Get Connected to UB in 5 Easy Steps
Before purchasing
Faculty and staff expect that all students will have access to a computer resource other than what is available in the on-campus libraries and computer labs. No matter what computer you use, the IT professionals here at UB have put together a set of minimum requirements to make sure all students have the hardware they need to take full advantage of the university’s computer resources.
Whether running a Windows, Macintosh or Linux system, students should make sure their computers are able to run its operating system efficiently, without lock ups or crashes. All computers need to run Microsoft Office software, or on Linux systems, OpenOffice software. Computers need to run a web browser such as FireFox or Internet Explorer for access to email and other online services. Internet security software is required when running any operating system platform (Windows, Macintosh, Linux) due to their vulnerability to new computer viruses.
A student’s choice of computer is not limited to a particular brand or platform, but all computers must be able to install and run all the standard software programs that have been identified by UB’s faculty and staff. These standards have been established to ensure that UB maintains a safe computing environment for all students and one that can be well supported by our academic support staff. This set of standard software is especially important as the threat of new computer viruses continues to grow.
As a UB student, you have access to various academic software products. This includes but is not limited to: Microsoft Office Suite for PCs and Apple computers, OpenOffice, and Symantec Antivirus. You can download this software at any time or pick up a copy of the media at UBMicro.
Students with questions about the safety or compatibility of other programs not offered directly through UB should check with UBMicro IT Support Services staff before installing programs on their computers. All current lists for supported hardware and software can be found on the UBIT website.
UBMicro is our on-campus, not-for-profit computer store where you can purchase computer hardware, software and accessories. UBMicro is also an authorized service provider for many major manufacturers. All the computers sold through UBMicro are certified to meet the latest UB computing standards and are configured for accessing e-mail, the internet, and all the campus network resources. New computers can be shipped directly to a home address, or picked up in the store. UBMicro staff can also answer any questions you have about how to update current computers to meet all the latest UB standards. Visit UBMicro online, or call directly at area code 716-645-3554.
Financial status is not a barrier to computer access at UB. Our Students Needing Assistance Program (SNAP) provides help to incoming students in need of financial assistance. SNAP is a first-come, first-served program and quantities are limited. For more information, visit UBMicro.