Buyer's Guide to Technology

The ND Computer Store Buyer's Guide is designed to help you choose the products that best meet your needs. Our goal is to provide a wide variety of information on the major products available through the ND Computer Store. Not all products are referenced in our Buyer's guide, so if you see a need for additional information, please contact us via e-mail or phone us toll-free at 877-561-7477. See current year Computer Recommendations here.

Should I buy a PC or Macintosh?
Laptop or Desktop?
What is the ND Computer Store?
Where is the ND Computer Store located?
How to buy from the ND Computer Store?
Why buy from the ND Computer Store?
Do I need a computer?
Should I upgrade my computer or buy a new one?
Should I rent a computer or purchase something used?
Frequently Asked Questions

Should I buy a PC or a Macintosh?

The OIT does not recommend one platform over another. The OIT provides assistance for both PCs and Macs and their software. When making your decision, a good rule of thumb is "go with what you know." A student faces many new challenges when starting college, so it's probably a good idea not to add the effort of learning the ins and outs of a new system.

Other Considerations:
Market Share - It's true that PCs outnumber Macs on campus, however, exchanging documents and files between a PC and a Mac is not a problem as many of the Office Suites allow for cross platform compatibility. Products like Boot Camp, Parallels, or VMware Fusion allow you to run PC programs on your Mac if you have the system resources (hard disk space & memory) they require.

The Technology - Both platforms are reliable, although we recommend that the perspective PC buyer always ask with which manufacturers the University has relationships. For a new student without easy access to the South Bend area, finding quality, service centers off-campus who are knowledgeable of Notre Dame's computing environment is very difficult. The Mac is generally viewed as being easier to set up and configure and, is touted to be a more friendly platform for loading new software and hardware components, as well as being less prone to viruses and worms.

Variety of Choices - PCs are made by many companies and are available everywhere. At Notre Dame, we recommend the commercial-grade models from Apple, Dell, & Lenovo. For more help in identifying a computer to fit your needs, contact a ND Computer Store consultant toll-free at 877-561-7477 or via e-mail at: solution@nd.edu.

Laptop or Desktop?

Laptop Pros:

• Portable and convenient
• Lightweight - carry them anywhere
• Take up less space on your desk
• Wireless Internet Option

Laptop Cons:

• Smaller keyboards
• Smaller displays (monitors)
• More expensive to purchase and to repair

Desktop Pros:

• Bigger monitor
• Bigger keyboard
• Less expensive to purchase, repair, and upgrade

Desktop Cons:

• Takes up more space on your desk
• Limited to using it in one location

Although the University of Notre Dame strongly encourages the purchase of laptops, your decision should be based primarily on how you plan to use your computer and the size of your computing budget.

What is the ND Computer Store?

The ND Computer Store is a consulting and sales facility in the Office of Information Technologies (OIT). At the ND Computer Store, you can purchase complete systems, computer peripherals (e.g. printers), software, supplies, and accessories. The ND Computer Store provides information about all OIT products and services and processes personal purchases for Notre Dame students, staff, & faculty.

Where is the ND Computer Store located?

The ND Computer Store is located in 103 Information Technology Center, which is building 1061 on the campus map. To view a campus map click here.

Who can purchase from the ND Computer Store?

Any full-time student, staff member, or faculty member at the University of Notre Dame, St. Mary's College, or Holy Cross College can place an order with the OIT ND Computer Store. ND Alumni can also take advantage of computer hardware purchases.

How to buy from the ND Computer Store?

To purchase items from the ND Computer Store, students may order by phone, use our online service, or come to the ND Computer Store in person at 103 Information Technology Center.

Financing purchases for Faculty, Students and Staff: While the ND Computer Store is not able to offer a University-funded option, we have partnered with the Notre Dame Federal Credit Union to offer a program which will meet a variety of needs.

Methods of Payment: The ND Computer Store will accept Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, DOMER $$, and the NDFCU Technology Products Loan (Click here for more details on this financing program). We cannot currently add charges for computer systems to the University bill (aka Student Account).

Why buy from the ND Computer Store?

The ND Computer Store sells a wide variety of computer systems, hardware, software, services, supplies, and accessories. But so do a lot of stores, catalog merchants, mail-order vendors, and Web sites. Why buy from the ND Computer Store?

HERE'S WHY!

Notre Dame knowledge - As the primary distributor of computing services to the ND community, the ND Computer Store and its staff know the campus. They have more knowledge about your needs, limitations, and unique circumstances than any other vendor.

Access to expertise - The ND Computer Store is your campus computer store. You can go there (or make a phone call) and talk to a real person about your computing needs. You will be helped by someone who understands your situation, not someone half way across America, or a high-school kid at the big-box store. You'll get the responsiveness you should expect from a campus computing resource.

Quality products at great prices - The ND Computer Store offers a rich mix of Commercial-grade mid-range and high-end computing solutions tailored to the unique needs of the networked higher-education user. Plus, you'll get competitive prices, some offered exclusively to the education market. You'll also find the gear and services you need to operate your computer effectively. No factory seconds or cut-rate knockoffs here. You'll find computer systems from Apple, Dell, Lenovo, and others; printers from Canon, Epson, HP, and Lexmark; software from Adobe, Microsoft,...the list is impressive. Remember: students need an Ethernet card to be connected to the campus network. The OIT provides an Ethernet connection in the dorms as well as wireless connectivity as part of the educational experience. Upper classmen who live off-campus will need a high-speed connection via an ISP. Wired and Wireless Ethernet cards are available at the ND Computer Store.

Service and support - The ND Computer Store, in partnership with other areas of OIT, can provide the help you need to use your computing system effectively and keep it operating. To learn how to use your system, you can get training from OIT Education Services. If you need quick attention to a problem with your system or the network to which it is attached, contact the OIT Help Desk. If something breaks, you can ask the experts at OIT Service Center to fix it for you.

Do I need a computer?

Undergraduate students at Notre Dame are not required to own a computer. If a course requires the use of a computer, you can use the equipment and software available at the Computing Clusters (labs) and other non-OIT on-campus facilities. At this time, no under-graduate or graduate programs require a computer be purchased specifically for their course of study. For more information on computing facilities available to all students, visit the OIT Clusters site.

Should I upgrade or buy a new computer?

That computer you so proudly unpacked and set up only a few years ago is showing its age. It might not be an albatross yet, but it might not be the fast, robust, gleaming piece of gear it once was. New applications, graphics-rich programs, and high-performance peripheral devices demand computing horsepower. Older machines might not have it. The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) on your computer’s motherboard, for example, might not accommodate the multi-gigabyte storage devices that are becoming the norm nowadays. (An older BIOS might have a 2.1-GB limit.) So do you rush out and buy a new computer? Or do you just upgrade your old machine to bring it into the twenty-first century?

Buy New? - You can get a computer that will capably handle today’s games, office and Internet applications, graphics, peripherals, and operating systems. New computers are faster for less money than when you bought your last machine.

Upgrade? - If you choose to upgrade, you can pay as little or as much as you want and get the computer you want. No need to buy features and performance that you won’t use. The real advantage to this is that you can upgrade slowly and buy things when you need them instead of paying all at once like you would for a new computer.

What to buy if you’re upgrading? Try these:

• A bigger hard drive (in case you’re running out of room for your data)
• More RAM (to speed up your computer and crash less)
• New speakers (you can even get a subwoofer with them now - stereo systems pale by comparison)
• Upgraded sound card (for surround sound and better MIDI output)
• Faster video card (for flicker-free DVD playback.)
• Bigger monitor, maybe with a 3-D accelerator card
• A USB port (so your new printer, scanner, or digital camera will more easily work with your computer).
• DVD-ROM Drive (for watching movies and installing the newest software)
• CD-RW Drive (CD Burner)

Should I purchase something used?

Department, Faculty, Staff, & Student Laptop Rentals (short term):
For complete information including specifications, software included, prices, and terms of use, visit our Computer Rental page.

Refreshed systems for sale
While the University does not buy used computer equipment, we will occasionally sell systems which have been replaced by newer systems. Many times these used systems don’t have a warranty, but are still high-quality systems which may meet personal or University requirements. You can find information on used systems at NDSurplus and select the Surplus Property featured link. We sometimes have systems that are discontinued, returned, or over-stock. See one of our Retail Consultants for more information on these items.

Frequently Asked Questions

Back-to-School Events for Incoming & Returning Students
Computer Hardware Questions & Recommendations
Software Questions
Campus Computer Network & Internet Questions
Configuration, Setup, and Service Questions
Security and Insurance Questions

Back-to-School Events for Incoming & Returning Students

Is there an organized effort for informing incoming & returning students about technology offerings on campus?

We have specifics on training, public clusters, and do-it-yourself information at the OIT Help Desk. The OIT ND Computer Store has demonstration units of the recommended campus computer systems. The ND Computer Store is located on the main floor of the Information Technology Center (building #1061 on your campus map). The OIT Help Desk is located on the main floor of DeBartolo Hall, room 128. Each year, the Notre Dame Computer Store mails informational brochures or flyers to incoming students.

Who should come to the Computer Store?

During orientation weekend, those who have not ordered and will need consulting assistance on purchasing a computer or accessories are invited to speak with one of our Retail Consultants or with representatives from prefered computer vendors.

Please call us toll free at 877-561-7477 should you have questions.

Is there help for incoming and returning students who already have computers?

For in-room residence hall help, contact a ResNet representative.

Do you ever have a sale?

Our pricing is very competitive with other outlets. We have educational pricing agreements with major mainstream manufacturers, including Apple, Dell and Lenovo and scores of accessory and software providers. Academic pricing runs year round however Back-to-School tends to bring out special promotions from our vendors.

Computer Hardware Questions & Recommendations

Do many students buy printers? If I don’t buy a printer, how can I print?

Many students find that having a personal printer allows them to make reliable, consistent printouts for their class work conveniently in their dorm room. There are some network printing options available to students. The University does offer on-campus computer labs (called clusters) which have printers. The hours and availability of use of each of these labs is limited, so a personal printer is often best for the sake of convenience. For details on computer clusters visit the OIT Clusters site.

Do you offer docking stations or port replicators for laptops?

Many of our manufacturers offer a docking solution. Very few students elect this option due to the cost. Just ask your ND Computer Store Retail Consultant for details.

What can I do to keep my computer free of viruses and to keep it in good working condition?

Download the Notre Dame TakeCharge suite of security tools and install them from Notre Dame's information security website.

Do you recommend power protection devices(e.g. surge protectors, etc.)?

We recommend a surge protector to help protect against power spikes that can cause damage to the system. The ND Computer Store also has surge protectors specific to laptop computers in-stock.

Software Questions

What are the recommended productivity suites (software) sold by the OIT ND Computer Store, and supported on campus?

The OIT ND Computer Store currently offers students, faculty, and staff significant savings on Microsoft Campus Agreement software.* The most popular package is the Microsoft Office Suite for PC or Mac. This is the standard used by professors and students at Notre Dame. Go to the Microsoft Campus Agreement web page for details on our license agreements. Most Microsoft titles sell for $50 each.

*Available only to Notre Dame students. St. Mary's and Holy Cross College students are not eligible to participate in this Microsoft offer.

Campus Computer Network & Internet Questions

Will students need an ISP (Internet service provider) like AOL, AT&T for Internet access and software?

The OIT-provided Ethernet wired or wireless connection is your gateway to the Internet. Browser,
e-mail, and other IP applications are provided by the OIT.

What computers can access the Internet at Notre Dame?

Every computer registered on the Notre Dame network has access to the Internet, either via wired or wireless connection.

My computer already has an Ethernet card. Will this work with the University’s network?

This depends on the brand and capabilities of the network card. You can find the needed specifications at the ResNet Web page or send an e-mail with your card's specifications to the OIT ND Computer Store at solution@nd.edu.

I have an Ethernet card in my computer which meets the needed specifications. Is there anything else I need?

You need an Ethernet cable (RJ-45) which will connect your computer to the network jack in your dorm room. This cable is available at the ND Computer Store in 7’, 14’, 25’, and 50' foot lengths. Most students purchase the 25’ cable for more flexibility.

How does the student access the internet, or the University network, from their own computer?

For a computer to gain internet or network access, it needs to have a network card, network cable and an operating system supported by the Office of Information Technologies -- Microsoft XP Pro, Microsoft Vista Ultimate or Apple OS X, for example. Users also must register their computers on the ND network.

When do students get their e-mail accounts?

You should have received information on your NetID and e-mail account from mailings sent over the summer by the First Year of Studies. Continuing students maintain their e-mail accounts throughout their years of study at Notre Dame.

Do students have other available storage, other than their personal computers?

Every student is assigned shared file space on the University's system.  For more details, check out the OIT Shared File Space site.

How do I know if my current computer will be able to interface with the University network?

You can check the minimum recommended hardware requirements.

Configuration, Setup, and Service Questions

Where do I go if my computer needs warranty service? The ND Computer Store?

You need to go to the OIT Service Center. It is located next to the ND Computer Store in the Information Technology Center (building 1061 on your campus map). The OIT Service Center is authorized to service any new unit sold through the ND Computer Store.

I’m not very computer literate, how do I get training and help?

The OIT offers free training for students. Visit Education Services for more information.

I’m not confident that I can set up my new computer, is there someone who can do this for me?

Although we strongly encourage each student to do the setup themselves, the OIT ND Computer Store can arrange to have your computer configured to your individual specifications (The fee for in-house configuration is $60/hour with a $20 minimum). In an effort to have every student familiar with the technology that they own, we encourage each student to do the setup themselves. The installation is fairly simple, straightforward and with this level of familiarity each student will be able to troubleshoot problems when no other help is available. During the BTS Orientation, see your own Hall Rector for in-dorm assistance advice.

Security & Insurance Questions

What about security? Is there anything I can do to protect myself against theft?

While the ultimate responsibility lies with the student, we offer security cable kit’s that will help to prevent theft. These kit's are in-stock at the ND Computer Store.

Can we purchase insurance to protect our computers?

The ND Computer Store does not offer insurance for computers. We recommend you check with your local or family insurance agent to see if he or she has any available options. A student’s system may be covered by a parent’s homeowners coverage (see your insurance agent to be sure). Most computer vendors offer Accidental Damage Protection in addition to the base limited warranty. Look for this option or ask one of our sales consultant's to explain how this protection works for you.