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The Ins & Outs of Buying a Computer for College

Worthwhile Accessories

There are many gadgets available for computers. Some of the more useful ones include the following:

• Printer: A printer might not be necessary if you can use a printer in the campus computer cluster. But it certainly is a convenience to be able to print out a paper at the last minute in your dorm room.
• Lock: Be sure to get a security cable and lock for your computer. This affixes to the security slot on your laptop or desktop, making it less likely to be stolen. A combination lock is better than a keyed lock since there’s no key to lose. Targus and Kensington are popular brands, both inexpensive.
• Mouse: If you get a laptop, it will have a trackpad, pointstick or trackball for moving the cursor, but many people prefer a mouse. Get a USB optical mouse. Make sure it fits comfortably in your hand. A small travel mouse with retractable cord will work well and take up less space on your desk.
• Backup Disk: Computers can get lost or stolen and hard drives occasionally fail. An external USB disk makes it easy to backup the contents of your computer. Configure the software to automatically backup your files. Schedule the backups to occur at least once a week, and preferably daily, for a time when you’ll be asleep.
• UPS: A UPS or “uninterruptable power supply” not only protects your computer against surges, but gives you a few minutes to shut down the computer gracefully during a power outage. A UPS can also be useful even if you own a laptop for powering a network switch or router or a cordless telephone.
• Presentation Remote: If you give many PowerPoint or Impress presentations, a wireless presentation remote control can come in handy. The best presentation remotes include forward and backward buttons for controlling the presentation, a LCD countdown timer with vibration alerts and a built-in laser pointer. The Logitech Cordless Presenter is a well-designed presentation remote. Some other presentation remotes provide extra buttons for other functions, including a remote mouse, but these extra bells and whistles aren’t necessary for most presentations.

Your will also need to get some software for your computer. The software you need will vary by school and program. Some of the more important types of software include the following.

• Word Processing and Office Software: Whether you get a PC or Mac, expect to have Microsoft Office, which includes Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Many schools prefer students to have the Professional edition of Microsoft Office instead of the Home edition that is usually included with new computers. Make sure you make this distinction when purchasing your computer. If your school doesn’t specify any software requirements, OpenOffice.org provides a free alternative to the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
• Antivirus: It is also important to protect your computer from viruses, trojan horses, worms, phishing and spoofing attacks and other malware. Some schools provide students with anti-virus programs like Norton AntiVirus, but definitely install an anti-virus program if your school does not provide one.

Buy Before or After You Arrive on Campus?

Sometimes it can be better to wait until you arrive on campus to buy a computer, since the campus bookstore may have steep educational discounts on popular models.

Most colleges let you use financial aid once during your college career to buy a computer. But usually this means loans, so for every $100 you borrow to pay for the computer, you’re really spending $200. It is better to buy it with cash.

For 2009 and 2010, you can take a tax-free distribution from your 529 college savings plan to buy a computer. It doesn’t have to be required by the college.

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