The Computer Requirement at Michigan State University

Overview

All undergraduate students at Michigan State are required to have a computer that can connect to the Internet using a high speed connection.

All students should check with their prospective major college and department to see if they have specific computer requirements. For example, some programs require that all of their students have a laptop computer. Others make strong recommendations about computers using particular operating systems.

If there are no specific computer requirements for the student’s program of studies:

The computer may be either a desktop or a laptop.
The student's computer may be any brand running any operating system; however, students will want to be sure the computer will run applications software they will use for homework (e.g. office applications).
The computer must be able to directly connect to MSU's campus network and the Internet using a high-speed Ethernet connection.
Handheld devices, such as Web-enabled personal digital assistants or cell phones, do not meet the requirement.

If a laptop computer is chosen, students should consider having a machine that is equipped not only with an Ethernet card, but also with a wireless card to communicate wirelessly with the MSU network. The MSU wireless network supports all current wireless communication protocols (802.11a, b, g).

It is crucially important that all computers be equipped with virus protection and firewall software, and that the software be installed and running prior to connecting a computer to the MSU network.

Please be aware that some course sections may be taught with the expectation that students use laptop computers in class (this is noted in the schedule of course listings), so a laptop may provide expanded instructional opportunities for students.

Financial Aid for Meeting the Computer Requirement

Students who qualify for financial aid may request up to $1000 in additional aid in order to meet the computer requirement. Most students who qualify will receive loans. The most needy students may receive grants. See more information and request forms from MSU's Office of Financial Aid.

Computer Purchasing—MSU Computer Store

The MSU Computer Store sells computer hardware and software to MSU students, faculty, and staff at educational discount prices. Popular software is available in some cases for less than half the retail price. See the MSU Computer Store home page.

The Computer Store is located on the first floor of the Computer Center, along the Red Cedar River next to the Administration Building. See the Store's location on a campus map. The Computer Store's telephone number is (517) 432-0700.

Computer Security

MSU considers computer security to be extremely important. Protect your computer by:

Adding your equipment, especially laptops, to your family’s insurance coverage.
Register your computer with STOP (Security Tracking of Office Property), a program with University Stores to make it difficult or impossible to sell a stolen computer; and
If you own a laptop computer, purchase and use a security cable even when you leave it in your residence hall.

Practice Safe Computing

We encourage you to practice safe computing by protecting your computer from security dangers such as viruses, worms, spyware, intrusions, and other system vulnerabilities. Safe computing helps protect individual privacy, prevent identity theft, and protect computers and files from being damaged or lost.

Before you plug your computer into the MSU campus network:

Turn on a Personal Firewall: Connecting to the Internet opens your computer to attacks which could steal passwords, credit card numbers, or destroy data. Turn on your personal firewall to block attacks.
Install Anti-virus Software: Anti-virus software protects your system from viruses and other malware. Schedule daily anti-virus updates and scans of your computer. Anti-virus software may be purchased at the MSU Computer Store.
Install Anti-spyware: Spyware can capture your personal information and transmit it to criminals. Make sure your anti-virus product fights spyware; if it doesn’t, install a good anti-spyware tool. Several free anti-spyware programs are listed at help.msu.edu/downloads
Update System & Security Patches: Set your computer to automatically install the latest patches to your operating system and other applications.
Protect Your Passwords: Your NetID and password define your online identity at MSU. Guard your passwords as you guard your bank card PIN. Never share them with anyone or store them in obvious locations such as sticky notes, in your desk, or under your keyboard.

(Last updated April 23, 2007.)