Beginning fall 2009, the university requires all incoming freshmen to have a laptop computer equipped with both Microsoft Office and Symante Anti-Virus, both of which are available as free downloads from the university. The hardware configurations that are the industry standard for the current year for a newly purchased computer are online.
More information on student computing is available online, or by calling the ITS Help Desk at 828-227-7487 or toll free 866-928-7487.
The WCU bookstore also stocks a number of products to help students meet the current computer requirement. Please check the WCU bookstore for academic pricing on other software and component hardware. The phone number for the bookstore is (828) 227-7346. Their web address is http://books.wcu.edu/.
Use the links below for information on:
Purchase of computers
Students who already own a computer
Network and Internet connectivity
Additional Information
Western Carolina University has designated Dell and Apple as the primary vendors for the purchase of computers. Students may purchase computers and required software from any vendor. However, machines purchased from our selected vendors through the university-endorsed vendor websites will be preconfigured for easy connection to the university's network and will include all required hardware.
Please visit the Information Technology Services website for more details on the purchase of computers from our selected vendors through the university-endorsed websites.
Learn more about how Financial Aid may be able to assist with the cost of a student computer.
Students who already own a computer
Students who already own a computer may not need to purchase one. Most computers running Windows XP or Vista, or Macintosh computers running system OS X or higher should connect to the university's network with an appropriate network interface card or modem. Network interface cards are available for purchase on campus. A minimum of 512 MB RAM memory is essential, as is a 40 GB hard drive. All computers should have either a CD-R or CD-RW (preferred) drive. Systems must be capable of connecting to Western's network and utilize a WCU-supported OS and a supported version of Microsoft Office. Systems having less than this minimum specification will not perform satisfactorily or meet WCU's computer requirement. Due to limitations, Windows XP Home Edition is NOT supported.Minimum Computer Specifications
Network & Internet connectivity
Students living on campus access the Internet via WCU's high-speed network. Students living off-campus are required to obtain appropriate connectivity through an external Internet Service Provider (ISP) to access the various university computing resources. In our area Broadband access is available via the local cable company, and DSL is often available from our local telephone company. Dialup access is available through ISP's such as AOL and Earthlink. Off-campus students may need to purchase additional equipment beyond what is required for students living on campus in order to connect to the Internet and WCU's Web-based resources, e.g., cable modem, 56K modem.Additional Information
If you would like additional information about WCU's computer requirement, call the Admission Office (toll-free) at 1-877-WCU-4YOU or send e-mail to admiss@email.wcu.edu . The computer requirement is an integral part of the educational experience at Western Carolina University. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in sanctions to the student up to and including expulsion from the university.Last Updated: 11/17/2008