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Frequent Q&A's

This Guide describes Drexel's academic computing programs and provides information on how to select and buy a personal computer for use while at Drexel. Computers configured for use in college are different than basic home computers because the needs of higher education are more rigorous.

1. Must I have my own personal computer to complete my coursework?
2. If I already own a computer, do I need to purchase a second one?
3. How will I use my computer while I'm at Drexel?
4. Will a desktop or a laptop system be better?
5. Am I required to bring my computer to class?
6. How will I use the Internet, Resnet, Dragonfly?
7. What kind of computer configuration does Drexel recommend?
8. What computer brands does Drexel recommend?
9. What software will I need; what does Drexel provide for me?
10. Why should I buy these systems when I see less expensive ones advertised?
11. Can I finance my purchase over time?
12. Can I get an extended repair warranty for my new computer?
13. Shall I buy a computer now so I can get used to it before classes begin?
14. Do I need a printer?
15. Who can I call for more information?

1. Must I have my own personal computer to complete my coursework?

Yes, since 1983 Drexel University has had a policy that each student must have personal access to a computer in his/her place of residence -- whether in the residence hall, apartment or at home. This has been identified as a requirement for success in Drexel's academic program and for success in the professional world as well. Over time the computer has become a more vital and necessary educational tool and the importance of this requirement has grown.

While the University provides a number of computers in public access areas, their availability is limited; they are intended to supplement your computer rather than replace it. The ability to access a computer to complete work at any time of day or night is essential to keeping pace with Drexel's quarter system and the increasing academic standards within individual courses.

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2. If I already own a computer, do I need to purchase a second one?

Maybe. Drexel's requirement is that you have personal access in your room to a microcomputer. Should you already own a computer that meets or exceeds the "Your Current Personal Computer" specifications in question 7, you may be able to delay your purchase at this time. It is likely, however, that you will have to purchase a more powerful new machine, comparable to those Drexel recommends, at some time during your undergraduate study.

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3. How will I use my computer while I'm at Drexel?

You will use your computer as both a labor saving device and a tool for exploring ideas. You will use it to write reports and presentations, to record and analyze data, to participate in online courses, simulate lecture demonstrations and laboratory experiments, retrieve bibliographic and Internet information, and much, much more. Some of the work on the computer will be assigned to you, but you will also find uses for this educational tool on your own. You will probably use it when you go on your co-op assignments. You will come to depend on it extensively and regard it as a necessity.

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4. Will a desktop or a laptop system be better?

Notebook computers, because they are portable, make it easy to work anywhere. Further they can take advantage of DragonFly, Drexel's wireless network, to access the campus network and the Internet without wires from virtually the entire campus. Desktop systems usually offer a lower entry price point.

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5. Am I required to bring my computer to class?

Drexel doesn't require students to bring a computer to class. However, you may want to anyway so that you can take notes, work on assignments, and have access to the Internet via Dragonfly This may be particularly attractive since all of the classrooms and lecture halls are equipped with wireless networking. If you need to use a computer during class time, your instructor will schedule your class in a room equipped with computers.

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6. How will I use the Internet, Resnet, Dragonfly?

Drexel makes extensive use of the Internet and its own networks to facilitate communication between students and faculty, to register for classes and obtain grades, for research, education and personal use. To aid this, the University expects that all students will be able to access the Internet. Students with notebook computers should ensure that their computer includes a modem, an Ethernet adapter and compatible wireless network card. Desktop computer users should ensure that their computer includes a modem and an Ethernet adapter. These recommendations hold true for both residents and commuters.

Dragonfly provides wireless network service from any place on the Drexel campus. Dragonfly makes the most sense for notebook computers since portability and wireless access are a great combination. To use Dragonfly you'll need a wireless Ethernet adapter. Most newer notebook computers can be bought with Wi-Fi (also called 802.11b) built in. We recommend you choose this feature when configuring your own computer through the vendors. However, even machines without built-in Wi-Fi can use Dragonfly with the help of an add-in Wi-Fi adapter. For more complete information on our wireless network, features and equipment see http://inside.drexel.edu/networking/wireless/. Click on the link, "What You Need to Buy."

ResNet provides each student in the residence halls with his or her own high-speed network connection. To use this connection, the computer must have an Ethernet adapter. Drexel strongly recommends that you purchase an Ethernet adapter pre-installed from the vendor when you order your computer. If the computer you currently own does not already have an Ethernet adapter, Drexel strongly recommends that you get a 3Com or Intel brand Ethernet adapter for it. Other brands may work, but the University has found that 3Com and Intel Ethernet cards provide the easiest and most trouble-free setup and operation.

It is our experience that students who bring inexpensive, inferior Ethernet adapters or computers to campus often have connection problems. In most cases, the consultants on campus cannot help connect your computer to the campus network. You may spend considerable time and expense attempting to isolate the cause of your connection problem.

Off-campus users must have a modem and an account with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to access the Internet. Drexel has negotiated with DCANet, a local ISP, to offer several service plans, including one that costs just $9.95/month. Drexel recommends using a modem that is compatible with the x.90 standards; these modems operate at speeds up to 56 K-bits-per-second. More information on DCANet service plans is available at http://www.drexel.dca.net.

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7. What kind of computer configuration does Drexel recommend?

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8. What computer brands does Drexel recommend?

Dell, Gateway, HP, IBM, and Apple are among the many vendors that sell computers meeting Drexel's requirements. Drexel prefers that you purchase these brands because you can depend on the quality of the goods and after-sale service that they offer. The higher-education contacts below offer special discounts for back-to-school purchases.

Dell Computer (888) 987-3355
Dell Purchases for Drexel

Gateway (800) 846-2754
Gateway Purchases for Drexel

HP (877) 480-4433 x15543
HP Purchases for Drexel

Apple Computer (800) 780-5009
Apple Purchases for Drexel

IBM
IBM Purchases for Drexel

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9. What software will I need; what does Drexel provide for me?

Drexel will distribute a package of CD-ROMs before the start of classes. Each September, the package includes Microsoft Office current version for both Windows and Macintosh, and the annual Drexel CD, which provides a technical resource to computing at the University, instructions for getting connected to the Drexel network, using email, etc. Other software licensed at Drexel for distribution is available at the University libraries and on the Drexel network. Depending upon your choice of major and elective coursework, you may need to purchase additional software during your career at Drexel. Computer labs also may be equipped with software necessary for classes held in them.

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10. Why should I buy these systems when I see less expensive ones advertised?

Drexel has worked with these vendors to establish price-competitive, pre-configured bundles that meet the standard of quality necessary for use throughout the University during your college career. The same basic systems chassis could be configured with less memory and storage space, slower processors, and poorer quality monitors, with a correspondingly lower price. For the most part, machines with comparable features have comparable prices. You should find that the systems recommended here will have better prices than comparable systems advertised in the newspaper because of discounts that have been made available, where possible, to Drexel students.

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11. Can I finance my purchase over time?

Dell, Gateway, and Apple offer installment plans for students attending college. For more information, call the vendors or visit their web sites.

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12. Can I get an extended repair warranty for my new computer?

Yes, most computers sold today have the option to extend the manufacturer's hardware warranty. It is best to purchase this extended warranty when you are buying the computer system. Some computer vendors will not allow you to purchase an extended repair warranty after you have purchased the equipment. Some extended warranties offered are "on site" coverage and some are "carry in" hardware repair warranties. Before you buy the extended repair service contract check to make sure that there are computer repair companies near your residence that will honor the service contract once you purchase it.

Computer Fixer on Campus offers "carry in" extended hardware repair warranties on existing equipment beyond the original equipment warranty. Computer Fixer is located in room 007 in the basement of the Korman Computing Center, and the phone number is (215) 387-5900. If you wish to purchase the "carry in" extended hardware repair warranty on your existing equipment, understand that the equipment will have to be brought in for a "bench test" before the extended warranty can be purchased. There will be a fee for the bench test if your computer's original equipment warranty has expired.

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13. Shall I buy a computer now so I can get used to it before classes begin?

You will want to have your computer set up and ready to bring to campus with you in the Fall when classes begin. If you will be a resident student, you will bring the computer with you when you move in. From our past experience, the computer package features and pricing structure tends to be at the most favorable to the consumer during summer. Keep in mind that the websites we have provided in question #8 of this site are direct links to the computer vendors, who keep their site information up to date with their current offers. The choice of precisely when to purchase is ultimately yours.

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14. Do I need a printer?

The Korman Computing Center, Hagerty Library and other departments provide laser printing for a fee. However, Drexel recommends that students purchase their own printers to ensure access at any time. A good-quality ink-jet printer can be purchased for less than $100. Drexel has had good success with printers from Lexmark, Hewlett-Packard, Canon, and Epson. Our listed vendors, Dell, Gateway and Apple, can sell you a printer when you buy your computer.

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15. Who can I call for more information?

Drexel has set up a special phone number and email address for issues regarding computer selection. The telephone number is (215) 895-5855. The email address is computer@drexel.edu.

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Please check this web site throughout the year for updated computer hardware, prices and any future program changes.