What hardware and software standards, if any, does the campus require, recommend, and/or support?
Most campuses have found that they can significantly improve their overall level of support and student success by standardizing on one or a few types of computer systems instead of many. Computing systems that meet a common standard are much easier to maintain in large numbers. The campus can more effectively troubleshoot problems and upgrade to newer versions. Training, consulting, and troubleshooting are simplified. Most importantly, faculty can rely on common standards to ensure that every student has access to software that will work for an assignment, and so are much more likely to incorporate computing and networking in the academic curriculum.
Many campuses offer students special services and/or discounts for computer systems that meet their standards. This may extend to "site licenses" that provide students access to a large collection of software at an additional fee. It is very important to investigate such campus recommendations or standards before purchasing computer equipment or software for use on campus. Even the newest computer may be of little value in particular academic assignments if it does not meet the campus standards.
