Technology
Articles below:
Terms to Know
Must Have's
Optional
Don't Need's
Terms to Know:
OS – Operating System. The major players are Windows (Windows 10) and Apple (OS X). Even Google is entering the game with their Chrome OS (though I wouldn’t recommend it, I’ll explain why later).
RAM – Random Access Memory. It’s what lets your computer run a lot of stuff at the same time.
PDF – Personal Data Form. A great way for sharing documents. Many professors will require you to submit documents as a PDF instead of a Word document.
Internet Browser – stuff like Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer. Used to browse the internet.
Laptop – one of those computers that can fold and rests comfortably on TOP of your LAP.
Desktop – one of those computer things that rests comfortably on TOP of your DESK. Not recommended to rest on top of your lap.
Tablet – a combination of a phone without all the phone stuff and a laptop.
Virus – a thing that spreads from computer to computer and makes them sick. Can be deadly and highly contagious.
RAM – Random Access Memory. It’s what lets your computer run a lot of stuff at the same time.
PDF – Personal Data Form. A great way for sharing documents. Many professors will require you to submit documents as a PDF instead of a Word document.
Internet Browser – stuff like Firefox, Chrome, Safari, and Internet Explorer. Used to browse the internet.
Laptop – one of those computers that can fold and rests comfortably on TOP of your LAP.
Desktop – one of those computer things that rests comfortably on TOP of your DESK. Not recommended to rest on top of your lap.
Tablet – a combination of a phone without all the phone stuff and a laptop.
Virus – a thing that spreads from computer to computer and makes them sick. Can be deadly and highly contagious.
Must have:
Laptop
Checklist before buying:
Apple: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/campaigns/education_pricing
Lenovo: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/portals/students/
Microsoft Store: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/edu
Dell: http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/6099/campaigns/welcome-to-dell-university
Also, check with your university computer store. They offer discounts as well!
University of Texas Campus Computer Store: http://www.campuscomputer.com/
My Recommended Brands
Pricey, but good: Apple Macbook Pro or Macbook Air
Let me be honest, I used to HATE Apple with a passion. However, I decided to give it a try after my second Dell laptop had failed me. Boy, was it the best decision I ever made. It literally takes seconds to start up, and can run a huge load of programs without much of a slowdown. Plus, the battery life is excellent. Yes, there is a little bit of a learning curve since it is quite different that your usual PC, but if you’re smart enough to get into college then you’re smart enough to figure out a Mac (well, some of you). Someone once explained to me the difference between a Mac and a Dell: think of the Mac as a bicycle and the Dell as a motorcycle. Yes, the Mac takes time to learn, but once you do it is extremely reliable. A Dell may be extremely fast to start, but it is highly likely to end in a deadly crash.
Not so pricy, but good: Lenovo, Asus, or Samsung
Personally, I’ve never used them, but I’ve heard good things. Everyone I know that has one likes it a lot. They’re built to last. Plus, they’re super affordable.
Not Dell
I’m sorry, but I just have never had any good experiences with Dell computers (I’ve been through two laptops and a desktop). They usually end in pain and misery, and are just overall unreliable. Sure, in the beginning they’re fantastic and have everything you could ever possible need, but they will eventually crash and burn. My last Dell laptop would take 15 minutes to start!
Not Chromebooks
Many laptop manufacturers are now selling PC’s with the Google Chrome OS known as Chromebooks. These are extremely affordable (ranging from $200 to $400). However, they rely heavily on an internet connection. Literally everything is stored online, so if your internet is down (which will happen) and you need to work on a document, you’re out of luck. Also, most software cannot be installed. Let’s put it this way: you’re going to have a lot of problems if you use a Chromebook in college.
- Check and see if your school or major has any specific laptop requirements. Some may have special software that can only run on certain operating systems. Others may frequently share documents that require a certain version of Microsoft Word. Be sure to check the school website as well as ask current students for recommendations. (Most of UT does not have specific requirements, in case you were wondering)
- What do you want in a laptop? Is your priority a lightweight, extremely portable laptop? Are you a gamer who likes high-end graphics? Do you do a lot of video and photo editing that requires a lot of RAM? Do you want any laptop as long as it’s under $500? Make a checklist for yourself, and research laptops based on what YOU want.
- Budget how much you’re willing to spend on a laptop. Some can be as low as $400-500 (I would stay away from anything less than $500), while others can be as high as $2500. Keep in mind other stuff you want to add on for an additional price, such as Microsoft Office and extended warranties. (Fun fact: my laptop’s battery broke TWO DAYS before my warranty expired!)
Apple: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/campaigns/education_pricing
Lenovo: http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/portals/students/
Microsoft Store: http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/edu
Dell: http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/6099/campaigns/welcome-to-dell-university
Also, check with your university computer store. They offer discounts as well!
University of Texas Campus Computer Store: http://www.campuscomputer.com/
My Recommended Brands
Pricey, but good: Apple Macbook Pro or Macbook Air
Let me be honest, I used to HATE Apple with a passion. However, I decided to give it a try after my second Dell laptop had failed me. Boy, was it the best decision I ever made. It literally takes seconds to start up, and can run a huge load of programs without much of a slowdown. Plus, the battery life is excellent. Yes, there is a little bit of a learning curve since it is quite different that your usual PC, but if you’re smart enough to get into college then you’re smart enough to figure out a Mac (well, some of you). Someone once explained to me the difference between a Mac and a Dell: think of the Mac as a bicycle and the Dell as a motorcycle. Yes, the Mac takes time to learn, but once you do it is extremely reliable. A Dell may be extremely fast to start, but it is highly likely to end in a deadly crash.
Not so pricy, but good: Lenovo, Asus, or Samsung
Personally, I’ve never used them, but I’ve heard good things. Everyone I know that has one likes it a lot. They’re built to last. Plus, they’re super affordable.
Not Dell
I’m sorry, but I just have never had any good experiences with Dell computers (I’ve been through two laptops and a desktop). They usually end in pain and misery, and are just overall unreliable. Sure, in the beginning they’re fantastic and have everything you could ever possible need, but they will eventually crash and burn. My last Dell laptop would take 15 minutes to start!
Not Chromebooks
Many laptop manufacturers are now selling PC’s with the Google Chrome OS known as Chromebooks. These are extremely affordable (ranging from $200 to $400). However, they rely heavily on an internet connection. Literally everything is stored online, so if your internet is down (which will happen) and you need to work on a document, you’re out of luck. Also, most software cannot be installed. Let’s put it this way: you’re going to have a lot of problems if you use a Chromebook in college.
Software You Should Get
Microsoft Office
Duh. Don’t settle for anything different. Word, PowerPoint, and Excel should be sufficient. Publisher has pretty much been phased out since Word and PowerPoint can mostly do everything Publisher once did.
Skype
For all those times you are homesick in college and want to talk to family and friends. There are viruses out there that disguise themselves as Skype, though, so make sure you download the correct one.
Firefox or Google Chrome
Don’t use Internet Explorer. Seriously. Also, Safari (on Mac) is pretty unreliable (in fact, it’s considered the worst with the highest error rate). Firefox or Chrome are what the cool kids have now. Some website may tell you they “require” Internet Explorer, but they’re liars. For example, the school district website insists its email ONLY works on Internet Explorer, but I am typing this with the district webmail open on another tab in Firefox. I have only run into ONE website that absolutely requires Internet Explorer so it’s okay to keep IE installed on your laptop. If you have a Mac, IE is unavailable, BUT you can open Safari, go to the Develop tab, open User Agent, and click on Internet Explorer to trick the website into thinking you’re using IE. Seriously though, for 99.99999999999999% of your web browsing, use Firefox or Chrome, or people WILL laugh at you and ask if you still frequent MySpace.
Virus protection
Okay, in reality the best type of virus protection relies on YOU. Don’t go to shady things on the interwebs. While Apple laptops don’t really need much virus software, it can still take a dumb decision to get bad software somehow installed on your laptop (believe me, it has happened before). Always verify that a source is legit before downloading, and don’t click on that link in that email from “American Airlines” with the airline tickets to St. Louis that you never booked (also has happened before).
That said, if you have a Windows computer you should definitely get antivirus software. Really, everything except McAfee should be okay. That one is a scam.
No matter what software you install, whether you have Windows or a Mac, the number 1 best thing you can install (for free!) is Adblock Plus. Yeah, I know. I’m a bad person, and I do feel bad. The truth is, though, ads have gotten completely out of control, and some are great distributors for viruses and malware. If you are on a website that you absolutely trust and know it relies on ads for revenue (such as Twitter, Hulu, and YouTube), then absolutely disable Adblock on that particular site. Otherwise, it is a massive gamble to leave ads enabled on every site that you visit.
Duh. Don’t settle for anything different. Word, PowerPoint, and Excel should be sufficient. Publisher has pretty much been phased out since Word and PowerPoint can mostly do everything Publisher once did.
Skype
For all those times you are homesick in college and want to talk to family and friends. There are viruses out there that disguise themselves as Skype, though, so make sure you download the correct one.
Firefox or Google Chrome
Don’t use Internet Explorer. Seriously. Also, Safari (on Mac) is pretty unreliable (in fact, it’s considered the worst with the highest error rate). Firefox or Chrome are what the cool kids have now. Some website may tell you they “require” Internet Explorer, but they’re liars. For example, the school district website insists its email ONLY works on Internet Explorer, but I am typing this with the district webmail open on another tab in Firefox. I have only run into ONE website that absolutely requires Internet Explorer so it’s okay to keep IE installed on your laptop. If you have a Mac, IE is unavailable, BUT you can open Safari, go to the Develop tab, open User Agent, and click on Internet Explorer to trick the website into thinking you’re using IE. Seriously though, for 99.99999999999999% of your web browsing, use Firefox or Chrome, or people WILL laugh at you and ask if you still frequent MySpace.
Virus protection
Okay, in reality the best type of virus protection relies on YOU. Don’t go to shady things on the interwebs. While Apple laptops don’t really need much virus software, it can still take a dumb decision to get bad software somehow installed on your laptop (believe me, it has happened before). Always verify that a source is legit before downloading, and don’t click on that link in that email from “American Airlines” with the airline tickets to St. Louis that you never booked (also has happened before).
That said, if you have a Windows computer you should definitely get antivirus software. Really, everything except McAfee should be okay. That one is a scam.
No matter what software you install, whether you have Windows or a Mac, the number 1 best thing you can install (for free!) is Adblock Plus. Yeah, I know. I’m a bad person, and I do feel bad. The truth is, though, ads have gotten completely out of control, and some are great distributors for viruses and malware. If you are on a website that you absolutely trust and know it relies on ads for revenue (such as Twitter, Hulu, and YouTube), then absolutely disable Adblock on that particular site. Otherwise, it is a massive gamble to leave ads enabled on every site that you visit.
Helpful Apps
Scanner Pro
If you have an iPhone, you should absolutely get this app. It scans documents and converts them to PDFs that you can email to yourself! That’s extremely handy.
Planner
Some of you are good with physical planners, and that’s totally okay. For me, I like keeping a planner app on my phone that I can access at any time. As soon as I receive an assignment, I put it on the app and it reminds me when it’s due. When you’re in college, you’re going to have a lot going on, so it’s best to stay organized.
QR code scanner (Any)
QR codes are becoming more and more frequent. Many organizations I was a part of would use them as a way to sign in.
Your college’s app
Many colleges have their own app! Check the app store and see if yours has one. I know the University of Texas has one, complete with a map of the campus and other helpful stuff.
If you have an iPhone, you should absolutely get this app. It scans documents and converts them to PDFs that you can email to yourself! That’s extremely handy.
Planner
Some of you are good with physical planners, and that’s totally okay. For me, I like keeping a planner app on my phone that I can access at any time. As soon as I receive an assignment, I put it on the app and it reminds me when it’s due. When you’re in college, you’re going to have a lot going on, so it’s best to stay organized.
QR code scanner (Any)
QR codes are becoming more and more frequent. Many organizations I was a part of would use them as a way to sign in.
Your college’s app
Many colleges have their own app! Check the app store and see if yours has one. I know the University of Texas has one, complete with a map of the campus and other helpful stuff.
Optional:
Printer
This one’s up to you. It’s extremely helpful to have a printer in your room to print out that one document that’s due in 30 minutes. However, they do take up a lot of space, especially in your tiny dorm room. Talk with your roommate and see if you could work out a deal to share one, or check with your dorm to see if they already have an easily accessible one. Also, some college departments have free printing for their students (such as the UT mathematics, engineering, and chemistry departments), but these printers are located in those buildings, which may be a hassle when you need to print a document fast. Either way, keep in mind that while some printers may be cheap, it’s their ink that will hit you the hardest.
Tablet
I’m up in the air about this one. I went through my entire time in college without ever owning a tablet. You all are used to them now, though, so it may be a nice option to have. They’re extremely light, compact, and are great for projects on the go. Since they have so many limitations, I would NEVER opt for a tablet as a SUBSTITUTE for a laptop, but it doesn’t hurt to have one, either. Again, it is not necessary to have one, though. You’ll be completely, 100% fine without it. Recommended: iPad. I wasn’t very fond of the Samsung tablets, and y’all know how much I hate the Dell Venue.
Smart phone with a data plan
True story: my freshman year of college there was an active shooter on campus. While we were on lockdown, everyone was checking their phones for updates while I was stuck with a flip phone helpless and afraid. Don’t be like me.
TV
Definitely not necessary, but it’s good to relax or have a movie night with friends every once in a while. Check with your roommate to see if you can work out a deal on who brings the TV. Also work out a deal on WHEN the TV is allowed (you don’t want your roommate watching the Big Bang Theory on max volume while you’re trying to sleep before your 8 AM exam on the actual big bang theory).
WiFi Router
This one depends on if you’re living in a dorm or not. Most dorms (I know UT for sure) ban you from using your own WiFi router in your room. However, if you’re living in your own apartment, Internet may be a good idea to look into.
Graphing Calculator
Are you taking any math classes? You may need one of those. Your professor will probably tell you what’s allowed (most don’t even allow them on exams).
This one’s up to you. It’s extremely helpful to have a printer in your room to print out that one document that’s due in 30 minutes. However, they do take up a lot of space, especially in your tiny dorm room. Talk with your roommate and see if you could work out a deal to share one, or check with your dorm to see if they already have an easily accessible one. Also, some college departments have free printing for their students (such as the UT mathematics, engineering, and chemistry departments), but these printers are located in those buildings, which may be a hassle when you need to print a document fast. Either way, keep in mind that while some printers may be cheap, it’s their ink that will hit you the hardest.
Tablet
I’m up in the air about this one. I went through my entire time in college without ever owning a tablet. You all are used to them now, though, so it may be a nice option to have. They’re extremely light, compact, and are great for projects on the go. Since they have so many limitations, I would NEVER opt for a tablet as a SUBSTITUTE for a laptop, but it doesn’t hurt to have one, either. Again, it is not necessary to have one, though. You’ll be completely, 100% fine without it. Recommended: iPad. I wasn’t very fond of the Samsung tablets, and y’all know how much I hate the Dell Venue.
Smart phone with a data plan
True story: my freshman year of college there was an active shooter on campus. While we were on lockdown, everyone was checking their phones for updates while I was stuck with a flip phone helpless and afraid. Don’t be like me.
TV
Definitely not necessary, but it’s good to relax or have a movie night with friends every once in a while. Check with your roommate to see if you can work out a deal on who brings the TV. Also work out a deal on WHEN the TV is allowed (you don’t want your roommate watching the Big Bang Theory on max volume while you’re trying to sleep before your 8 AM exam on the actual big bang theory).
WiFi Router
This one depends on if you’re living in a dorm or not. Most dorms (I know UT for sure) ban you from using your own WiFi router in your room. However, if you’re living in your own apartment, Internet may be a good idea to look into.
Graphing Calculator
Are you taking any math classes? You may need one of those. Your professor will probably tell you what’s allowed (most don’t even allow them on exams).
Don't Need:
Desktop computer
Why would you need a desktop computer if you already have a laptop? Unless you've built your own and are attached to it, then go for it. Otherwise, you really don't need to buy one.
Why would you need a desktop computer if you already have a laptop? Unless you've built your own and are attached to it, then go for it. Otherwise, you really don't need to buy one.