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Computer Purchase Program
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Buy a Computer

 If you plan to buy a new computer for the Fall semester, we recommend making the purchase no earlier than May. Waiting until June or July is preferable because computer performance-price ratios increase with time. We do suggest ordering the computer before August to ensure that it arrives in time for the start of the academic year.

The computer you select should include  Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 (Windows - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote) or Microsoft Office 2008 Home and Student Edition (Macintosh - Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Recommended Operating Systems

Windows

  • The recommended operating system for Vista is Vista Business or Vista Ultimate
  • Vista Home Premium is not recommended, but acceptable
  • Elmira College does NOT support Vista Home Basic.
Macintosh
Recommended Computer Configurations
  • The recommended operating system is Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard)
  • Mac OS X 10-.4 (Tiger) is acceptable
Areas of Interest
  1. Recommended Computer Configurations
    Listings of popular desktop and laptop computer configurations. Required Ethernet adapters for access to the Internet are included.
  2. Education Purchase Sites
    Windows:
    Take advantage of Dell's Elmira College Personal Purchase Program to customize your computer or call the dedicated student and faculty sales line at (888) 987-3355.
    Macintosh: Visit the Elmira College Custom Apple Store to learn how to order a computer system on your own or call The Apple Store for Education at 1-800-MY-APPLE. 
  3. Frequently asked questions
    Should I buy a laptop or desktop? What are the minimum requirements to connect to the Internet? Find out answers to these questions.