WCU's Computer Requirement
Western Carolina University strives to ensure that students have access to the highest quality education, taking maximum advantage of the changes in information and communications technologies. Beginning with the Fall 1998 semester, all newly admitted degree-seeking undergraduate students are required to have an appropriate, networkable computer. This requirement also applies to readmitted students beginning with the Fall 2001 semester. The computer requirement includes a software and hardware component.
Use the links below for information on:
Students who are purchasing a computer
Purchase of computers
Students who already own a computer
Jumpstart training for students
Network and Internet connectivity
Additional Information
STUDENTS WHO ARE PURCHASING A COMPUTER
The hardware configurations that are the industry standard in the summer of 2006 are the recommended configurations. The recommended preferred hardware configurations for a newly purchased computer are as follows:
Windows System- 3.2 GHz processor (or 1.3 GHz Pentium M for notebooks, 1 GHz Pentium M for Tablet PCs) or Core TM Duo Processor
- 1 GB RAM, expandable
- 60 GB hard drive for desktop/laptop
- LCD flat panel display or color monitor
- Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
- 3COM or Intel Ethernet adapter (on-campus students) or suitable Internet connectivity (off-campus students)
- USB, PCI, or Firewire expansion capability
- Operating System: Windows XP Professional or Windows XP tablet edition
- 1.33 GHz G4 or higher processor
- 1 GB RAM, expandable
- 60 GB hard drive
- LCD flat panel display or Color monitor
- Combo Drive (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
- Apple Integrated Ethernet Adapter (on-campus students) or suitable Internet connectivity (off-campus students)
- USB, PCI, or Firewire expansion capability
- Operating System: OS X or higher
Required Software -- Microsoft Office Software
ATTENTION PARENTS & STUDENTS: WCU has signed an agreement/contract with Microsoft Corporation to provide students the Microsoft Office software at no additional cost. For information on eligibility and how to access the software, visit http://www.wcu.edu/it/news/MSCA06.html .
For Windows: Microsoft Office 2003 Professional Edition (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, Word)
For Macintosh: Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Standard Edition
Antivirus: Students are required to install and maintain current antivirus software in order to connect to WCU's computer network. WCU has licensed Symantec's Norton Antivirus for student use at no additional cost to the student. Installing and updating Norton Antivirus is one of many topics covered during Jumpstart Training.
For more information on student computing, visit http://www.wcu.edu/it/studentComputing.html or call the ITS Help Desk at 828-227-7487 or toll free 866-928-7487. The WCU bookstore also stocks a number of products to help students meet the current computer requirement. Please check the WCU bookstore for academic pricing on other software and component hardware. The phone number for the bookstore is (828) 227-7346. Their web address is http://books.wcu.edu.
Western Carolina University has designated Gateway and Apple as the primary vendors for the purchase of computers. Students may purchase computers and required software from any vendor. However, machines purchased from our selected vendors through the university-endorsed vendor Web sites will be preconfigured for easy connection to the university's network and will include all required hardware.
Please visit the Information Technology Services Web site at http://www.wcu.edu/it/purchasing.html for more details on the purchase of computers from our selected vendors through the university-endorsed Web sites.
Students who already own a computer may not need to purchase one. Most computers running Windows XP or Macintosh computers running system OS X or higher should connect to the university's network with an appropriate network interface card or modem. Network interface cards are available for purchase on campus. A minimum of 512 MB RAM memory is essential, as is a 40 GB hard drive. All computers should have either a CD-R or CD-RW (preferred) drive. Systems must be capable of connecting to Western's network and utilize a WCU-supported OS and a supported version of Microsoft Office. Systems having less than this minimum specification will not perform satisfactorily or meet WCU's computer requirement. Due to limitations, Windows XP Home Edition is NOT supported.
"JUMPSTART" TRAINING FOR STUDENTS
All new students are required to attend a computer training program immediately prior to the beginning of classes. This program familiarizes students with basic computing concepts specific to WCU including accessing the university network, using e-mail, Web browsers, and the university's portal software.
learn more about Jumpstart
NETWORK & INTERNET CONNECTIVITY
Students living on campus access the Internet via WCU's high-speed network. Students living off-campus are required to obtain appropriate connectivity through an external Internet Service Provider (ISP) to access the various university computing resources. In our area Broadband access is available via the local cable company, and DSL is often available from our local telephone company. Dialup access is available through ISP's such as AOL and Earthlink. Off-campus students may need to purchase additional equipment beyond what is required for students living on campus in order to connect to the Internet and WCU's Web-based resources, e.g., cable modem, 56K modem.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
If you would like additional information about WCU's computer requirement, call the Admissions Office (toll-free) at 1-877-WCU-4YOU or send e-mail to admiss@wcu.edu . The computer requirement is an integral part of the educational experience at Western Carolina University. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in sanctions to the student up to and including expulsion from the university.
Last Updated: 01-19-2007