College of Business
Laptop Computer Requirement
Who and When
Undergraduate students officially admitted into their major in the College of Business are required to have a laptop computer.
Why
Laptops are a critical component in the undergraduate curriculum. Both exposure to and mastery of technology prepare students to excel in today's technology-driven business environment and is expected by employers. The ISU College of Business has defined a goal to have our students graduate with a high degree of technological sophistication so that they are even more attractive to potential employers.
There are numerous advantages to owning your own notebook computer that you can bring to class. Some courses are technology-intensive, and those courses will use classroom exercises and tests using the computer in class. Outside of class, students find that the ability to communicate and collaborate with classmates and professors greatly enhances their productivity. By making computer use an integral part of their educational environment, students develop a level of familiarity and expertise with the technology that cannot be gained by only occasional use in a computer lab or at home.
What and How to Purchase
Because the computer is a required part of your education, the amount of financial aid that you are eligible for may have changed. You can check with the Financial Aid office to see if you have been affected.
Hardware
There are both minimum and recommended configurations for your computer. Computers meeting the minimum configuration can be found for as little as $800, while the recommended configuration is approximately $1,300.
One of the most important features that your computer should have is a long battery life. There may be times when your computer will need to run off of the battery for four or more hours. We have been using Thinkpad computers for several years within the College of Business, and they have proven to have sufficient battery life for most situations.
For more information, see the Minimum and Recommended Configurations.
Software
Your computer must have...
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional
- MS Office 2007 Professional (including Access)
- Anti-virus software (AVG Antivirus is available for free for personal use)
The university has made arrangements with Follet, the company that runs the campus bookstore in the PSUB, to supply some Microsoft software (including MS Windows XP Professional and MS Office Professional) at SIGNIFICANT discounts. The price for MS Office Professional, for example, is $79.99. You can even order online through Follet's online store.