The Students’ Computing Guide

Before you do anything, you need to speak to your lecturers and find out exactly what software you are likely to need throughout your course.

If, for example, you are doing a course in graphic design or film making you are going to need a computer that supports the software you will be using, and you will no doubt need more memory to store all your creations. You should consider the following:

• A PC with at least a 2Gb memory and a good amount of RAM (random access memory). All the programmes you open are placed into the RAM, so the larger it is the more you can do without your computer slowing down or crashing.
• A hard drive with a good storage – 250Gb is plenty- to store all your files, photos, videos and applications.
• A graphic or sound card, which greatly improves the quality. They cost more but are worth it if they support your work.
• You may want to get a PC with a CD writer or better still DVD re-writer installed which lets you write up to 4Gb of data.

However, if you do a subject like History and will mainly be using Word processor and the Internet then you’ll have a different specification altogether. For less technical subjects a netbook maybe the right choice for you. Here are the benefits of a netbook:

• They are smaller (between 7 and 11 inches) and lighter (between 0.8 and 2kg).
• They have less memory typically 1Gb and a smaller hard drive ranging between 4 and 160Gb, but still enough to store all of your essays and projects.
• Designed mainly for browsing the internet, hence the name, and are perfect for those who prefer to store files online, either on email or using cloud computing.
• They are perfect for students, possibly at college, who want to use a PC for social networking/emailing.

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If you are making the big move to university, make sure you find out the internet set-up in your halls. If there is a wireless facility then it is best to get a laptop with inbuilt wireless. All Centrino-branded laptops have a wireless adaptor but it is always good to make sure your laptop has at least a 56K modem, just in case.

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Luckily most companies are aware that students are on a budget and do often offer great deals. Netbooks are the cheapest option, with some retailing at just £199.You can still get a good price on more advanced laptops and trim the fat in other areas.

The key here is to try and buy a laptop with as much software already installed on it as possible, that way you save on buying programmes such as Microsoft Office, which can cost you a pretty penny.

To get around the problem of buying a costly laptop with a lot of memory, you can buy an external hard drive to store your work and other files.

Some sites and stores also offer a student discount, so make sure you flash that NUS card!

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For some people the look and feel of a laptop is what makes it, so make sure you feel comfortable with yours – you will be glued to it for the next few years no doubt! Most laptops have an average screen size of 15-inch but larger screens are available- these are known as “luggables”.

If you prefer a lighter more portable option, one that can be taken to lectures and carted around campus without breaking your back, then again netbooks are a great choice. These PCs, with their 9-inch to 10-inch screens and thin, sleek designs are perfect for a student on the move.

Battery life is another thing to consider; you would hate your laptop to shut down in the middle of note taking in a class. Most laptops have a battery life of around three hours but you can get some which can last up to seven hours.

Most laptops these days also come in a variety of colours and designs, so you can really make your PC your own.

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One really important piece of software your laptop must have is an antivirus programme. This will protect your work from viruses and prevent your identity being stolen. If you are a chronic file sharer and downloader this really is essential, as it prevents malware, spyware and adware as well as worms and Trojans from attacking your new computer.

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Image by AnDre | MA_sight,