Computer and Software Discounted Purchasing
Technology Services is pleased to provide recommendations and links to discounted pricing on hardware and software to Puget Sound students, faculty, and staff considering personal technology purchases. Faculty and staff should contact the Service Desk at 253.879.8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu for policies and recommendations on technology purchases using university funds.
Computers
Please review our recommended specifications before shopping for a personal computer. We have negotiated special discounted pricing for students, faculty, and staff who wish to purchase personal computers from Apple and Dell.
Apple
To access discounted prices on Apple products:
- Go to the Apple Store for Education.
- Type Puget Sound in the search box and click the Search button.
- Select University of Puget Sound in the results box.
- Click Shop for Yourself and follow the purchasing instructions.
- You may be required to enter your Puget Sound ID number to finalize a purchase online.
Dell
To access discounted prices from Dell, visit the Dell Membership Purchase Program or contact Dell sales at 1.888.987.3355. Please reference the number US7900553 to receive your discount. You will be required to enter your Puget Sound ID number to finalize a purchase online.
Recommended Specifications
These recommended and minimum configurations are provided only as a guide. You may require a higher-end machine depending on your individual computing needs (e.g., doing significant video editing or graphics work on your computer).
The University of Puget Sound does not specifically endorse either the PC or Macintosh platform or any specific brands of hardware or software.
Windows Platform
Basic rule of thumb: If it runs Windows 7, you will be fine!
Memory: 2 to 4 GB
Hard Drive Size: 250 GB or more
Macintosh Platform
Basic rule of thumb: If it runs Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) or higher, you will be fine!
Memory: 2 to 4 GB
Hard Drive Size: 250 GB or more
Software
Technology Services provides free anti-virus software for students, faculty, and staff to use on personal computers. Students are especially encouraged to use the university's standard anti-virus software.
The University Bookstore offers significant discounts on Microsoft Office, Windows, and other software titles. Visit the Bookstore online or in the Wheelock Student Center. Technology Services is also pleased to provide Puget Sound faculty and staff with discounted pricing on Microsoft Office 2010 through Microsoft's Software Assurance Home Use Program (requires Puget Sound login).
Open source options for word processing and other applications can be found at Open Source Alternative.
Technology Services provides access to standard and instructional software in computer labs for general use. Additional software programs are available for specific class activities in many labs.
Accessories and Other Resources
The university provides 2 GB individual network shares for students, faculty, and staff to store and backup university-related files, but a USB memory key (also known as a flash, jump, or thumb drive) comes in handy for file transfer and storage.
The Federal Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 requires all colleges and universities to publicize legal alternatives for downloading music and video files. See the extensive list of alternatives compiled by EDUCAUSE, a nonprofit association focused on information technology in higher education.
For more information or assistance, contact the Technology Service Desk at 253.879.8585 or servicedesk@pugetsound.edu.
