2008 - 2009 Frequently asked questions about laptops

What is my DU Email address?
Your DU email address and temporary password are generated after May 15, 2006 and will be sent to you via US Postal mail.  Once you are on campus, all official correspondence will be sent to your DU email address.  If you do not have your email address, please contact the UTS Help Desk at 303-871-4700.

What is my DU ID number?
Your DU ID is your official student number.  This 9 digit number (beginning with 87) and the 6 digit pin (initially set to your birthday MMDDYY) are used to gain access to DU resources. Your DU ID and Passcode are generated after May 15, 2006 and will be sent via US Postal mail.

Do you recommend I purchase a certain type or brand of laptop?
Though the choice of what laptop to purchase or lease is yours, we do have recommendations to make. Our 2006-2007 list of recommended laptop manufacturers are (in alphabetic order) Apple, Dell, IBM, MPC and Toshiba. This list resulted from evaluations conducted by our staff that considered such factors as price, speed, functionality, reliability, service, industry rankings and feedback from other universities requiring laptops. Most importantly, these vendors have been "tried and true" with our students in the DU mobile computing environment.

Can I bring an Apple/Macintosh laptop?
Maybe, depending on your area of study.  Some schools like the Daniels College of Business and the Department of Engineering require PCs (or Macs with Bootcamp) where the School of Art requires Macs. If you opt for a Mac, you may need to purchase a Windows emulation program like Virtual PC, Parallels, or Bootcamp if you have to run specialized Windows software. 

What if I cannot afford to bring a laptop?
If you are concerned about being able to buy or lease a laptop, please contact Stephanie Colunga Montoya, M.S., Campus Life Coordinator via email stephanie.montoya@studentlife.du.edu.

I already have a laptop, however it is 2 years old.  Do I have to purchase a new computer to meet DU 's minimum specifications?
No, you do not have to purchase a new computer.  We will help you get your computer configured; however you may encounter system/software incompatibilities and support issues.  Your computer must be loaded with Windows XP Professional SP2 or Mac OS 10.

Why does DU not allow Windows XP Home?
Windows XP Home is not designed for highly sophisticated networks like the University of Denver's and does not contain enhanced networking, security and troubleshooting features like Windows XP Professional.  It creates a serious security threat to the DU network and your computer.  If your laptop has Windows XP Home, you must purchase the Windows XP Professional upgrade from either the computer manufacturer or the DU Bookstore.

What about International versions of Windows XP?
Numerous security problems exist with non-English versions of Windows.   In order to protect the network community at the University of Denver , we require that all students have the English version of Windows XP Professional installed on their computers.  Computers running a version other than the English version of Windows XP Professional will be denied network access.  International students can use Microsoft's "Multilingual User Interface Pack (MUI), a set of language specific resource files that can be added to the English version of Windows XP Professional.  When installed, MUI allows the user interface language of the operating system to be changed to one of 33 supported languages.  Both the English version of Windows XP Professional and MUI are available at the DU Bookstore.

What is Windows Genuine Advantage?
From the second half of 2005, visitors to the Download Center and Windows Update will be "required to participate" in Windows Genuine Advantage to download content and software updates. However to help customers who "may require more time to move to genuine Windows software", Microsoft said that it will offer security updates through the Automatic Updates feature in Windows, with or without Windows Genuine Advantage validation. In essence, it is mandatory to have a valid licensed and registered copy of Windows XP Professional, not a pirated version loaded on your system, in order to receive all updates and patches from the Windows Update website.

Validation is a short process that enables you to verify that your copy of Windows is genuine. If you request a genuine Windows download from the Microsoft Download Center, you will be prompted to complete the validation process. You may choose not to validate your Windows and still obtain your requested download. However, validating now will enable faster access to the Download Center in the future when validation may be required. After successful validation, a Microsoft Windows Download Key will be stored on your system for future use. Following the validation process, you'll be taken back to the initial download details page to obtain your requested download.

Is Windows activation required?
The validation process also determines if you have activated your copy of Windows. If you have not activated Windows, you will be asked to enter the 25-character product key printed on the Certificate of Authenticity (COA) you received with your PC or software purchase. The product key protects your software from theft, as Windows cannot be activated without it.

However, Windows activation is not required for genuine Windows validation. You may access genuine Windows downloads with either an activated Windows client, or by validating to receive a Microsoft Windows Download Key. Read more about the Windows activation process by clicking here .

Where can I purchase Microsoft Office 2003 Professional (PC) or Microsoft Office 2004 (Mac)?
Y ou can purchase Microsoft Office for $99.00 from the DU Bookstore.

What about Antivirus?
The University has purchased Symantec Antivirus 10.0 for Windows and Macintosh for all student computers and it is available at no charge for download through the DU web

(http://www.du.edu/du-software/Norton ). 
For detailed installation instructions on how to download and install Symantec Antivirus 10.0, click here .  You will need an Internet connection, your DU ID and Passcode to download the software.  If you do not have an Internet connection, you can request a CD by sending an email request to laptops@du.edu .

What are Windows Updates?
Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps your operating system stay up to date with the latest version by installing patches and updates for software compatibility issues, hardware drivers, and security exploits. It can auto detect exactly what your system needs and install them for you. It is especially important to install all "Critical Updates", as they are provided to help resolve known issues and protect your computer from known security vulnerabilities. Without doing so, you will be susceptible to potential intruders, viruses, and internet worms. It is a requirement for all students to set their "Automatic Updates" to ON so that daily updates can occur and help protect your system and others. For detailed instructions on how to install and configure Windows Updates, click here .

What is a Firewall?
A firewall is a piece of software or hardware that creates a protective barrier between your computer and potentially harmful content on the Internet. It helps guard your computer against hackers and many computer viruses and worms.  Because of the increased number of viruses and operating system vulnerabilities, the University of Denver requires that all mobile users enable the Windows XP Professional "Internet Conn ection Firewall " on their laptop computers.   For detailed instructions on how to configure the Internet Connection Firewall, click here .

Important: The Windows XP Professional "Internet Connection Firewall " blocks certain types of potentially harmful network communication. However, it also blocks some useful network communication tasks ( i.e the sharing of files or printers through a network, transferring files in applications such as instant messaging, or hosting multiplayer games).  For more information about Internet firewalls, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/firewall.mspx .

What is Data Port Authentication?
With the extreme critical issues surrounding campus network security, the University must insure that all computers linked to the campus network are fully updated and secured, for the protection of all network users.  Sometime in the near future, all computers accessing the campus network will require daily authorization and security vulnerability scanning.  Machines that are not in compliance will be denied network access until the security vulnerability is installed.

What about Wireless Networking?
In September 2002, DU launched a campus wide wireless network.  In order to use the wireless network, you must load the VPN Virtual Private Network software and authenticate using your DU ID and Passcode .  It is important to note that wireless network connectivity is not a replacement for traditional wired connectivity--rather, it is designed to supplement areas that currently have no wired connectivity. Wireless connections are considerably slower than the wired connections.  Many new computers are equipped with integrated 802.11b wireless devices.  If your laptop does not have an integrated wireless network card, we recommend the following wireless cards:
* Orinoco/ Wavelan 11Mbps b or g  PC card (Silver/Gold)
* Com® 11 b or g  Wireless PC Card
* Apple Airport 802.11B  or Airport Extreme 802.11G

Do I need a printer in my room?
Having a printer in your own residence hall room is very helpful--particularly for those late nights when you are finishing a paper! Color inkjet printers are available starting at $50 and can be purchased from any computer store, including from our "DU preferred vendors". DU offers students use of seventeen high-speed public black and white laser printers and 2 color laser printers in convenient locations on campus for student use.  The University allocates students $21.00 for printing per quarter (.07 black/white, $1.00 color).  If a student uses all of their printing funds in a quarter, the printing charges are automatically deducted from their flex-account.

How can I connect to DU technology resources from off campus?
Currently we have 192 modems that are available for use to the University community.  These modems are frequently busy!  The University encourages off-campus students to acquire an outside Internet Service Provider (ISP) for connecting to DU. Paid ISP 's cost approximately $20.00 per month.  Recommended ISP 's include ATT.Net, Qwest.Net, AOL, Earthlink , and Netscape.

What is laptop insurance and how can it help me? 
Laptop insurance is an independent insurance policy that covers theft, fire, power surges, accidental damage, natural disasters, vandalism, earthquake, lightning, keyboard spills, shattered screens and other mishaps. This is really important as mishaps occur!    The University is not responsible for loss or damage to your laptop, so we strongly encourage you to obtain laptop coverage.  All manufacturers now offer complete accidental care warranties for purchase. Some homeowner 's policies provide laptop coverage.  One company that provides laptop insurance policies is Safeware and can be reached at 1-800-800-1492 or http://www.safeware.com/

Do you have the ability to backup my data?
It is critical to backup your documents.  When your computer experiences technical difficulties, there is always the chance that your documents will be damaged. You are fully responsible for your data backups.  If your computer has to be serviced, you may lose valuable data.  There are numerous, inexpensive ways to backup your data to external sources including floppy disk drive, Zip drive, Jazz drive and CD-RW. 

How can I get technical support for my laptop on the DU campus?
Before you come on campus, take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with your computer manufacturers support options.  If problems occur, we recommend that you contact your hardware manufacturer first, because they are most familiar with your laptop.  Being aware of your support options will save you time and money if the need arises.

The University of Denver has an extensive technical support network to assist you with your questions and problems:

The Resident Technology Assistants - http://dor.du.edu/rta
UTS Computer HelpDesk - http://www.du.edu/uts/helpdesk/index.html
Email Support - support@du.edu

What else should I bring with my laptop?

• Original Operating System CD(s) / Original Manufacturer Reinstallation CD(s
• Microsoft Office CD(s) and  Certificate of Authenticity
• Laptop Manuals
• Power cords, floppy drive, CD-Rom, network cords/cables, modem cords/cables
• Warranty Information (Warranty Certificate/Proof of Warranty)
• Copy of Proof of Purchase / Purchase Receipt

Are there any other useful accessories that I should think about bringing?

• Laptop Carrying Case / Backpack
• Surge Protector
• Power cords, floppy drive, CD-Rom, network cords/cables, modem cords/cables
• USB Keychain Storage device
• CDRW ' s
• 3 ½ " floppy diskettes

What is Spyware ?
Spyware is Internet jargon for "Advertising Supported software" ( Adware ). It is a way for free software / shareware authors to make money from a product, other than by selling it to the users. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, a recent study showed that 91 percent of the participants unknowingly had spyware loaded on their systems.  The possible effects of having spyware loaded include consistent Internet pop-ups, degradation of system performance, system instability and data transfer of personal information.

Here are some quick tips to limit your exposure to Spyware:

1. Limit your downloads. Any downloads, whether they are from a website or a peer-to-peer program, have the potential to install spyware programs.
2. Do not open email attachments from unknown senders.
3. Do not browse to unsafe websites such as warez and adult sites.
4. Do not click on internet pop-up advertisements.
5. Do not install software such as peer-to-peer, gambling, search toolbars, screensaver, or download accelerator programs, as most of these may be free, but usually contain hidden spyware.

For a comprehensive and informative comparison on various types of shareware and/or P2P programs and their hidden bundled spyware please click here .

Symantec 10, available at no cost to students, incorporates an anti-spyware solution.

Other recommended programs include Webroot Spysweeper, Ad-Aware, and Spybot Search & Destroy. Be careful of fake anti-spyware programs that are free, but are just a disguise for malware.