Laptop Policy
The School of Informatics requires incoming undergraduate and graduate students to have a personal laptop computer available for use in class in the following programs:
- Informatics
- Media Arts and Science
- Health Informatics
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Bioinformatics
We strongly recommend that students purchase their own personal laptop. Students who already own laptops are welcome to use them in class provided the laptop has the minimum memory and operating standards required for the software used in the course.
Our laptop policy is not unique. Such policies have already been adopted by many institutions with increasing frequency. Research also shows that many students arrive at college already equipped with their own personal laptop computer. This is no doubt due in part to the increasing affordability and power of laptop computers, as well as the many additional benefits for learning and working that they provide students.
By requiring students to maintain their own laptops, we are able to refocus our investments on maintaining specialty computer classrooms that provide access to sophisticated hardware and software applications that exceed the capacity of most personal laptop computers. Access to these specialty applications is vitally important to our program curricula and the development of our students.
We are committed to helping students receive maximum value from their personal laptops by providing software support, hardware recommendations, vendor referrals and answers to frequently asked questions.
PC Specifications (minimum recommendation)
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or faster processor
- 15″ screen size is strongly recommended
- Microsoft® Windows Vista® Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise with Service Pack 1 (certified for 32-bit Windows Vista) or Windows 7®
- 2GB of RAM or more recommended
- 1,024×768 display (1,280×800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
- Some GPU-accelerated features require graphics support for Shader Model 3.0 and OpenGL 2.0
- Some features in Adobe® Bridge rely on a DirectX 9–capable graphics card with at least 64MB of VRAM
- 8X DVD+/-RW
- QuickTime 7.4.5 software required for multimedia features
- External mouse
Mac Specifications (minimum recommendation)
- Intel® Core™ 2 Duo or faster processor
- 15″ screen size is strongly recommended
- Mac OS X 10.6 or higher
- Java™ Runtime Environment 1.5 required for Adobe Version Cue® Server
- 2GB of RAM or more recommended
- 1,024×768 display (1,280×800 recommended) with 16-bit video card
- Some GPU-accelerated features require graphics support for Shader Model 3.0 and OpenGL 2.0
- SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)
- QuickTime 7.4.5 software required for multimedia features
- External mouse
Recommended Hardware
- Flash Drive
- Portable External Hard Drive for backup of data files
- Extended life warranty and service plans are strongly recommended (this may cost extra depending on the computer manufacturer)
F.A.Q.
We anticipate that students will have questions regarding this policy. If you do not see your question or a satisfactory response in the list below, please contact us and we will be happy to provide an answer.
- What is the benefit of the laptop policy for students?
- Will Informatics students who already own a personal laptop be allowed to use it in their classes?
- How do I know if the laptop I now own will be powerful enough to be used in my lab classes?
- How do I get access to the software programs that I will need on my laptop?
- If the laptop I already own breaks down during the semester, what do I do?
- Is there a specific laptop that is required for all Informatics students?
- What operating system should I have on my laptop?
- What is the estimated cost of a personal laptop computer meeting the minimum hardware specifications?
- In what ways is the School of Informatics supporting the laptop program?
- What happens if I cannot get my software bundle loaded properly?
- What happens if I decide to change majors or leave the School of Informatics?
- Why do I need to still pay lab fees when I am now using my personal computer and have purchased my own copy of the software?
- Which courses will require a laptop?
- Can I use financial aid to help pay for a laptop?
- How will the laptop purchase affect my financial aid?
- I want to pursue getting an increase in my Cost of Attendance for a computer purchase. What do I need to do?
- I would like to discuss this with the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. How should I contact them?
- What will be done with the desktop computers to be taken out of classrooms? Can I purchase one?
1. What is the benefit of the laptop policy for students?
The laptop policy allows the School of Informatics to maintain existing high-end computing classrooms running high-cost, sophisticated software and hardware that students would not otherwise be able to easily access or afford. With the increasing affordability of laptop computers and the ubiquity of wireless networking, the policy encourages students to immerse themselves in an essential piece of equipment and related software they will need as successful professionals in a computer intensive field.
2. Will Informatics students who already own a personal laptop be allowed to use it in their classes?
Students who already own laptops are welcome to use them provided that they meet minimum hardware and software specifications for use in those courses requiring in-class computing. All laptop-ready classrooms will be equipped with power outlets and hard-wired Internet jacks. Students will need to supply their own mouse, network cable and power supply/battery pack.
3. How do I know if the laptop I now own will be powerful enough to be used in my lab classes?
Laptops meeting minimum hardware and software specifications should be satisfactory. Students who have questions about their laptop’s hardware and software can schedule an appointment with School of Informatics technology staff by submitting a service request.
4. How do I get access to the software programs that I will need on my laptop?
As an IUPUI student, there are multiple free software packages that you are entitled to download right onto your laptop. These software packages have already been paid for by Indiana University. (You can find a complete list of these packages at: iuware.iu.edu). Several of these software packages can also be purchased on disc at deeply discounted prices through the campus bookstore.
Students are welcome to purchase any necessary software packages for courses from any vendor of their choice. Students who have questions about purchasing or installing software can schedule an appointment with School of Informatics technology staff byby submitting a technology service request.
5. If the laptop I already own breaks down during the semester, what do I do?
It is the student’s responsibility to maintain their laptop in good working order for use in the classroom. Any damage and associated repairs, loss, or operating problems that may occur will be the sole responsibility of the student. Students must have their laptop repaired as needed at their own expense, or secure another unit meeting minimum hardware and software requirements on which they can work.
Late work, lost data and other such problems due to any incident associated with a student’s laptop will not be accepted by instructors. Students are advised to backup their digital files in multiple formats so all data can easily be transferred to another computer if needed.
Students are also advised to purchase laptops only from reputable vendors with good warranty programs and a proven record of quality service. We recommend that students strongly consider purchasing extended warranty and service plans.
6. Is there a specific laptop that is required for all Informatics students?
No. Students may purchase any brand, make or model of laptop as long as it meets the minimum recommended hardware specifications
Some Suggested Computer Vendors:
Apple Computers
Indiana University and Apple have teamed up to create a set of recommended systems with the AppleCare Protection Plan (APP) included at a significant discount. Optional configuration changes and additional computer systems are available at Apple’s IU Store at: https://www.indiana.edu/~pcguide/apple/store.html
CDW-G
For information about the prices CDW-G offers to those affiliated with IU, visit CDW-G’s Indiana University Faculty & Student page at: http://www.cdwg.com/iufss/
Dell Computers
IU and Dell have a contractual agreement for several different computer systems; optional configuration changes are available. For information about the systems currently available, visit Dell’s IU Store at: http://www.dell.com/iu/
Sony Computers
IU and Sony have reached an agreement that allows IU students, faculty, and staff to receive a 10% discount on personal (not departmental) purchases of Sony consumer products. See: http://www.sonystyle.com/iu
7. What operating system should I have on my laptop?
Several operating systems work well with graphics software. However, we recommend using Vista or Windows 7 on PC laptops due to its compatibility with most software programs. For Mac, we recommend Leopard so you can dual boot to Vista or Windows 7.
8. What is the estimated cost of a personal laptop computer meeting the minimum hardware specifications?
Our research shows the anticipated costs of a personal laptop computer meeting the School’s minimum specifications to be $1200 for a Dell PC and $1600 for an Apple.
These models only serve as cost benchmarks, and do not represent any relationship or agreement between the manufacturers and the School of Informatics. These costs do not include purchase of any extended warranty or service plans.
9. In what ways is the School of Informatics supporting the laptop program?
The School of Informatics is committed to helping students prepare for this transition and receive maximum value from their personal laptops by providing software support, hardware recommendations and vendor referrals.
Students who have questions about their laptop’s hardware and software, including installation and purchase recommendations, can schedule an appointment with School of Informatics technology staff by submitting a service request or visit open walk-in hours every Wednesday between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. in IT 266 for Fall Semester, 2010.
10. What happens if I cannot get my software bundle loaded properly?
The School of Informatics will have individuals who can assist you in getting software loaded properly on student laptops. Students can schedule an appointment with School of Informatics technology staff by submitting a service request.
NOTE: The School will not provide any assistance to students whose laptops are found to contain pirated software or other programs which are determined to be the cause of the conflict in their operating systems until those obstacles are removed by the student.
11. What happens if I decide to change majors or leave the School of Informatics?
As the laptop and software you have purchased will belong to you entirely you may keep or sell them as you desire. Some software purchased through the university may have ownership restrictions.
12. Why do I need to still pay lab fees when I am now using my personal computer and have purchased my own copy of the software?
School of Informatics lab fees covers many services that are only available to Informatics students. This includes technology support, servers, certain high-end software applications, equipment checkout, and so on. Lab fees are also designated as a means to pay for the salaries of the Technology Services faculty and staff members who ensure our system stays active and free of viruses and crashes. Labs fees also pay for new servers, as well as programs and yearly service fees charged by IT companies for system upgrades, the upkeep of the lab areas, and the audio and video equipment installed in each Informatics owned classroom.
There is a misconception among most students that lab fees are regularly used to purchase the hardware and software found in the School’s computer labs. Lab computers are actually funded out of Informatics’ yearly equipment budget and not from lab fees.
The policy has no bearing on the University’s student technology fee, which supports campus-wide IT services. Please visit the following site for more information on how the student technology fee IUPUI collects on a university level is used: http://kb.iu.edu/data/belv.html
13. Which courses will require a laptop?
As all students must likely complete courses requiring in-class computing as part of their degree. Course structures and descriptions are also frequently subject to change. Therefore, students should approach each class as if it requires a laptop.
However, a list of specific courses likely to be most immediately affected by the laptop policy has been provided on the right-hand column of this page. Remember to consult with your student services advisor when determining your schedule of courses and anticipating your computing needs.
**Please note: The list of affected courses is subject to change. Please check back frequently for the most up-to-date information.
14. Can I use financial aid to help pay for a laptop?
According to the Office of Student Financial Aid Services, you may use federal financial aid to assist in paying for your laptop. You would need to budget part of your financial aid refund to pay for your laptop purchase. Remember, financial aid may not be refunded to you (if you are eligible to receive a refund) any earlier than 10 days prior to the start of classes. Therefore, you may have to pay out-of-pocket and reimburse yourself when you receive your financial aid refund.
If you require additional information on this subject, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services by phone at 274-4162, via email at finaid@iupui.edu or visit their website at www.iupui.edu/~finaid/.
15. How will the laptop purchase affect my financial aid?
According to the Office of Student Financial Aid Services, the purchase of a laptop will generally not affect your financial aid. While a student may request an one-time increase to his or her Cost of Attendance (COA) for the purchase of a computer, it may or may not result in receiving additional Direct Stafford loan money [note: changes to a student’s Cost of Attendance never result in more grant funds].
Furthermore, an increase to your COA does not allow for an increase in any financial aid award if you have already been awarded the maximum annual Direct Stafford loan amount. However, students may pursue a private/alternative loan for the amount ,or parents of dependent students may pursue a federal Direct Parent PLUS loan. As an example, a dependent undergraduate junior/senior who has already received Direct Stafford loans for $7,500 for the 2010 – 2011 aid year (which is the maximum yearly amount for a dependent junior/senior) cannot receive additional Stafford Loan funding due to a change in COA.
If you require additional information on this subject, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services by phone at 274-4162, via email at finaid@iupui.edu or visit their website at www.iupui.edu/~finaid/.
16. I want to pursue getting an increase in my Cost of Attendance for a computer purchase. What do I need to do?
According to the Office of Student Financial Aid Services, you should, first and foremost, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services to see if you would potentially benefit from an increase to your Cost of Attendance. If the answer is “yes”, then you should:
- Be enrolled. The Office of Student Financial Aid Services will not review Cost of Attendance increase requests if you are not enrolled;
- Go to the Office of Student Financial Aid Services’ website at www.iupui.edu/finaid/forms/ and download the Special Circumstances Form (note: for the 2010-2011 academic year this form will not be available until mid-July) and complete the form;
- Follow the instructions on the form: you must provide a receipt listing the computer purchase with verification and the date listed that you purchased the computer (note: e-mail order confirmation or shipping invoices will not take the place of a receipt).
- Turn in the Special Circumstances Form to the Office of Student Financial Aid Services.
If you require additional information on this subject, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services by phone at 274-4162, via email at finaid@iupui.edu or visit their website at www.iupui.edu/~finaid/.
17. I would like to discuss this with the Office of Student Financial Aid Services. How should I contact them?
You may reach them via e-mail at finaid@iupui.edu, by phone at 317-274-4162 or online at www.iupui.edu/~finaid/. Should you want to speak with a representative in-person in the Campus Center, Suite 250, you may find their office hours at: www.iupui.edu/~finaid/office/.
18. What will be done with the desktop computers to be taken out of classrooms? Can I purchase one?
Desktop computers to be pulled from IT 257 and IT 255 will be used to replace older computers elsewhere within the School. Any surplus will remain in the School’s inventory to replace computers that will eventually fall out of warranty and fail.
By university policy, the School is not allowed to sell equipment. Any surplus equipment must be sent to the University’s surplus department. That department has periodic auctions that are open to the public. You can check this website for dates and times: http://www.purchasing.iupui.edu/surplus/.
