A. The quick answer is that virtually any computer — desktop or laptop, Mac or PC — purchased in the past couple of years will be sufficiently powerful for general use (email, web browsing, note taking, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and social media) at Mines.

A new, high-end (and expensive) computer can be useful for running complex simulations and calculations with specialized software. However, the school has many well-stocked computer labs available to students, sometimes 24 hours a day. In addition, many academic departments make their own extensive computer labs and lounges available to their students. There are even high-performance-computing (“supercomputer”) resources available to students. It is certainly possible to earn a degree at Mines without purchasing a computer at all.

But if you wish to run resource-intensive technical software (some of which may be provided free by the school) on your own computer, you’ll want something pretty powerful. Currently that means an Intel i7 or i9 processor or equivalent, at least 16 GB RAM (though an i5 and 8GB might suffice in many circumstances), and a good-sized (preferably SSD) hard drive — 256 GB or above. Some of this software runs only on Windows, so ask some questions first. Ideally, you should talk to students and faculty in your new academic department before buying. Get their advice. Many will suggest a Windows PC, others will suggest a Mac, and a few are likely to prefer Linux.

A. IT supports recent versions of Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu Linux. Which one you choose depends on personal preferences and the particular software you need to run. A Mac can, of course, run macOS plus, with some effort, Windows or Linux (Windows via dual boot using Apple’s free Boot Camp software, and Windows or Linux as “virtual machines” using auxiliary “virtualization” software). In short, a PC can run Windows and Linux, but not macOS. So if you need to run macOS, buy a Mac. If you will only run Windows, buy a PC. Linux will run on either.

A. IT will attempt to provide support no matter which computer you buy. That said, some brands are definitely more likely than others to break prematurely or offer substandard warranty support. The independent testing agency Consumer Reports releases a periodic computer buying guide for subscribers that could be helpful in making a decision. In general, though manufacturers rise and fall in the rankings over time, Lenovo and Apple have done relatively well over the years (if not every year). In addition, comprehensive reviews of specific computer models are often available at websites such as PC Magazine and CNet. Modest higher-education discounts are available from Apple, Dell, and other vendors. 

A. Laptops are generally more expensive than similarly powerful desktops, but are of course more portable. They’re good for taking notes in class (though some research suggests that taking notes by hand, rather than on a laptop, leads to superior retention). Laptops take up less space on a dorm room desk. They’re quieter. On the other hand, they’re more likely to break or disappear and their screens tend to be smaller than desktop monitors. Graphics-intensive applications (like computer-aided-design … or games) tend to run noticeably slower on a laptop than on a desktop. The answer to this question is ultimately a matter of personal preference and budget. Most students seem to prefer laptops for their versatility and convenience.

A. This is a controversial area. Generally, Consumer Reports says no — on average, extended warranties don’t pay their way financially since most people never end up using them. However, you might consider an extended parts-and-service warranty when buying a laptop, since in a school environment it is perhaps more prone to break and certainly more expensive to repair than a desktop computer. If having a broken computer will seriously affect your schoolwork, a comprehensive 2- to 5-year extended onsite parts-and-service warranty can be quite useful. (Note that most warranties don’t cover accidental breakage. Read the fine print before signing up.) Again, this is a matter of personal preference and cost. Not all extended warranties are created equal, so do your homework on costs and benefits.

A. Generally, no. IT will attempt to help you with advice about fixing any brand of computer, but we do not service personally owned computer hardware.

A. Well, it’s not exactly free, since the school and your Tech Fees paid to license it, but, yes, there is some software available to students without charge. For instance:

• Students currently enrolled in at least one class, as well as faculty members (though not staff), are eligible to download most Microsoft software (except for MS Office) at no charge as part of a Mines agreement with the Microsoft Imagine Premium program (formerly known as “Microsoft DreamSpark”).
• Current students, faculty, and staff are eligible for Microsoft Office — online via Office365, and via download through the school’s Microsoft Office 365 ProPlus agreement. (Alternatives: Windows, macOS, and Linux users may also install the free and open-source LibreOffice suite. For Mac users, Apple provides Pages (word processor), Numbers (spreadsheet), and Keynote (presentations) at no cost on qualifying computers. Many students like the convenience of sharing Google documents and spreadsheets as well. That’s also a free service.)
• Technical software available free to students includes:
  • SolidWorks (Windows only)
  • Mathematica (Windows, Mac, and Linux)
  • MathCAD (Windows only)
  • VMWare (Mac and Windows)
  • MATLAB (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Various other software may be available to students on a case-by-case basis. Much more software is installed in the various computer labs across campus.

A. An antivirus program is recommended. For Windows users, the built-in antivirus, Microsoft Defender, is probably sufficient. MacOS users should install one of the many free or paid antivirus products available for that operating system (Sophos is a good one that is also free for personal use). Though some suggest that Linux users don’t need an antivirus, we still recommend the free, open-source, and at least moderately effective ClamAV antivirus program, available as part of most Linux distributions, or a commercial third-party antivirus like Sophos, Comodo, or F-Prot (all of which are higher-rated).

We also recommend the anti-malware programs Malwarebytes (Windows and Mac) and Spybot Search & Destroy (Windows only) — available free to individuals for personal use. These typically spot malware that standard antivirus software misses.

Most importantly, always be sure to apply all critical (usually defined as security-related) updates to your operating system and any software applications installed on your computer. Do so on a regular basis.

A. A few additional items will make life a lot easier for you:

• A power strip with surge protector gives peace of mind during late-summer lightning storms.
• If you buy a laptop, a padded case of some kind is a good investment. Laptops tend to take a beating.
• If you need a network (“Ethernet”) cable, they are available at the Computer Commons front desk in the Center for Technology and Learning Media — the “CTLM Building” — in room 156A. (Wireless networks on campus will make this unnecessary for most laptop users.)

A. All Mines academic departments allow access to printers on their networks for students in their classes. Black and white, color, and poster printing is available at nominal cost in the Computer Commons (CT 156). While a personal printer can certainly be very convenient, consider the cost of the printer, paper, ink or toner, and possible repairs necessary over time when making a decision. Laser printers cost more to start but are generally much cheaper per page to operate. If you are living in a dorm room, consider the space required to house a printer.

NOTES: Printing to wired personal printers on campus is permitted. Setting up or printing to a wireless personal printer is not allowed on campus.

Learn more about BlasterPrint. Students receive $8 worth of printing each semester — about 100 pages — via their Tech Fee.

A. Apple iOS or Android smartphones and tablets are fine for email, web browsing, watching videos, or listening to music. But it’s hard to take notes, much less write a term paper, with an on-screen keyboard. (A separate, physical Bluetooth keyboard can be helpful there.) Printing from these mobile devices is possible via the Web Print feature of BlasterPrint. On the other hand, most specialized technical software used at Mines won’t run on these devices. Mobile devices are nice complements to full-fledged computers, but are not viable replacements for them in all cases. There is one excellent reason to have a phone — any phone, not just a smartphone — on campus, though: You will have access to Mines Emergency Alerts and up-to-the-minute warnings of campus emergencies (including the ever-popular snow day). Sign up for your MEA alerts here: http://inside.mines.edu/Mines_Emergency_Alert.

A. We just might. IT student consultants hone their tech and customer-service skills in a friendly work environment and get paid for it. Here’s how to apply…

A. How do I connect to the network? How do I print to a network printer? How do I “map” a network drive? New students often have a lot of questions.

The knowledge base may have the answers you’re looking for. Or submit a support request to the online IT Service Desk . We’ll do our best to answer your question promptly.

A. If you’d prefer to talk with an expert in person, the IT Service Desk offers tech support–for hours of operations, visit their webpage. 

Or call the hotline at 303-278-4357 (HELP). For matters involving your Mines account, please bring a government-issued photo ID to verify your identity.