Purchasing or Donating a Computer
What kind of computer/software should I get?
The Personal Computing Support Center fully supports both Windows and Mac OS with the commonly-used software listed at www.bu.edu/pcsc/contact/software/. The BU community is evenly split across platforms and it's likely that you should just purchase the computer you are most comfortable with.
However, when you are looking to purchase a computer and/or software, it's a good idea to review the University Computers offerings at www.bu.edu/univcomp/ as a guideline for your choices. Even if you don't plan to purchase from UC, it's helpful to review the typical bundles that BU students are buying and see if there are any special recommendations associated with your school or college. UC pricing is intended to be very competitive.
If you are an incoming student, look for UC's Back-to-School Buying Guide. You will receive this guide in the mail, and can also review it on-line at www.bu.edu/univcomp/bts/.
Related information
University
Computers
The University's computer store, a division of the Office of Information
Technology, offers special packages and very competitive educational
pricing.
Campus
Labs
In case you don't purchase your own computer...
Sources for Researching a Purchase
Register
your notebook computer with the BU Police
The BUPD offers a "Laptop Registration Program." Computers in the program are tagged with an special
aluminum plate, which aids in theft deterrence and increases the chance of
safe return of lost, stolen, or misplaced laptops.
Laptop battery
recalls
Learn about laptop batttery recalls for overheating (fire hazard) from
Apple, Dell and Lenovo.
Donating
or Recycling
Information on what to do with your old computer or computer equipment,
including places to make a charitable donation and a list of recycling
sites.
