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Computer Requirements
Beginning with the Fall of 2012, all new or incoming VCOM students are required to have a Windows®-based laptop that is not greater than 3 years old. In addition, any new laptops purchased by current students must meet the VCOM computer requirements listed below.
Macintosh computers/laptops are not appropriate because many of our educational software programs do not operate dependably on the Mac platform and many new programs which will be implemented over the next two years will not operate on a Mac. We therefore cannot support a Mac and you will experience great difficulty in certain arenas (including testing) if you do not have a Windows®-based laptop. This has the potential to adversely affect your grades and accommodations are not made for Macs or older computers–so you must have a Windows-based laptop to be successful.
Recommended Laptop
VCOM acknowledges that its recommended laptop series is more expensive than a computer you can buy at a local retailer. However, there is a reason for those costs. The Dell Latitude™ E series is designated as a business (commercial) class machine, which means it is a better supported and more rigorously designed laptop than the standard consumer class machines that are typically available at most retailers. More importantly, VCOM’s policy dictates that these machines come bundled with Dell’s Complete Care warranty for four years. This benefit could add up to $400-500 to your computer costs if purchased on your own. And it covers almost everything (dropping, water damage, etc.; it seems everything except fire, theft, or an act of God). Again, the technicians come to VCOM to facilitate repairs, so that you don’t lose the use of your computer for days (or weeks) when sending it back to retailers like Best Buy or other department stores.
VCOM has been able to obtain a group rate for Dell Latitude E series (E6420, E6520, and E6320) which is available online at www.edutechu.com/vcom. If you purchase one of these recommended computers, free software (Microsoft Office and Symantec Endpoint Protection) will come pre-loaded, and MOST IMPORTANTLY you will have a great four year warranty – with onsite service and loaners at VCOM should you have a computer malfunction (or even accident with your computer). In addition, our IT department will be able to provide technical support for many minor problems. While this computer is slightly higher than off the shelf, the four-year warranty (for almost anything) is well worth it. Entering students do have a computer allowance built into the cost of attendance for the above computer.
Pre-loaded software:
If you purchase a VCOM recommended Dell Latitude E series through VCOM, the following software will be pre-loaded as part of your purchase when you receive it:
- Microsoft® Office 2010 Professional
(No disks will be provided due to licensing requirements) - Symantec® Endpoint Protection (anti-virus)
- Exam Soft® testing software
- (Other educational software from VCOM as required)
Click here (
) to see why VCOM’s IT department chose the Dell Latitude E Series at www.edutechu.com/vcom. You’ll see that the benefits are worth the extra cost.
If you choose to purchase your own computer, or you do not wish to replace your computer because it is relatively new (less than three years currently), you must meet the minimum hardware requirements listed below to be successful in the curriculum and testing. Because of the software we require, these specific minimum hardware requirements must be met.
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Additional Highly Recommended Accessories
(if purchased outside of VCOM)
- 3-4 year warranty,
- External Hard Drive for back up,
- Printer, and
- 1GB+ USB Memory stick
In addition, if you choose to purchase a computer outside of the VCOM process or bring your current Windows-based laptop computer to VCOM, you will be responsible for purchasing Microsoft® Office 2010 and an anti-virus product on your own. In addition, VCOM technical support staff do not service Macs.
VCOM hopes you find this information useful. Should you have any questions of a technical nature or related to your laptop purchase, please contact the specific campus number or email:
Virginia Campus
Email: vcomhelp@vcom.vt.edu.
Carolinas Campus
Email: techsupport-cc@vcom.edu
IT Department Contact Information:
Virginia Campus: vcomhelp@vcom.vt.edu
Carolinas Campus: techsupport-cc@vcom.edu