Purchasing Computers and Software

In an effort to assist students with the purchase of personal computers for use on campus, Computing & Network Services has negotiated pricing agreements for both Windows-based and Macintosh laptops and desktops. In addition to being able to buy certain machines at a reduced price, C&NS will also perform warranty repairs on the computers we recommend.

Purchasing a New Computer

Mac. Packed for college. Special student pricing available.

Apple

The University fully supports Apple computers, and maintains two computer labs on campus with iMacs for student use. Any newly purchased Apple desktop or laptop machine - including the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro - will function on the University's network.

Your new computer should have a minimum of 4 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.

Apple computers can be purchased with an education discount by visiting Fairfield's Apple Store page (NetID login required). The current list of recommended systems can be found there, though the education discount will apply to any Apple computer, whether it's one of Fairfield's recommended systems or not. Please note, neither Microsoft Office nor Apple iWork is included in these bundles. Either can be added to your order through the Apple website or Microsoft website.

Please remember that Fairfield University Student Computing strongly recommends the following additional items:

  • Productivity Suite (one of the following):
  • Extended Warranty and additional Accidental Insurance
    • AppleCare 3-Year Protection Plan (included in our bundles, accidents not covered)
    • Accidental Insurance not available through Apple, but can be purchased through 3rd-party vendors who are not affiliated with Fairfield University (not included in our bundles)
Mac. Packed for college. Special student pricing available.

Microsoft Windows

The University's preferred provider for a Microsoft Windows computer is Hewlett-Packard (HP) through CDW-G. Any newly purchased HP laptop or desktop machine will sufficient to get on the University's network.

Purchase a recommended HP computer with an education discount. Please note, only a 60 day trial of Microsoft Office is included in these bundles, but can be added to your order through the CDW-G website or purchased separately.

Your new computer should have a minimum of 2 gigabytes (GB) of RAM, but optimally 4GB is preferred if possible.

Please remember that Fairfield University Student Computing recommends the following additional items:

 

Student Discount on Microsoft Office (Windows and Mac)

Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Office Professional Academic 2010 - $99.95

Want to buy Microsoft Office 2010 (which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, Publisher, OneNote) for $100? Once you have your windows computer, download and install a copy of Office Professional Academic 2010 when you use your Fairfield University provided e-mail address (@student.fairfield.edu).

Apple Macintosh
Office for Mac Academic 2011 - $119.99

Want to buy Microsoft Office 2011 (which includes Word, Excel, Outlook,PowerPoint) for $100? Once you have your Apple Mac computer, download and install a copy of Office for Mac Academic 2011when you use your Fairfield University provided e-mail address (@student.fairfield.edu).

Notes on Network Connectivity

To connect to the University network your computer should have both an ethernet port/card (for wired connections) and a wireless card (for wireless connections). Students are strongly suggested to purchase an ethernet cable (network cable) to utilize the wired connection which is 50% faster than wireless and more stable.

Ethernet cables can be purchased at the University Bookstore in addition to many other stores.

Most (if not all) current Windows and Mac computers come with the necessary ports/hardware to connect to Fairfield's wired and wireless network.

Student Computing Contact Information
Phone: (203) 254-4069 Option 1
E-mail: studentcomputing@fairfield.edu
AIM: FFLDUSTUDENTCOMP