UC Davis Information & Educational Technology

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Student Section

I just learned I've been accepted to UC Davis. Do I need a computer?
In a word, yes. UC Davis expects every entering undergraduate student to own a computer that meets certain minimum performance standards and that can connect effectively to the Internet. Since professors will expect that you have access to a computer, you will be responsible for computer-related class assignments and activities whether you actually own a computer or not. Thus, the campus regards a computer that meets the minimum standards as a tool that is highly appropriate and one that will enhance your academic experience.

What are the minimum performance standards with which my computer should comply?
The campus expects students' computers to be able to run a word processing program, a spreadsheet program, an email program, a Web browser, and to be equipped with a CD-ROM drive. The campus also encourages you to have your own printer. For detailed specifications for new computer purchases click here.

I already have a computer; can I use it at UC Davis?
If your present computer runs word-processing, spreadsheet, e-mail, and web-browsing programs well, but doesn't meet the new computer recommendations listed at http://computerownership.ucdavis.edu/laptop_config.php, it may still be adequate for general work, at least initially. As your curriculum becomes more advanced, especially in the graphic arts and sciences, you may need to upgrade at some point. In general, the older the computer, the more likely you will need to upgrade eventually. Go to http://computerownership.ucdavis.edu/obsolete_config.php for specifications of obsolete computer systems that cannot run current software products necessary for daily computing, access some files required for classes, and are commonly unsupported by vendors.

I'm going to buy a new computer; should I buy a Mac or a PC?
The campus supports both Macintosh and PC-compatible computer platforms. You should check with your major department to see if they recommend one platform over the other. If not, the choice is up to you. The performance differences between Macs and PCs are minimal, both should meet your basic word processing, spreadsheet, and Internet needs.

Should I buy a laptop or a desktop?
When purchasing a computer, students should seriously consider purchasing a laptop. Laptops have the considerable advantage and convenience of being mobile and easy to bring to classes, the library, wireless study lounges, cafés, etc.

Should I buy a printer?
A printer is highly recommended and will be the most convenient option for you. When selecting a printer, it is important to consider the cost of replacement ink, toner, and other supplies. You can use the campus computer labs to print, but keep in mind that each computer lab user has a sheet per quarter quota. Once you have exceeded your quota, you will automatically be charged for each printed sheet; to see the current quota and cost to print additional sheets, please check out the IET Computer Room Printing Policies at http://clm.ucdavis.edu/rooms/printing.

Does the campus recommend any computers or vendors?
See Purchasing Options.

How long will this computer last me?
It's difficult to say exactly how long a computer will last - mostly because you can tax the capabilities of your computer system more and more as you integrate it into your daily work. The configurations recommended are designed to have a two to four year life span. If you like to upgrade to the latest software or are going to use your computer for applications beyond the basic Internet and word processing arena, you may need to upgrade your hardware more frequently.

Where should I buy my computer? Does the campus sell computers?
You can purchase from any vendor you choose as long as the computer you buy meets or exceeds the campus recommended specifications. The UC Davis Bookstore TechHUB sells computers that meet the recommended specifications.

Can I get financial aid to help purchase a computer?
The Financial Aid Office has developed a Computer Purchase Program that may provide eligible undergraduate financial aid recipients with a loan to purchase a computer. For more details, check with the Financial Aid Office.

When should I get my computer?
It's your responsibility to ensure you have access to a computer by your first quarter at UC Davis. If you do not own computer by that time, you need to make sure that you are able to use another computer.

Can I borrow or rent a computer from UC Davis?
No, the campus does not have a computer lending program.

Are there computer rooms on campus?
Information and Educational Technology (IET) manages 17 campus computer rooms (or "labs") with almost 500 computers. Several of the computer rooms are equipped with both Macintosh and PC computers, and all of the computers have a wide range of software. Some of these labs are Open Access labs, which means they are never reserved for classes or seminars, and are available for you to use at any time during the lab's normal operating hours; however, these labs are frequently busy, and you may need to wait in line for an available computer. For more information about all of the IET-managed labs, their locations, and their hours, check out the Student Computing Guide Web site at http://clm.ucdavis.edu/rooms.

Are there computer rooms for dorm residents?
If you're going to live in the dorms, you will have access to the Learning Resource Centers (or "LRCs") located in the Dining Commons building of each of the four dorms: Segundo, Tercero, Castilian, and Webster/Thoreau. These are managed by Student Housing and have computers and other educational resources for dorm residents. These tend to be less busy than the other campus computer rooms. For more information about the LRCs, go to http://www.housing.ucdavis.edu/current/LRC/.

I have a laptop; where can I use it on campus?
If you have a wireless-network card, there are numerous wireless locations on campus. See Wireless Networking.

Do I need to use a computer to register for classes?
Yes, class registration can only be done online at SISWEB. Remember, you can also use campus computer labs to register for classes online.

Where can I find technical and software support on campus?
The IT Express Computing Services Help Desk is the central campus access point to help you with common computer problems or questions. Located in room 182 of Shields Library, IT Express Computing Help Desk provides consulting in person, over the telephone 530-754-HELP (4357), and over email (ithelp@ucdavis.edu). The IT Express Computing Services Help Desk Web site (http://itexpress.ucdavis.edu/) is also very helpful. If you experience computer problems, this is the best place on campus to begin your search for answers. To see a list of the software that IT Express Computing Help Desk supports, please go to http://itexpress.ucdavis.edu/support/.

How can I find out about all the campus computing resources available to students at UC Davis?
The Student Computing Guide Web site (http://scg.ucdavis.edu/) was written by students for students. It is an all-in-one resource for learning more about campus computing services, and is a gateway to the many UC Davis Web sites that can help you find out about computing resources. Additionally, the SCG posts current news and information about student computer jobs.

Contact us if you have questions or need further information:
E-Mail Address: ithelp@ucdavis.edu
IT-Express Phone Number: 530-754-HELP (4357)