Q. Why should I purchase the computer recommended by the School of Business Administration? 1) Several mandatory BSAD courses will require a notebook computer to complete quizzes, exams and in-class exercises.  Faculty will assume students have machines meeting the recommended specifications which might not be met by Windows-based machines not purchased from UVM’s Computer Depot; 2) The device will be used in your business classes; 3) The notebook computer’s capability is also extremely useful for non-business courses; 4)  You will be expected to use your mobile computing device proficiently – having a non-standard device adds a layer of complexity to your support options which can cost you valuable time when you most need it instead of accomplishing course related assignments or projects.

Q. Why NOT buy a less expensive computer from a retailer?    1) The warranties on these notebooks are likely to be severely inferior to those provided with the BSAD recommended systems (accidental damage coverage, multi-year warranties, etc.); 2) The reputability of the companies that make the components (sound devices, LCDs, video adapters, hard drives, memory, etc.) of the notebooks we recommend are of high quality.  The higher quality components will carry better legacy support and problem resolution compared to the components used in lower-end systems.  Furthermore, the higher-end business notebook computers we recommend have undergone rigorous driver testing to ensure compatibility; 3) The quality of service provided by lower-end computer manufacturers is frequently second-rate; 4) Notebooks typically sold by retailers are cluttered with useless advertisements and trial software which can severely slow down the computer even if uninstalled.

Q. What is the difference between a notebook and a Pen-based tablet computer? A Pen-based notebook computer enables the user to digitally capture handwriting by writing directly on the screen eliminating the need to use traditional paper notebooks. The tablet has all the functionality of a full notebook computer with the added features of a Pen-based computer.  Moreover, with the use of Microsoft Office OneNote, students can organize their notes, website clips, charts, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, and many other formats in an intuitive searchable (yes, even the handwriting is searchable) format.

Q. What if I find the size of the screen on the tablet to be too small? There is always a trade-off between having an ultra-mobile and lightweight computer.  We recommend purchasing the Media Bay with the Dell tablet and using it as a docking station at your desk, connected to a large, flat-screen monitor, a keyboard and mouse to simulate a desktop computer.

Q. What is the warranty? Out of the box, the computer is covered for 3 years parts and labor, 3 years accidental damage and 1 year battery. This includes access to Dell’s 24-hour call center 800 274-7799 and online support tools at http://support.dell.com/.  Even though these resources are available through Dell, we recommend that your first call always be to the BSAD helpline because our technicians are most familiar with the systems and customized software configuration installed on the systems.

Q. What if my laptop is stolen? Contact the Computer Depot and campus or local police department and file a theft report with your insurance company. We recommend you insure the computer against theft on your homeowner's insurance or through a third-party insurance agent.

Q. What should I do on a regular basis to maintain my laptop? Regularly update antivirus software and virus definitions; back up data files; change your password; defragment your hard drive; ensure your computer has the latest updates. 

Q. Can I upgrade my notebook from the basic configuration? Yes. The Depot offers great pricing on upgrades and external peripheral options such as printers, monitors, extra batteries, external hard drives for backups, etc. Please visit them to obtain these items.

Q. What if I already own a notebook computer? Your computer may NOT be able to run the required software packages and you will be at a disadvantage if your computer doesn’t meet the performance requirements over your four years at UVM. Several mandatory BSAD courses require notebook computers in class to complete quizzes, exams and other exercises. It may be necessary to remove software that is not compatible with the school's required software. Call 802 656-8327 or 802 656-1003 to discuss the adequacy of your current machine.

Q. How will I use my notebook computer in class? You will use this tool in and out of the classroom to perform one or more of the following tasks:

Q. Should I buy extra batteries? Depending on the power management settings and how the computer is being used, a typical charge will last from 2-4 hours. Some students opt to purchase a second battery.  It may also be handy to have a second AC Adapter in order to keep one in the student’s room and the other permanently in the computer back-pack while traveling.

Q. Why does BSAD require students to own a computer? We view learning computer skills as an integral part of your education. The required software has been incorporated into the School’s curriculum.

Q. Who will service my computer while I am at UVM? For computer systems purchased through the University’s Computer Depot, they provide hardware support.  If you purchase a system from another vendor, that vendor will service your computer according to the terms of your purchase agreement.  The business school provides BSAD students on-site software support.

Mac-Specific Information

Based on our experience, some students have faced Mac-specific issues that require additional downtime.  As a result, they are unable to use their personal computers to complete coursework.  We discourage BSAD students from using Macs due to these additional complexities.  BSAD does not support OS X (the Mac operating system) or any software installed on OS X.  We support Windows Vista Business and its installation through Boot Camp on Intel-Based Apple computers.  Students are responsible for preparing their Apple computers for a Windows installation that can be performed by our IT support group.  All coursework is designed for Windows-based computers, not Mac OS X; faculty will NOT adjust course materials or requirements to support the Mac operating system and software support for you Mac may take longer than if you owned a Windows-only machine.

UVM’s on-site computer retailer sells Mac computers.  Although we do not recommend students purchase Apple computers for the coursework at the School of Business Administration, buying an Apple computer through the Depot will entitle you to receive on-site hardware support.  Please keep in mind that the included Mac warranty does not cover accidental damage.  The School of Business Administration officially recommends systems that include 3-year hardware warranties and 3-years of accidental damage coverage.  Experience has shown that many students utilize the accidental damage coverage and, subsequently, avoid the costs associated with repairing a physically damaged computer – which can at times be as much as one-half of the original purchase price.