20.) All systems should have all current critical and security updates installed.
(Microsoft XP computers should have Service Pack 2 installed, Windows 2000 should have service pack 4.)
*Older operating systems are still supported but the bulk of our experience and tools are geared towards XP, 2000, and Mac OS X.
Antivirus
Students should have one (and only one) anti-virus program installed that is updated regularly.
We recommend the following antivirus software:
- Sophos Antivirus (available free to students and faculty at the Help Desk in the 501 Bldg.)
- Norton Anitvirus (also part of Norton Internet Security)
- McAfee VirusscanSeveral free programs are available as well:
- Grisoft AVG
- Avast
Anti-spyware
Students should have several anti-spyware programs installed and used regularly. We recommend the following programs:
- Windows Defender
- Spybot Search and Destroy
- Lavasoft Adaware SE Personal
Network Access
Every room has at least two ethernet capable data ports. Almost all newer computers come standard with built-in ethernet cards. Laptops generally contain a wireless card. Wireless access is available in the Student Unions, Libraries, and classroom buildings. It is also available in Kaufmann residence center as well as the bottom three floors of Schramm Residence Hall. University Wireless is not yet available in the other residence halls.
Ethernet cables are available at the UNL Computer Stores.
Word Processing
Microsoft Office/Microsoft Word is the most common word processing application. Microsoft Office is available to students at the UNL Computer stores for under $15.
Strongly Discouraged
The use of any wireless router or wired firewall/router is discouraged. All active ports on the residence network are monitored and any ports causing problems will be shut down.
