There are a few items to consider when choosing a personal computer for a College of Engineering student:

• College of Engineering students will use their personal computers for document preparation, web browsing, email, and other personal productivity work. Engineering students do not have to use their personal computers to run the engineering software applications required for their courses or research. Individual copies of these specialized software packages are often quite expensive. This type of software is available to students in College of Engineering computer labs. Students may also use their personal computers to remotely access to engineering software.

• Microsoft's Windows and Apple's Mac OS X operating systems are both commonly used by students (and faculty) in the College of Engineering. Linux is also used, but is less common. Common file formats and productivity applications, such as Microsoft Office, allow students to collaborate and share files across operating systems. In addition, an increasing amount of work is done in web browsers which are operating system independent.

• Students can buy computers from a wide range of vendors. The College of Engineering recommends "Tier 1" vendors such as Apple, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Lenovo, and Toshiba because of the overall quality of their products as well as the support and repair options they offer.

• Unfortunately, things can go wrong with any computer: it may be stolen, broken, or lost. Security locks and cables can help deter theft. Students tend to damage or break their laptops often enough that the College recommends evaluating additional warranty or repair contracts from vendors. Insurance options should also be examined. Anticipating these types of service issues is an important part of selecting a computer vendor.

• The U-M's Computer Showcase is a valuable resource for U-M students. It is an online and walk-in store that offers hardware and software (including Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat) that is specially priced for U-M students. The configurations available at the Showcase are examples of systems that are appropriate for student use. They also include important additional items such as a security lock and cable, maintenance contract, and removable media.

Prospective students and their families that have further questions about computing or information technology at the College of Engineering should contact Paul Killey, Executive Director of Information Technology for the College of Engineering.