A laptop computer is as much a part of the graduate programs as textbooks and course packs.

MBA and PhD graduate students attending the University of Michigan Business School are expected to own a laptop computer.  BBA students may benefit from a laptop and can take advantage of the services, but are not expected to own one.

There are definite advantages to having a laptop at Ross:

	Most courses use web-based UM CTools for instruction and support.
	Our mobile computing environment provides wireless Internet access, virtual lab software, OCS, and printing for laptop users from anywhere in the school.
	The school provides facilities to complement student laptops.
	Our computing labs have limited availability, especially during peak usage times and near midterm and final exams.  Therefore, the labs may not meet all of your computing needs.

 

We have prepared detailed information with recommended computer guidelines to help you decide on a configuration that will work best for you and help you stay within your budget.

In addition to the system recommendations, you may want to keep the following topics in mind when purchasing a laptop:

	The Business School is a Windows environment.  The majority of business and internship contacts you will interact with as part of your degree program heavily favor the PC. Some software used as part of the curriculum will only run on a PC. This decision is yours to make, but you might be at a disadvantage if you use a Macintosh.
	Windows XP Home version is typically shipped on computers ordered by individuals.  While this version of XP may be used, we recommend paying extra and getting the Professional version, which though our experience is more stable and is designed for a professionally networked, corporate-style environment such as ours.  If you cannot find it, the Professional version is available for a reduced cost through the UM Computing Showcase.  We do not recommend anything older than Windows XP.
	You will be carrying your laptop most of the day.  Look for a laptop that weighs no more than 5-6 lbs (many students opt for ultra-lightweight machines that are under 2 lbs).
	Lenovo and Dell offer special deals on laptops to Ross School of Business students.  Visit the Laptop page and click on the logos to take advantage of these offers!

If you already own a laptop, you may not need to purchase a new machine.  Check to see if your laptop meets the minimum requirements and runs the required application software to your satisfaction. Please note we will make our best efforts to help you connect to our network with your current laptop, but success is not guaranteed.
 

The Ross School of Business is covered by an 802.11a/b/g wireless network, which provides our students with wireless Internet access throughout the Business School complex and courtyard, as well as other UM campus locations:

	All Business School buildings and courtyards
	Commerce Park Dearborn facility - full coverage
	The Law School. Please see their wireless web site at Law School Wireless LAN for details
	Shapiro Undergraduate Library - Please see the ITCS wireless information for details
	Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library - Please see the ITCS wireless information for details

More information on the campus wireless network is available through ITCS. The Ross wireless network is exclusive and designed to protect our resources for Business School students only, therefore setup for our wireless network has additional steps.

Signal strength will vary and may be blocked by concrete pillars, elevator shafts, doors, etc.  Visit the Wireless Status page to check signal strength in various areas of the Business School.

For your convenience, power outlets are available in all main classrooms, the student lounge, group study rooms and the Kresge Library.
 

Our Laptop Support team is available on the second floor of Kresge in the Library to help you troubleshoot wireless connections at the school.  They can be reached via email at RossLaptopHelp@umich.edu.

First visit our Wireless Status page to check the wireless signal strength in the area you are working.  You may discover you will have success if you move to an area with less activity.

If the area you are working in reports a strong signal, or moving to another area does not solve the problem, please report the signal and bandwidth issues to the Laptop Support team.  They will advise you in cases where the issue might include settings on your laptop, or will work with our network team to investigate the situation and make sure the access points are working properly.

When contacting Laptop Support about connectivity issues, please include the following information:

	your location
	date(s) and time(s) you experienced the problem
	estimated number of other laptop users in the area
	task you were attempting to perform
	symptoms you experienced (no signal, etc.)

There are a number of applications that we require on your laptop:

	Windows XP Professional operating system - the Home version may be used but is not recommended
	Microsoft Office 2007 -  there is special pricing on this suite for enrolled students through the University of Michigan Computer Showcase.  Due to issues with analysis functions in Excel 2007, you will also need to download the Excel 2007 Regression Tool Charting Fix. You can also use Office 2003, but you will need the Microsoft Office 2007 Compatibility Pack.
	Internet Explorer 6.0 browser or later
	Current versions of Acrobat Reader and Flash Player
	McAfee Virus Scan - auto-updating antivirus protection
	Xerox Software Download for Windows XP - software for laptop printing to the Business School student laser printers (see our Xerox page for information on use and installation)

We also recommend the following software:

	Virtual Lab - access to Business School Lab software over the Internet (for Windows Vista/XP)
	WinZip - create and/or open zipped files
	MS Office Communicator 2007 with Live Meeting - Instant messaging for collaborating with your classmates

 

Our Laptop Support team can assist you with setting up your laptop for our environment and troubleshooting any issues with Business School computing:

	troubleshoot issues with printing from your laptop.
	lack of connectivity from your wireless card or Ethernet card with our network.
	installation issues with software provided by the Business School such as McAfee Virus Scan, and Virtual lab software.

Please note that we are not authorized to repair your equipment but may be able to assist you with simple troubleshooting and identification. 
 

Our wireless network provides Internet access for laptops in all classrooms and group study rooms.  For assistance in configuring your wireless connection, visit the Laptop Support team in the Kresge Library.

In addition, all major classrooms have Ethernet and power connections - connections are in the desks in tiered classrooms and in the floors in flat classrooms.  You may borrow an Ethernet card from the Library Circulation Desk for 2 hours with a valid MCard.  Please provide your own Ethernet cable.

Please observe the following courtesies when using your laptop in the classroom:

	Check with your professors on their preferences and guidelines for your laptop use within their class.  This will vary from professor to professor and from class to class.
	While class is in session, pay your professors respect by giving them your full attention - don't surf the web or read email during class.

 

The Software Training workshops are hands-on - bring your laptop to follow along.  You can also download the handout and practice files and view the presentations online.