Before you purchase a system, we'd urge you to examine how you'd use that computer. Your work habits, possible fields of study, and interests should shape your decision.

• Decide between Apple Macintosh and Windows systems: Which platform matches your interests? In general, DOS/Windows systems are less expensive for similar processing speed. Macintoshes can be easier to set up, to learn, and to use.
  
  
• Decide whether a portable computer or a desktop computer is more appropriate for your work habits. Desktop computers are generally less expensive but require that you do your work in one location. Laptop computers allow students to compute on the go, connecting to the campus network from a growing number of network jacks in the Morris Library, classrooms, study areas, computing sites, and other locations.
  
  If your courses, activities, and research involve a lot of travel or fieldwork, you may also find a portable computer to be a good investment.
  
  
• Decide on a budgeting strategy, but plan for the long term. You could buy a powerful computer now or buy an inexpensive computer now and plan to upgrade it later on. Some vendors even have leasing programs that allow you to upgrade your computer every 2-3 years.
  
  
• Budget for software as well as hardware. Word processing and spreadsheet software can be purchased with most systems; however, you may also need other software for communications, graphics, and specialized projects. See the section below on software purchasing options.
  
  Be aware that unauthorized copying of licensed software is illegal.
  
  
• Prepare your computer to connect to our campus network and the Internet.