Do I need to own a computer?

While Terry does not have a blanket computer requirement, some programs, including the MBA program, do require students to own a laptop. Additionally, some Terry classes have a specific laptop requirement. Check with your program advisor to determine additional requirements. Students often find that a personal laptop best suits their needs in terms of portability and access. Most of campus is covered by wireless access authenticated by your UGA MyID.

If you need access to public computing resources on campus, there are a variety of locations available on the Athens campus, including the Miller Learning Center.

Buying New or Used

Almost any new laptop will meet Terry class and program requirements. We note the minimum recommended specifications below. These are based on the specifications for this year’s classes and are not meant to serve as a comprehensive guide for a full program of study.

The University of Georgia has a vendor relationship with Dell and Apple that will offer you a competitive price alternative on a new laptop. Visit the UGA Bookstore website for information on a laptop configured and priced for UGA students. You may also visit the Dell Higher Education website or the Apple Higher Education website for more flexible configurations and pricing specific to higher education.

Note: At Terry College, the standard Operating System is Windows 7.

Buying an Apple laptop?

If you are considering buying an Apple laptop, be advised that there is course software required by faculty (for example, Visio, Project, and Access) that will not run on the Apple OS. Microsoft Office for Mac also has some differences that may cause issues for you.

Students have two options to enable Windows software to run on an Apple system. The first option is to use Apple’s built-in program, Boot Camp, to run Windows. Boot Camp is a free utility, but it does require the purchase of a Windows OS in addition to any other required Windows-based software packages.

The second option is to purchase either VMware Fusion or Parallels, two software packages which allow users to run both Windows and the Mac OS on the same system. In addition to purchasing VMware or Parallels, you must still purchase a Windows OS license and any other Windows-based software package that you will need (for example, Microsoft Office 2010).

The UGA Bookstore offers educational discounts for VMware Fusion, Parallels, and Apple computers. The Microsoft Windows OS and Office suite may be purchased at a discount from the University System of Georgia's Software Resource and Services (Personal) site.

Laptop support

It is each student's responsibility to ensure his/her laptop is functioning properly and is able to connect to the PAWS network. Computer repair is available at the UGA Bookstore. See the UGA Bookstore Computer Store page (Service tab) for hours and information.

Recommended Specifications

Network Card

We use a wireless network on UGA campuses. You are required to have a wireless B/G/N network card built-in to your laptop.

Productivity Software

Varies by program of study (see below) and class.

Operating System

At Terry College, the standard Operating System is Windows 7.

Other options you may need/want to consider

• A 3-year warranty covering parts + on-site labor (next business day)
• A “complete care” type warranty that will repair or replace your laptop regardless of type of damage
• USB memory stick or USB backup hard drive
• Surge protector
• High speed internet service (cable modem or DSL) at home

MBA Program software requirements

The MBA programs require Microsoft Office Standard 2007 or 2010. The best current price for Microsoft Office Professional 2010 is via the University System of Georgia’s Software Resources & Services site (site may require MyID). Microsoft Office is also available at the UGA Bookstore at a slightly higher price. There may also be additional software that will be provided for you to install in some classes, so you will need to make sure that you have available hard drive space.

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Updated March 2012