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SU students have access to a broad range of campus-based computing and information technology services.
While campus computer labs provide excellent computing resources for students, all of the University's
schools and colleges strongly recommend that students bring a computer to campus. The Microsoft
Windows and Macintosh computers that are sold through the SU Bookstore meet all of the technical
requirements outlined by SU's schools and colleges. Bookstore staff can assist students to ensure
that the computers they are purchasing meet school and college recommendations.
School of Architecture 
Students in the School of Architecture use computers for CAD, 3D modeling, graphic design,
and architecture-specific applications. Incoming students will be notified of specific computing
requirements and purchasing packages by June 1. Detailed information will be available by June 1
on the school's Web site at http://soa.syr.edu/computing/buying.htm.
College of Arts and Sciences
Both Macintosh and Windows computers are widely used in the College of Arts and Sciences. The choice
is entirely up to students. The College recommends that all incoming students purchase one of
the computers available through the SU Bookstore.
School of Education
Because faculty often distribute class materials and assignments via email, and require weekly
written dialogue between the professor and student regarding reflections on readings and field
experiences, owning a personal computer or laptop is important to facilitating the student's
access to the professor and class materials and for sharing among classmates. Therefore, the
School of Education recommends that incoming students have a personal computer. If students do
not already own one, they may purchase both Macintosh and Windows computers at a discount through
the SU Bookstore. Both types are supported by the University. A laptop is preferable, and plans
should be made for the security of whichever computer you use in your dorm room. Students who
are dually enrolled (ex: music, art, science, math, social studies, and English education)
should also check the other college's (Arts & Sciences or College of Visual & Performing Arts)
recommendations to ensure they have the computer and software required.
L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science
The L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science (LCS) recommends the Microsoft
Windows-based laptop computers with at least 2 GB of RAM that are available for purchase through
the SU Bookstore. Students should have software to work with Microsoft Office file formats and
software to view and create PDF documents. Course-specific software may be available to LCS students
for use on their personal computers. Additionally, students have access to the LCS computer labs, which
have a wide selection of engineering and computer science applications, such as CAD programs and
software development tools on Windows, Solaris, and Linux computers. More details will be available on the LCS CIT
website after May 1 at http://helpdesk.lcs.syr.edu.
College of Human Ecology
The College of Human Ecology recommends the Windows-based personal computers
that are available at the SU Bookstore. The college primarily uses the Microsoft Office software suite.
Students should also use Microsoft Office to ensure reliable exchange of electronic documents with
college faculty, staff, and other students.
iSchool
iSchool students will use personal computers to complete a
significant portion of their coursework. While the school provides labs where students can work
on assignments, a personal laptop computer will provide more flexibility and enable students to
complete assignments outside of the labs. The school recommends that all incoming students
purchase one of the laptop computers available at the SU Bookstore.
These systems come pre-configured for secure use on campus and include useful utility software. Microsoft
Windows is the platform most commonly used for instruction at the iSchool. Students who choose to
purchase a Mac will be able to complete most assignments using that system, but some assignments may
require Windows-specific software. It is recommended that Macintosh computers be Intel-based, and
configured with either a Windows "boot camp" partition or virtualization software such as VMware Fusion.
College of Law
College of Law recommends the Windows-based computers that are available at the SU Bookstore. When
purchasing a personal computer, students should consider the rapid pace of technology change. It is
impossible to know for certain that a computer purchased now will adequately meet a student's computing
needs throughout his or her years at the College of Law. Technology will continue to change
dramatically and student computing needs will change as well. When deciding what to purchase, one
strategy is to buy as much computer now as you can possibly afford and hope it will serve you
adequately during your entire graduate career.
Martin J. Whitman School of Management
The Whitman School strongly recommends that incoming students purchase a Windows-based notebook
computer from the SU Bookstore. For many Whitman students, the very small, lightweight, ultra-portable
notebook is the best choice. It can be easily carried to classrooms, team rooms, and study areas.
Bookstore notebooks are pre-configured with useful software and settings that minimize security
threats. Students will also need a copy of Microsoft Office Professional, which is available through
the SU Bookstore. Students use their computers to access course materials, collaborate with
classmates, communicate with faculty, research business topics and concepts, and use specialized
Windows-based business software.
Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Maxwell students are not required to own a computer, but it is strongly recommended that students
purchase or bring a Windows-based computer to campus. While campus computer labs are available for
students, many find that their work is more easily accomplished on their own computer.
Suggested minimum computer requirements are: Windows XP, Office 2007, 2 GB of RAM, Wireless-G, and
an 100 GB hard drive or larger.
Many of our students find that laptop computers best fit their needs. The Maxwell School's computing
environment is constructed to support student laptop computing through wireless and wired
connectivity to access networked resources. Syllabi, important course announcements, and assignments
are often posted on the Web. Electronic mail is frequently used for communications between faculty
and students. Students are expected to use electronic mail, Web and other Internet-based resources
in their studies.
S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications
The Newhouse School recommends that students purchase one of the computers that are available at
the SU Bookstore. A laptop offers more convenience and mobility for students, but others prefer
desktop computers. The computer should be capable of handling word processing, e-mail, Web searching,
and simple graphics applications. Depending on major, students will eventually be working in the
school's computer labs, some of which are equipped with Macintosh OS X and some with Windows-based
operating systems.
College of Visual and Performing Arts
Students in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) are strongly encouraged to bring a
computer to campus. Laptop computers offer more convenience and mobility for students, although
some prefer desktop computers. Students who are enrolled in majors that are not computer intensive
will find that the standard computer packages offered through the SU Bookstore should meet their
academic needs.
Students who are enrolled in computer-intensive majors should consult with their advisors and/or
departments for specific computer and software recommendations. Computer-intensive majors include
many of the programs offered through the School of Art and Design. The SU Bookstore provides computer
packages designed to meet all of these special needs.
Please refer to the list below for specialized computer recommendations.
- School of Art and Design
Students who are enrolled in the School of Art and Design are expected to purchase one of the
three Macintosh notebook computer packages through the SU Bookstore. These hardware and software
packages have been designed to meet specific academic requirements for programs offered through
the School of Art and Design and are offered at significant discounts for students.
- Department of Transmedia
Students enrolled in the Department of Transmedia will need access to a Macintosh laptop
computer to complete their assignments, and they are expected to bring one to campus. The
Macintosh notebook computer packages offered through the SU Bookstore are specifically
designed for Transmedia students. Software bundles are grouped by departmental major and
class year (i.e. freshman year and sophomore year).
- Department of Drama
Design and technical theater courses are taught using a Windows-based computing environment.
A student computer lab is available for use in these courses.
- Setnor School of Music
The Setnor School of Music supports students using both Window and Macintosh computers.
The school strongly recommends that students purchase a laptop computer. Student-owned
computers should be equipped with Microsoft Office (Professional Edition), Sibelius music
notation software (version 4 or later), and Practica Musica (version 4 or later). These
software applications are available at a discounted price through the SU Bookstore.
- Communications and Rhetorical Studies
Students in Communications and Rhetorical Studies should own a computer and are encouraged
to purchase one of the available laptop computers through the SU Bookstore. Computer labs
are available for any platform-specific classes, so students should feel free to purchase
either a Windows or Macintosh computer.
University College
University College recommends that part-time students purchase a lightweight and portable
Windows-based notebook computer. Students are encouraged to consider purchasing their notebook
computers pre-configured with appropriate security software and settings.
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