Do I need a new laptop if I already own one?

If your laptop already meets the minimum requirements listed in the attachment (Buying Recommendations), and your laptop runs the required application software to your satisfaction, then you may not need to purchase a new laptop. We will make our best efforts to help you connect to our network with your current laptop, but success is not guaranteed. 

What if I already own or prefer a desktop computer?

A laptop will allow you to work on projects within our facilities (especially within the Kresge Library), classrooms where appropriate, during your MAP team project, during your summer internship and at home. You will also be involved in many team-oriented projects where a laptop will be very beneficial. We have over 120 laptop connections in the library as well as a wireless LAN for you to be connected.  Laptops are an integral part of your Business School experience.

What if I prefer a Macintosh?

The University of Michigan supports the PC line of computers. The majority of business and internship contacts you will interact with as part of your degree program heavily favor the PC. The University of Michigan Business School is 99.9% PC oriented including our network, student labs and classrooms. 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.

Why can't I just use the computing resources that the Business School provides?

The business world is increasing its use and reliance on computer and information technology. We feel that a laptop is necessary in order for you to get the most from your learning experience and to effectively communicate with faculty and fellow students. Still, the School operates several computer labs intended primarily for teaching and for the provision of specialized hardware and software to support specific curricular needs. Although lab computers are usually available for student use, they cannot be relied on for general computing. 

What wireless card do I need to buy? 

It is easiest if you order your laptop with an integrated, internal wireless card that is built-in. 

If you do need to purchase an external wireless card, we recommend and support the the Cisco Aironet 802.11 a/b/g Wireless CardBus Adapter.    

What software do I need? 

You will need either the Windows Vista or XP operating system, MS Office 2007 or 2003 Suite, MS Internet Explorer,  McAffee VirusScan Enterprise from the University of Michigan (or another automatically updating anti-virus program), card drivers for your wireless and/or Ethernet cards. 

Visit our Software Page for a complete list of required and recommended software.

Is it okay to use other versions of Windows and Office? 

Windows Vista and Windows XP are compatible with Office 2007 and Office 2003.

Our classrooms and labs will be upgraded to Windows Vista and Office 2007 this summer.  If you already have Windows XP and/or Office 2003, upgrading is not necessary.  However, keep in mind that Office 2007 has a different file format.  You will need to install the Office Compatibility Pack in order to work with files created in Office 2007.

Office 2007 can be purchased through the UM Computing Showcase.  The cost to enrolled students is approximately $50.

Can I mix different versions of Windows and Office software?

You do not have to change your Operating System to install a new version of Office.

While technically possible, we do not recommend running both versions of Office on the same computer - we recommend running one or the other.  The programs share files which will create conflicts.

Can I install other programs on my laptop? 

As a tool for your education, it is of the highest importance that you protect your laptop and maintain its stability. Adding anything to your laptop can affect its stability. We therefore urge you to not load ANY software or hardware that is not recommended by the school or does not directly support your instructional use.

You are ultimately responsible for your laptop and the one who suffers the loss, so take great care and effort to protect yourself!   

What can Laptop Support help me with? 

Our laptop support team can assist you with issues related to setting up your laptop for our environment and troubleshooting any issues with our services. 

Specifically, they can help you

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

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

How do I setup my laptop for the Business School environment? 

Use our on-line videos and/or text instructions on the Laptop Setup page to complete the following:

• You will want to download and install the current versions of Business School-provided software, which include the Xerox print drivers, McAfee VirusScan, Business School Outlook Download and Virtual Lab software.
• You will want to register the MAC address for your wireless card and add our settings to your wireless profile.
• There is no setup required for Ethernet use, but make sure you have a standard Ethernet cable.
• You may wish to set up your laptop for high-speed Internet access through the cable or phone company. 

Laptop support staff can help you if you become stuck or need assistance in troubleshooting.   

My computer has a virus, what do I do? 

To prevent this situation, be aware and carefully follow anti-virus practices noted on the Virus Protection page.  Every year there seems to be a virus that sweeps through the student population, from simply not following published practices such as not opening e-mail attachments you were not expecting to receive, etc.  Resolution may take hours or days to resolve in the middle of a busy academic year - time you can't afford.

Once you have contracted a virus on your computer, do the following as soon as possible:

• Quarantine!  Do not share any files from your computer with anyone else. 
• Check www.nai.com for an update or patch for the McAfee's VirusScan software.
• Run the most recently updated version of McAfee VirusScan software on your hard drive.
• Check the UM Virusbusters website for late breaking news and details. 
• Check with the Laptop Support team to see if there is a patch or known fix.
• In extreme cases you may need to reinstall your operating system and software.  

Where can I go to download the UM-provided antivirus software?  

The University provides auto-updating VirusScan Enterprise + AntiSpyware Enterprise 8.5.0i free to all members of the University Community. Learn more about protecting your computer on our Home Security page.   

How do I access the R: Drive from my laptop or a home machine? 

To access the R: drive from your computer, you must use Internet Explorer browser or otherwise obtain FTP software. If you use Internet Explorer you must have the option to "Enable Folder View for FTP Site" checked in their Browser's Tools menu - Internet Options - Advanced tab.  

1. Type this URL into the address box in the browser ftp://allfiles.bus.umich.edu.
2. When prompted type in the user name and  password. Current usernames and passwords for our network can be found at the following link  http://www.bus.umich.edu/Technology/Accounts/SchoolPasswords/default.htm

See the FTP section in the Network and Internet section of the Technology site for more details and options.

How do I backup my mail if I’m using Microsoft Outlook? 

If you are an MBA student, follow these steps to backup the data in your exchange account:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook. From the File menu choose Import and Export, in the Import and Export Wizard choose "Export to a file."
2. Choose "personal folder file (.pst)," then highlight personal folders and check "include subfolders."
3. Browse to where you would like to save the file and click finish.
4. Click OK at the next screen.
5. In order to back up new mail messages that are added, you will have to repeat these back up steps again or manually move the messages into the backup file. 

 If you are not on an exchange account, no action is needed since your mail is already downloaded into an offline personal folder.

I have switched computers.  How do I access the e-mails that I have backed up from my old computer in using Outlook?

To retrieve e-mail backups and move them onto a new computer:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook and setup your e-mail account again in Outlook if necessary.*

2. From the File menu, choose Import and Export.
3. In the Import and Export Wizard choose "Import from another program or file," then choose "personal folder file (.pst)."
4. Browse to where you saved the file and click finish, then click Next, then click finish.
5. Repeat the steps above for each backup file you have.

*Note:  If you import the backup before you set up your mail account you will end up with multiple mailboxes, so be sure to set up your mail account first. 

My computer used to run faster, what happened? 

The most common reason for slower speeds is that your hard drive has become fragmented over time.  When data is saved or programs are installed on a computer and later deleted, the computer does not re-organize the storage space.  Over time the computer finds data harder to locate, which can cause it to take longer to access. Occasionally a "disk defrag" should be performed to re-organize the drive. To run the Windows defrag program, go to the Start button, click on Programs, click on Accessories, click on System Tools, then click on Disk Defragmenter.  This may take from several minutes to several hours depending on how often you perform this maintenance.

Slower speeds can also result from:

• A particular software installation (what was just added to your system.)

• Using up more than 90% of your hard drive - too much data is saved on the hard drive which doesn't allow for the 10% swap file space
• Not enough RAM for your operating system or the various applications/tasks you are trying to run at the same time.
• A virus.  Run a full virus scan on your hard drive with currently updated anti-virus software (that is using the most recent DAT files)