- Is the laptop program mandatory?
- If I am not a mandatory student, can I still get into the university laptop program?
- How much does the laptop cost?
- How do I sign up for a university laptop? How do I get my laptop?
- Will Financial Aid apply to the laptop?
- What kind of university laptop will I get? Is it the latest model, or an older, stripped-down model? What kind of software comes on it?
- If I choose NOT to get a laptop through the university program and want to purchase a laptop on my own - or already have a great laptop, what are the mandatory specifications my laptop must meet?
- I'm a student with my own laptop. Can I get full access to the university wireless system with my non-university laptop?
- Can I connect to the Library from Home Using a High-Speed Internet Connection?
- Can I install my own software on the laptop?
- What happens if my university-purchased laptop is stolen?
- What if my university laptop needs repair? What if I corrupt one of the basic software programs or the operating system? Do you repair private laptops as well?
- Some universities replace laptops every two or three years. Does UIW do that? Can I get a newer laptop through the program?
Laptop Program
1. Is the laptop program mandatory?
All students are expected to enter the University with a laptop or tablet computer, and for some of our schools this is a requirement, not an expectation 9check with your school).The University does offer a laptop/tablet computer purchase program that makes acquiring technology tools for college life very easy and efficient. No student is required to purchase a laptop from UIW, but many choose to, for a variety of reasons. Whether you decide to purchase a computer from UIW or elsewhere, please understand that learning with technology and using a computer daily is an integral part of the UIW experience.
2. If I am not a full-time student, can I still purchase a university laptop or tablet computer?
Currently only full time students are eligible to purchase a discounted system from UIW.
3. What are the advantages purchasing a laptop through the University? How much does the laptop cost?
It’s a good deal for you. Some advantages of purchasing a laptop through UIW are:
- High end laptop or tablet available at a discounted price.
- Built-in wireless capabilities
- Office 2003 bundled with the computer
- Norton Antivirus and Spy Sweeper utilities preinstalled
- 3 Year Parts/Labor and Accidental Damage Protection (Battery carries 1 year warranty)
- Quick repair time, with no charge for these services
- Custom UIW logo carrying case
- Custom UIW logo 512MB Memory Key
For Fall 2007, the student laptop/tablet package costs $1,500 for either the M285E Convertible Laptop or M465-E laptop.
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4. How do I sign up for a university laptop? How do I get my laptop?
Laptop orders for the Fall of 2007 are closed. We'll begin taking orders for the Spring 2008 term in late November.
5. Can Financial Aid be used to support laptop/tablet purchases?
Yes. Because we expect students acquire mobile technology to succeed at UIW, Financial Aid may be applied to the price of a UIW computer.
The Financial Aid Office has a great deal of experience in helping students offset the cost through student loans.
If finances are a problem, go see them - you'll find them to be very helpful. Call them at 829-6008 or send an email to Financial Aid.
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6. What kind of university laptop will I get? Is it the latest model, or an older, stripped-down model? What kind of software comes on it?
All university laptops and tablets are the latest Gateway models. They’re compatible with the UIW network and wireless systems.
When you buy from UIW, the computer you buy comes with the Microsoft XP Professional operating system, the complete Microsoft Office 2003 Suite (Outlook, Excel, Access, Word, Power Point, etc.), Norton Anti-Virus, and Webroot Spy Sweeper utility programs
7. If I choose NOT to get a laptop through the university program and want to purchase a laptop on my own - or already have a great laptop, what are the mandatory specifications my laptop must meet?
Any laptop or tablet computer purchased new in the past two years or so will meet your needs. All we ask is that your computer is equipped with the following software:
Operating System: Windows XP or newer
Software: Microsoft Office Suite 2003 or newer. Must be complete package with Excel, Word, Power Point, Access, etc.
Anti-Virus: We recommend Norton Anti-Virus; McAffee is also acceptable.
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8. I'm a student with my own laptop. Can I get full access to the university wireless system with my non-university laptop?
Yes, assuming your computer includes wireless capabilities. Because we use an encrypted wireless system, authentication is required before you will be allowed to get onto the wireless system. You will need to bring your laptop to the Help Desk in the basement of the Administration Building to have the wireless encryption code installed. Otherwise, you will not be able to connect into the campus wireless system.
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9. Can I connect to the Library from Home Using a High-Speed Internet Connection?
Yes, but to do this there are 2 steps you MUST complete before you can successfully access the library databases.
Step 1: Install the UIW VPN software, there are 2 options:
WebVPN for Window and Macintosh or
Install VPN client for Windows
Step 2: Login to the VPN software; Your username and password you would use is the same as your UIW email username and password.
After you have accomplished these 2 steps, you can successfully begin browsing the library databases. If for some reason you continue to have issues please contact our Help Desk.
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10. Can I install my own software on the laptop?
Yes, if the software is not pirated or an unauthorized copy. We abide by copyright laws; if you bring your laptop in for service and the technician questions a piece of software on your laptop, you need to be ready to show that you paid for it and that it is not illegal.
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11. What happens if my university-purchased laptop is stolen?
Students are responsible for replacing the laptop if it is stolen. Students can purchase a new laptop that meets UIW's operating system and software specifications so that it is compatible with the network.
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12. What if my university laptop needs repair? What if I corrupt one of the basic software programs or the operating system? Do you repair private laptops as well?
You can bring your laptop to the Help Desk, located on the bottom floor of the Administration Building. Our technicians are "factory trained"; that is, their work on your laptop will not negate its warranty. Our technicians can install new components, re-install software, and instruct you on how to connect to the UIW network or wireless system to make sure you are getting the most out of our system. Please read our Gateway's Accidental Damage Protection Plan for more detailed information covering warranty repair.
In no instances will we make repairs to private laptops. You must find an off-campus repair facility for your private laptop.
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13.Some universities replace laptops every two or three years. Does UIW do that? Can I get a newer laptop through the program?
The UIW laptop program does not replace your entire university laptop. We do provide free software upgrades to Microsoft Office on university-procured computers as well as other software on the laptop. If you wish to purchase more memory, a bigger hard drive, or other upgraded components, we can install them free of charge on your laptop and your warranty will remain intact.
If, after two years in the program you wish to get a new laptop, you can do so. Pricing will be at the current rate at that time.
The Gateway website has been created for the University of the Incarnate Word to offer Gateway systems at special discounted prices. To qualify, you must be a current student or faculty member at the University of the Incarnate Word, Incarnate Word High School, or St. Anthony's Catholic High School. Click here to view the Gateway Website.
