Computers, Software, OIT accounts, etc.
These days no one can function successfully in college without being computer literate or having regular access to the Internet. As new UWW students, you should be aware of the computer policies and requirements of both UMass Amherst and UWW.
Computer requirements: One resource will be required of all new UWW students: a reliable, updated computer with a recent copy of Microsoft Office installed. UMass Amherst Office of Information Technology (OIT) lists recommended and minimum requirements to use as a guideline in evaluating your current computer or in choosing a new one. If you do not have a computer and have applied for financial aid, you can submit a budget appeal form for loans to purchase a computer. See the UMass Amherst financial aid web site for details.
Software requirements:
Microsoft Office Software: All new UWW students are required to have a recent version of Microsoft Office Suite with Word 2003 or higher and Excel 2003 or higher installed on their computers. Microsoft Works, the cheaper package that often comes with new computers, does not meet this requirement.
If you already have Word and Excel installed on your computer, check the version by opening Word and clicking on Help in the menu at the top of the screen. Then click on About Microsoft Word. In the window that opens, note the version of Word listed. UWW faculty version, for instance, is listed as Microsoft ® Word 2003 (11.8202.8202) SP3.
Purchasing Microsoft Office: It is possible to purchase MS Office Suite online through the UMass Microsoft Select Program offering discounts to matriculated UMass Amherst students. Compare the various versions. The best deal is Microsoft Office 2007 Pro Plus Student Select Media License Bundle at $60.95, which includes Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Publisher, PowerPoint, and others. The basic version at $49.86 includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, meeting the minimum requirements for UWW courses. (These prices were listed on the site as of March 30, 2009.)
Checking your computer for online courses: Those of you planning to take online or blended courses should also do a browser check on the UMass Online (UMOL) site to see if your computer is set up appropriately for WebCT learning system. Go to the UMOL Amherst login page and click on the browser check link. Your software will be evaluated for use in the online courses, with links to explanations about updating it appropriately if needed.
Do you have more technical questions?
About computers or software: OIT help desk (Remember that you are required by the University of Massachusetts to activate an OIT account and to check e-mail regularly. Official notices and announcements will be sent by e-mail or put on your SPIRE record rather than being sent through the postal service. )
About UMass Online Blackboard courses: amherstsupport@umassonline.net
About what UWW requires in computers or software: uww@uww.umass.edu
