To Site Menu | To Footer and UMD Index | To Main Content | Text-Only
University of Massachusetts DartmouthUMD IndexAsk UMDUMD Personnel DirectoryCOIN - Corsair Online INformation
    About UMD  |  Academics  |  Admissions  |  Campus & Community  |  Student Life  |  News & Events  |  Services & Administration
Nav links: To Header | To Footer and UMD Index

Nav links: To Header | To Footer and UMD Index

Computing and Information Technology Services (CITS)

Frequenty Asked Questions

Should I buy a notebook or a desktop computer?

There are positive and negative points to either choice. A notebook is portable and can be taken to class, the library and easily brought home over breaks and weekends. However, it is often impossible to upgrade a notebook, they are more easily damaged and stolen, for the same quality machine as a desktop model they will be much more expensive, and due to smaller screen size it can be frustrating to work on for long projects. The desktop is easily and often inexpensively upgraded, a more powerful machine can be purchased for a much lower cost, they are more resistant to theft, and with larger screen size, full size keyboards, and mice instead of track pads they are often more comfortable to work on for long projects. However, they take up more space, they are not easily transported home during breaks, and they cannot be taken to class or to the library.

Should I bring or purchase a printer to go with my computer?

CITS recommends that you bring or purchase a printer. While printers are available in the computer labs, they can only be accessed from within the labs, so you have to save your file on a diskette and bring it to the lab to print it. For advice on purchasing a printer, please contact Rob Roy at the IT Service Center, 508-910-9654 or r1roy@umassd.edu.

I've seen a lot of advertising about Macintoshes and PC's.
Do you recommend one or the other?

CITS supports both Macintosh and Windows Intel-based personal computers. The decision between Macintoshes and Windows PC's is a matter of personal preference. However, keep in mind that there may be preferences specified by your particular college or major. Be sure to check before making a purchase.

Do I have to pay extra to connect to the Internet from my dorm room?

No, there is no additional fee required to connect your machine to the Internet from your on-campus residence as long as your computer meets the minimum requirements and has an Ethernet card.

Can my roommate and I be on the Internet at the same time?

Yes, there is one Internet connection available per bed in each of the residence hall rooms.

Can I use my AOL, MSN, or other Internet Service Provider email account on campus?

Yes. Although you will be given a UMass Dartmouth email account once you register for classes, you will still be able to use any other email accounts you already possess.

Please note that official University correspondence, such as announcements about emergency closings or your WebStudent PIN number, will be sent to your UMass Dartmouth account, so it’s a good idea to check it regularly. Your email can be forwarded to another account. To change your password or forward your email to an off campus email address, visit https://webmail.umassd.edu.

I can get a great deal on an Ethernet card, but it isn't a brand that CITS supports. Will saving money be worth it?

CITS recommended models are known to work within our network; but some other brands do not. CITS recommends that you buy the models we suggest in order to receive the best support. You can purchase a reasonably priced Ethernet card from ResNOC; installation is free. Call 508-999-8040 or email ResNet@umassd.edu.



 Last Updated On: 3/14/05
UMD Home

An Official UMass Dartmouth Web Page/Publication. © 2008 Board of Trustees of the University of Massachusetts.
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth• 285 Old Westport Road • North Dartmouth, MA 02747-2300
Phone: 508 999-8000 • TTY/TDD: 508 999-9250 • Contact the university
End of content. Go back to the top.