Q: I am not technically inclined, so what is the easiest way for me to be sure I have the computer I need?

A: Select a laptop from one of the recommended vendors and carefully check it against the list of requirements to make sure it meets the minimum specifications. Buy a carrying case that fits and protects the computer, MS Office 2007 Professional, and an Ethernet cable.

You may find it helpful to look at several computer vendors' websites on the Internet to become more familiar with the models, options, and prices available. You may also learn more by talking in person with knowledgeable sales personnel at computer stores.

Q: Should I buy my laptop from the Cornell Store?

A: You may make your selection from the Campus Store or elsewhere. Questions concerning your purchase at the Campus Store may be answered by calling this toll free number: 866-277-3010. The Campus Store will hold your purchase for when you arrive on campus or ship it to you.

Q: What if I already own a computer?

A: If you have a desktop computer, you really must purchase a laptop that meets our specifications. If you have a laptop, be sure that it meets our specifications, or upgrade it to ensure that it is the tool with which you will be successful here. Particularly, if your laptop has a processor speed of less than 1.6 GHz, you will need to upgrade your system or purchase a new laptop that meets our specifications. Unfortunately, slower processors do not perform reliably in our environment for the tasks you will be required to perform.

Q: I am running an older version of Windows (Win98/Millennium/Win2K). What do I need to do?

A: These operating systems will not run all our software and they are prone to crashing and freezing the computer. You need to upgrade to either Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional or Vista Premium. If your current laptop computer does not have the capacity to run one of these operating systems, you will need to purchase one that meets our specifications.

Q: Do I need Microsoft Office 2003/2007 Professional if I already own Microsoft Office 2003/2007?

A: If you already own Word 2003/2007, Excel 2003/2007, Outlook 2003/2007, and PowerPoint 2003/2007 (which come with MS Office 2003/2007) you do not need to purchase the MS Office 2003/2007 Professional product that includes Access 2003/2007. Access, a database, is useful to have, but not presently required in most courses. If you find you need Access, you may purchase that program alone or simply upgrade to the Microsoft Office 2003/2007 Professional edition. You may want to explore the educational discounts available to you at the Campus Store.

Q: When is the best time to buy my laptop?

A: The sooner you purchase your laptop, the more time you will have to become familiar with its operation and the required applications.

Q: How can I get help in using my laptop?

A: During the pre-orientation week, Technology Services will offer workshops. You will bring your laptop and either allow us to configure it or provide you with instructions to do it yourself. Other training sessions will be arranged as students need them.

Q: How long does it take to get my computer ready to do everything I will need?

A: We have developed a process where you can drop your laptop off with us in the morning and fully use it in the afternoon. Alternatively, you can make the alterations yourself which can take a few hours.

Q: Do you support operating systems other than the English versions of the Windows XP/Vista Premium or Microsoft Office 2003/2007?

A: No. We have found that we cannot provide consistent support for non-English, non-Windows based systems.

Q: Should I se the same computer I use for my Job?

A: If you do bring your business laptop to use in the school's program, be aware of these potentially limiting factors:

• School network settings often conflict with corporate requirements.
• Operating system updates are often not allowed.
• Microsoft Office updates are often not allowed.
• The installation of third party software is often not allowed.
• Security settings often conflict with school requirements.
• The user is often not the administrator, which means that our HelpDesk may not be allowed to work on problems that arise.

Q: Can I use a Macintosh?

A: While a Macintosh may work in many situations, we do not test the platform after changes are made in the environment and we do not look for Macintosh capable software when course software is required. We do not support, write documentation or provide training for Macintoshes or any non-Windows computer in the school for several reasons, including these:

• Most class software will only run on Windows-based computers.
• Our recruiting companies do not use non-Windows computers.
• There is little value in learning a platform that will not likely be useful in your new position.
• In order to provide excellent software support, our technology personnel are very well trained on the systems we require, but we do not invest resources training them on others.
• Compatibility issues often arise between files created on other systems and Windows.

Q: Can I use an Intel-based Macintosh?

A: We do not recommend the use of Macintoshes in our environment as noted above. Users' experiences have been stable using the bootcamp software that comes with the Macintosh. Using emulation software, that doesn't require a reboot between using the Mac and PC environments, is often problematic.

Q: What cell phone/PDA works best?

A: We run Microsoft Outlook with an Exchange server for your Email, Calendaring, Contacts, Tasks, etc. As a result, any SmartPhone or PDA that runs Windows Mobile 5 or 6 will work fine. Blackberries will work with our system, however, only Email synchronization is supported over the air. Calendars, Contacts, and Tasks may be synchronized when the Blackberry is connected to a PC with the proper software provided with the unit.