Computer Recommendations for Personal Purchases
If you are purchasing a new computer, visit uncw.edu/computers to purchase it from our online Apple and Dell store. Purchasing from our site provides you with a discount and also helps UNCW. Currently, we find approximately 50% of students purchase an Apple and 50% purchase a Windows computer. We suggest checking with the department in which you will be majoring to see if they have a recommendation.
Specialty Software
If you plan to purchase an Apple computer, please be aware that there is software that you may need that is only developed for Windows computers (e.g. Microsoft Access, some business applications). There are workarounds for Mac computers such as Bootcamp or Parallels. These programs allow you to run Windows on your Mac. Also, the Learning Commons in Randall library has computer stations available with Windows, and B1NAR1ES Technology Store has laptop rentals if you are in a pinch.
Microsoft Office
We recommend purchasing Microsoft Office from B1NAR1ES Technolgy Store. Faculty use Microsoft Office, and it will be important to be compatible with this software.
Antivirus
It is imperative that you install an antivirus program on your Windows and Mac computer but there is no need to purchase it. UNCW recommends downloading free software from our Antivirus website.
Bringing an older computer
If you are bringing an older computer to campus, here are the minimum campus compatibility requirements:
Windows Computers
Windows 7
Intel Pentium Dual Core, 2.2 GHz or higher
2 GB Memory (RAM) or higher
80 GB Hard Drive or higher
10/100 Ethernet Wired Network card
802.11g Wireless Network card (laptop)
Internet Explorer 8 or higher
Antivirus
Macintosh Computers
OS X 10.6 – Snow Leopard or higher
Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.0 GHz or higher
2 GB Memory (RAM) or higher
80 GB Hard Drive or higher
10/100 Ethernet Wired Network card
802.11g Wireless Network card (laptop)
Safari 5 or higher
Antivirus
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