UC Davis expects students to have their own computers. Toward that end, Information and Educational Technology works with other areas of campus each spring to develop a list of minimum Microsoft, Apple, laptop and desktop configurations that work in UC Davis' computing environment. Students should use these recommendations to guide the purchase of new computers for the 2012-2013 academic year. To the degree that technology can be predicted, a system that at least meets these recommendations should support students' basic needs for two to four years.

Having a computer helps students accomplish a broad range of educational activities, and benefit from in- and out-of-class opportunities to the fullest possible extent. Specifically, UC Davis recommends:

• Using a laptop rather than a desktop computer. The spread of wireless access, and the increasing use of computers for individual and group work at various locations, create many advantages to owning a laptop.
• If buying a PC, select a system with the Windows 7 Home Premium edition or better. Please check with your school or college to find out if it has specific recommendations.
• We do not recommend using only a tablet, netbook, or other small device instead of a computer. Computers smaller than a laptop cannot comfortably perform all the functions a student is likely to need or want when accessing computing resources at UC Davis.

These computer systems might not be able to 1) run current software needed for daily computing, or 2) access specific files required for classes. Vendors usually do not support them.

The UC Davis Store on the Davis campus offers several computer systems designed to meet or exceed the minimum campus performance standards. Read more at its TechHUB website.

The IT Express Computing Services Help Desk provides assistance with many topics, including software, campus Internet access, and activating and accessing your UC Davis email and computing accounts. IT Express is open weekdays, except holidays, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 530-754-HELP (4357).

TechHUB offers Apple authorized repairs, repairs to out-of-warranty PCs, and more. Call 530-752-1302.