Most academic departments prefer students use a Windows-based computer to ensure you can download and use specialized software and to facilitate classroom collaboration.

A Windows-based computer is particularly important if you plan to study in the School of Business, School of Engineering or School of Education and Health Sciences because of the Windows-specific tools used in many courses.

You’ll find details about required device specifications in this document:
University of Dayton Student Computer Specifications >>

Macs in Windows-Preferred Majors

A few things to be aware of if you choose to use a Mac for a Windows-preferred major:

• Some courses in the School of Business and the School of Engineering will require the use of Windows-specific tools. A Windows computer is strongly recommended for these academic programs!
• You may need to run the Windows OS on your Mac (via Boot Camp) or use campus computer labs to access required academic tools.
• Installing the Windows OS on a Mac requires a certain amount of free hard drive space. Macs used by Engineering students generally require 250+ GB of hard drive space to install the Windows partition; all other Windows-preferred majors generally require 100+ GB.

NOTE: UD’s IT Service Center can’t install Windows remotely; students enrolled in online classes should ensure they have access to a Windows computer or can have Windows installed by a local IT service provider.

• The Mac Retina display is not designed to function with some Windows software and may cause issues for Engineering students.

Computer Accessories

Many computer accessories are available for purchase from the UD Bookstore. Students often find the following helpful:

• Camera and microphone for conferencing if not already integrated with your computer.
• External hard drive for full system backups.
• USB drive to save back-up copies of critical files like papers and class projects.
• Laptop security lock to deter notebook theft in your residence and in public places.
• Laptop case or backpack to prevent physical damage when toting your computer around campus.
• VGA and / or HDMI adapter (if not already integrated with your device) to connect to classroom presentation systems (most classrooms have VGA, several have both).

A Reminder about Warranty and Insurance

A warranty covers manufacturer’s defects only and is generally provided when you purchase a computer. Not sure if you have warranty support? Check your receipt/packing slip, or contact the notebook vendor or manufacturer.

It’s a good idea to contact the warranty support vendor for your computer before coming to UD and ask how you can get warranty support while on campus.

Computer insurance covers issues like accidental damage (like damage caused by drops or liquid spills) and theft. These are NOT covered by the warranty generally included with a computer purchase. Families can often add a computer to your existing homeowners insurance. If that’s not possible, you can also purchase separate computer insurance through a technology insurance company.

Here are a few things to know and do to get your tech off to a smooth start at UD. 

Before you arrive on campus

• Set password challenge questions so you can reset your UD password if it expires.
• Enroll in UD’s 2-factor authentication system to protect your University computing account.
• Download Microsoft Office and (if your computer came with Windows 10 Home or Pro) the Windows 10 Education OS from go.udayton.edu/software
• Download the UD Mobile App from iTunes or the Google Play store.

When you arrive on campus

• Configure your computer and mobile device to use Eduroam, UD’s secure campus Wi-Fi network.
• Register your gaming and entertainment devices (but know that UD’s network does not currently support the use of home assistants like Google Home or Amazon Echo). 
• Install the FlyerPrint print queues to print to campus pay-for-print printers

Other Campus Tech Resources 

As a UD student, you’ll have access to several IT tools and services. 

UD Software

Some software is licensed for use by UD students, faculty and staff. Visit go.udayton.edu/software to see what’s available and download applications like Microsoft Office and the Windows 10 Education OS.

Campus Printing 

While many students bring a personal printer to campus, UD’s FlyerPrint printers are available around campus as part of our pay-to-print program. To use these, you’ll need to install the FlyerPrint print queues on your Windows or Mac. 

If you bring your own printer, you’ll need to connect it via Bluetooth or USB; wireless network printing isn’t supported for personal devices in student housing facilities. 

If you need help with technology at UD, our IT Service Center is only a click or call away. In addition to answering questions about our campus network, services and computing accounts, when you’re on-campus our technicians offer several for-fee services, including: 

• Installing operating systems ($50) and University-licensed software ($25)
• Bootcamp install and configuration ($50)
• Virus removal ($75)
• Data backups ($25 per 25 GB)
• Performing system diagnostics ($75)
• Non-warranty hardware repairs ($50)
• Laptop rentals ($10/day; $50/week)

NOTE: If your computer is under warranty, our IT Service Center techs can’t usually perform hardware repairs (it can void your warranty) but we will try to help you find the external support resources you need.