Information Technology Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Participation

1. Who will be eligible to participate in the program?
2. How do I participate in the program for this academic year?
3. What are the benefits of purchasing a laptop through the UNCG program?
4. What if I already own a laptop or desktop computer?

Hardware/Software

1. What type of laptops will be offered?
2. What operating system and software will be included?
3. How do I get a copy of Microsoft Office or the operating system for my laptop?
4. Will UNCG provide all of the software that I can access in the computer labs?
5. Will the laptops have a warranty?
6. What about protection against accidental damage for my Lenovo or Apple laptop?
7. What about theft or fire insurance?
8. What do I do if my SLI laptop breaks?
9. Will I be able to get my laptop repaired on campus?
10. When connecting to the Lenovo Ultrabase Docking Station, does the battery have to be removed from the laptop to prevent overcharging?

Cost

Is there a charge for having my laptop repaired at the Technology Support Center?

Ordering Information

1. In the Apple Store, I clicked away from the Store tab and now when I try to return to it, I end up at a different Apple Store. How do I get back to the UNCG Apple Store?
2. How do I place an order?

Network

1. Is wireless access available all over campus?
2. Is there Internet access everywhere at UNCG?
3. Will my computer be secure from other students?

Contact Information

How can I make a suggestion or ask a question about the laptop program?

 

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Participation

1. Who will be eligible to participate in the program?
   Any current UNCG student (full time, part time, or graduate) is eligible to purchase a laptop.
   
   Note: Alumni and those who have withdrawn from the University are not eligible to purchase a laptop through this program or receive on-campus technical support.
   
   
2. How do I participate in the program for this academic year?
   During the 2009-2010 academic year, the recommended program laptops will be made available for purchase by all students. Information on buying a program laptop is available on the Student Laptop Program Web site.
   
   
3. What are the benefits of purchasing a laptop through the UNCG program?
   There are many benefits to purchasing a laptop through the program.
   • Program laptops have been selected to meet the requirements of the University's academic computing environment. 
   • Program laptops are configured to work with the campus wireless network. 
   • Program laptops come preloaded with software required for academic use. 
   • An on-campus support center will be available to provide support services, including warranty repairs, for owners of program laptops.
   • By purchasing a program laptop, you are covered by the campus Microsoft license agreement, entitling you to upgrades at no additional cost while you are enrolled. When you graduate, you are granted a single, perpetual license to the version of the software loaded on your laptop at the time of graduation.
4. What if I already own a laptop or desktop computer?
   Students may bring non-program wireless laptops. The suitability and operation of a non-program laptop is the full responsibility of the student. Non-program laptops are not eligible for support, and it is the responsibility of the student to purchase and load the recommended academic software. For information about non-program laptops, read the Minimum Requirements for Users of Non-Program Laptops.
   
   

Hardware/Software

1. What type of laptops will be offered?
   There are two recommended laptop vendors: Lenovo/IBM and Apple. Each vendor offers a less expensive model and a high-end model that offers better performance. Details for the models can be found on the laptop information page.
   
   
2. What operating system and software will be included?
   A selection of software will come loaded on laptops purchased through the program.  This software was selected by the ATCC as meeting the general computing requirements. A list of the included software is found on the laptop information page.
   
   
3. How do I get a copy (on CD) of Microsoft Office or the operating system for my laptop?
   Microsoft licensing has allowed UNCG to distribute Office and Vista media to Student Laptop Participants at a cost of $5.00 per copy. Please fill out the appropriate form to request your copy:
   • Microsoft Campus Agreement for Office (PDF: requires a reader such as Adobe Reader)
   • Microsoft Campus Agreement for Vista (PDF: requires a reader such as Adobe Reader)
   • Microsoft Campus Agreement for XP (PDF: requires a reader such as Adobe Reader)
     
     
4. Will UNCG provide all of the software that I can access in the computer labs?
   No. Only a subset of programs available in the computer labs will be licensed for use and preloaded on program laptops. Students are eligible to purchase select additional software at a discount. Your instructor will let you know if you need additional software for a class.
   
   
5. Will the laptops have a warranty?
   With the exception of the laptop battery, which has a one-year warranty, program laptops have a three-year warranty at the time of purchase. Lenovo/IBM owners can elect to extend this to four years at any point during the three initial years of coverage. The on-campus service center will perform warranty repair work on program laptops.
   
   
6. What about protection against accidental damage for my Lenovo or Apple laptop?
   Lenovo/IBM ThinkPads purchased through the program are covered for three years under the ThinkPad Protection service. It protects against accidental damage due to power surges, drops or falls, liquid spills, and LCD damage caused by a drop or a fall. Any accidental damage covered by the ThinkPad Protection service can be repaired at the on-campus service center.
   
   There is no accidental damage plan included for the Apple laptops. However, there are third-party policies available that you can find by searching the Web.
   
   Note: The laptop battery has a warranty for one year only.
   
   
7. What about theft or fire insurance?
   ThinkPad Protection excludes theft, loss, or damage due to fire or intentional acts. Students (and parents) are encouraged to contact their current insurance provider to ask about covering the laptop under their current homeowner's or renter's insurance.
   
   
8. What do I do if my SLI laptop breaks?
   If the problem is covered under warranty or ThinkPad Protection, the student may bring the laptop to the Assisted Helpdesk Center (AHC) for repair. A limited number of loaner laptops will be available for students whose laptops are being repaired.
   
   Note: Non-SLI machines can be taken to the AHC for limited consulting services (related to wireless only). You will need to contact the manufacturer for hardware support and the software technical support for software support.
   
   
9. Will I be able to get my laptop repaired on campus?
   Yes - at the Technical Service Center in Forney 101.
   
   
10. When connecting to the Lenovo Ultrabase Docking Station, does the battery have to be removed from the laptop to prevent overcharging?
    The Ultrabase Docking Station has a switch inside that kicks it over to AC power when a ThinkPad is docked and the battery is fully charged. It is not necessary to remove the battery from the laptop.
    
    

Cost

Is there a charge for having my laptop repaired at the Technology Support Center?
For information about our schedule of fees, read What is ThinkPad Protection and what does it cover?.

Ordering Information

1. In the Apple Store, I clicked away from the Store tab and now when I try to return to it, I end up at a different Apple Store. How do I get back to the UNCG Apple Store?
   This problem has been reported to Apple. In order to get back to the UNCG Apple Store, you will have to start over from the Purchase a Laptop Web page. You must place your order before leaving the Store tab.
   
   
2. How do I place an order?
   Visit the Purchase a Laptop Web page. From there you will be directed to the purchasing sites prepared by the selected vendors for use by program participants.
   
   

Network

1. Is wireless access available all over campus?
   For wireless availability, please read UNCG Locations with Wireless Service (PDF: requires a reader such as Adobe Reader).
   
   UNCG-FacultyStaffStudent:
   The UNCG-Faculty/Staff/Student network is only accessible via 802.1X authentication and once authenticated, the traffic is encrypted. Access is available to the same set of services as the current wired network. To obtain access to this encrypted network, wireless clients will be required to configure their workstations for 802.1X authentication.
   
   
2. Is there Internet access everywhere at UNCG?
   Internet (Web) access is available through the wireless network described in the previous answer. The student computing labs also provide Internet access to current students. Resident students may connect their personal computers to the campus network in the dormitories through ResNet; this provides Internet access.
   
   
3. Will my computer be secure from other students?
   While every attempt will be made by the University to provide a safe computing environment, the student user shares a great deal of responsibility for taking sensible precautions. Training and documentation are available to students to educate them about safe computing practices. All program laptops will come with a firewall and antivirus software.
   
   

Contact Information

How can I make a suggestion or ask a question about the laptop program?
Technical or purchasing inquiries regarding the laptop program should be directed to 6-TECH at 336-256-TECH (8324) or 6-TECH@uncg.edu. For information on requirements specific to your major program, contact your major department or advisor.