These questions
and answers address the Student Computer Initiative and
related services.
For questions about Dormnet, visit .
For questions not answered here,
please contact the OIT Helpdesk at 609-258-HELP, or email |
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For the Class of 2012
Eligibility
Models Available
Software
What
software comes installed on the computers?
Upgrades, Printers, and Accessories
Ordering, Shipping
Payment
Dormnet
 How much will the SCI computers cost, and what are the configurations?
Model specifications for the current (2008-2009) SCI year can be found at .
Pricing is available only after logging onto the SCI Store. If you are in the incoming freshman class or are an incoming graduate student, a mailing in June from the Office of Information Technology includes models and pricing information.
Is sales tax charged for SCI purchases? At what rate is sales tax charged?
Sales tax is applied to all SCI orders. State tax will be added to the order according to the ship-to address. (New Jersey sales tax is 7% starting July 15th, 2006.)
What are the dates of this program?
SCI 2008-2009 ordering should begin Monday, June 9th, 2008 at approximately 12 Noon Eastern time. Letters with program details are mailed to the incoming freshmen class and incoming graduate students in early June 2008. The program will run until the end of the academic year, although computer models might change over time and not all will remain available as the year progresses. (For example, second semester seniors cannot charge an SCI purchase to their student accounts or use financial aid.)
I am a newly admitted Princeton Student. How do I log in to the SCI Store and purchase a computer?
To log into the SCI Store, you must use the Princeton netID and password given with your information packet sent to you in the mail in June. Visit if you have that information and would like to log in.
Why should I buy an SCI computer?
There are a number of reasons to buy a SCI computer, such as price, pre-installed software, campus support, and 3 year warranties. For complete details, visit .
Who is eligible for the Student Computer Initiative?
All active Princeton undergraduate and graduate students may purchase a computer through this program. (Non-active enrolled students may not be eligible for all purchase options. Email for more information.)
May I purchase more than one computer?
Yes. Please email sci@princeton.edu for more details.
Can I use the SCI discount with any other discount?
The prices for SCI are specifically negotiated with the vendors for Princeton students, and cannot be paired with any other offer (such as Dell coupons or the Apple Back-to-school discount).
Can I upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista or Microsoft Office 2007?
For SCI 06-07, you are eligible to upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 up until the day of your graduation. SCI 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 models include
Windows Vista Ultimate and Office 2007.
For previous year's of SCI before 06-07, you can purchase the Student Select media from Software Sales (Frist Room 113).
Which computers are available through this program?
Only specific laptop computer models are available for purchase through the Student Computer Initiative program. The University has selected and as SCI vendors for 2008-2009. A summary of the 2008-2009 models offered is available at .
Why are there no desktop models
available?
Some professors ask their students to bring computers to classes. In the future, the "electronic classroom" will become even more common. In addition, many students enjoy the convenience of wireless internet access, bringing their computers with them to study groups, the library and other places to complete their academic work. For these reasons, Princeton and OIT felt it would be a disservice to students to promote the use of a desktop computer. In previous program years, when desktop models were available, fewer than 15% of SCI participants purchased desktop models, and many of those who did felt a laptop model would have served them better.
Will the specific models change over time?
We will work closely with the vendors to ensure that for the contract pricing, Princeton purchasers are getting the best possible technologies. We expect that the vendors will need to change components or even models over time to keep up with the advance of technology.
Will the prices of the models change over time?
The prices may change as technology changes. We expect that the vendors may substitute newer components or even faster processors to keep up with the advance of technology, and the models, configurations, or prices might change to reflect these updates.
Where
are the prices for the computer models listed?
Pricing information is only available
after logging into the SCI Store.
If you are in the incoming freshman class or are an incoming
graduate student, a letter from the Office of Information
Technology you'll receive in June includes program and pricing information.
I'm interested in the technical specifications (like screen resolution and graphics drivers). Where can I get that information?
The and web sites provide technical details of the current models available through this program. Please visit their web sites for detailed product information. The OIT Help Desk also maintains links for older SCI machines at .
When will the SCI charges appear on my Student Account bill?
If you selected the Student Account option, you will see the charges for your computer purchase after the University receives notification from the vendor that your computer has been shipped. If you selected the Finance option, you will receive further information during student registration from the Office of Loans and Receivables or the Office of Undergraduate Financial Aid. For more information on Student Account charges, visit .
How do I get a copy of my invoice?
To receive a copy of your invoice, please contact the manufacturer of your computer. (For contact information, see ) If you used a Princeton payment option, you may be asked for your billing address. The Princeton billing address is:
Marcia Adelman
228 Alexander
Princeton, NJ 08544
What is Dormnet?
is the service which enables you to access the campus network and Internet from your room and many other campus locations including Firestone Library. Computers purchased through the Student Computing Initiative are considered Dormnet-ready. Not only do their hardware specifications meet the , they also have the necessary network interface hardware and properly configured network connection software. In addition, Dormnet-recommended Internet Tools for corresponding via e-mail, surfing the Web, and otherwise utilizing the Internet are installed on these computers. By purchasing a computer through the Student Computer Initiative, your computer will be ready for use on Dormnet. More information
is available in the Help Desk KnowledgeBase.
Can I customize, upgrade or change any of the options when I order one of the models available through this program?
There is one type of upgrade that will be available at the time of purchase:
Math, Science, Engineering package.
Our contracts with the vendors do not include other customizations or hardware substitutions on the models offered. Once you have received the computer, you can upgrade the model by adding additional memory, storage, or peripherals. You will need to take care of upgrades yourself, but you can seek advice from the or the .
Will I receive the software media (disks or CD-ROMs) with my new computer?
A copy of the factory image is included on DVD with your purchase. Dell computers will also include media for Microsoft Windows Ultimate.
With an Apple Purchase, you will receive a copy of Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard), as well as a supplemental installer CD with application installers. An installer for Microsoft Office 2008 for OS X is is included in the application installer CD. Once your machine has shipped, you will receive an email from OIT Software Sales with additional information on how to obtain your copy of the cd for Office 2008 for OS X.
I am a returning undergraduate student. Can I purchase a computer through SCI?
Yes, you can. SCI SCI computers are selected and pre-configured for the Princeton network and SCI pricing is very competitive. The University encourages you to consider one of the models offered. The order page, available when the store is open, is restricted and will require that you log in using your NetID (the part before the @ in your email address) and email password. The prices on the models offered are only available once you log into the SCI Store. Visit the SCI store at .
I am a Princeton graduate student. Can I purchase a computer through SCI?
Yes, you can. SCI computers are selected and pre-configured for the Princeton network and SCI pricing is very competitive. The University encourages you to consider one of the models offered.
The order page, available on when the store is open , is restricted and will require that you log in using your NetID (the part before the @ in your email address) and email password. The prices on the models offered are only available once you log into the SCI Store. Visit the SCI store at .
Are printers available through this program? Do you have printer recommendations
Printers are not included with SCI computers. The University provides high quality, networked printers (stocked with paper and toner) in the residential colleges, , and in Firestone Library. Students, through their subscription to , can print to any of these printers from their rooms. In addition, those with laptops can print from mobile network drops available in Firestone Library and in the computing clusters around campus. Many departments and individuals have selected inkjet style or small laser printers and have been pleased with the features and performance these printers. Printers are available for both Microsoft Windows-based and Apple Macintosh computers.
Do cases come with the laptop models?
Cases are not included with the laptop models. This is an accessory that you can purchase from a supplier of your choice and is a good option to protect the laptop. There are many models available (briefcase style, backpack style) to suit a variety of needs.
Should I purchase some kind of security cable? What do you recommend?
You may wish to purchase a security cable or other locking device for your new computer. Before arrive on campus, you can purchase this type of accessory through your local computer retailer. Also, once you arrive on campus, you can purchase a security cable from the OIT Solutions Center at the Frist Campus Center. You can find more information about the need to secure your laptop at .
Can I buy extra batteries or other accessories?
Batteries and some accessories, like power cords, are available at Frist.
What version of Windows will the Dell computers have?
2008-2009 SCI Dell models are
shipping with Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate installed.
What version of MacOS will the Apple-based computers have?
All Apple computers will ship
with MacOS X 10.5 (Leopard) installed.
Can I choose whatever computer brand that I like?
If you wish to participate in SCI, you must purchase one of the through this program.
Is this mandatory? Must I purchase a computer?
No. This program is not mandatory, and the University does not require that you own a computer. However, SCI computers are fully supported by the Office of Information Technology and come pre-configured for the Princeton network and have industry-leading software pre-installed. Over 90% of last year's freshman class owned computers and use Dormnet. If you do not elect to own a computer you may make use of a limited number of shared computing resources for writing papers, accessing the Web, and communicating electronically with faculty, family, other Princeton students, and friends at other schools.
You also may purchase a computer from some other source, or bring one from home. As long as it meets the Dormnet , any computer can be subscribed to Dormnet.
I am a returning student and I already have a computer subscribed to Dormnet. Can this new SCI computer be subscribed also?
If you wish to have your old and new computers both subscribed to Dormnet, there is no additional fee. Wait for your new SCI computer to arrive, and subscribe it manually by visiting .
What version of Microsoft Office will the computers have?
Windows-based computers will ship with Microsoft Office 2007 Enterprise. Apple computers ship with Microsoft Office 2008 SP1 for OS X. SCI computers come with University recommended software pre-installed, including Microsoft Office and EndNote bibliographic software. The laptops are also pre-configured to be as secure as possible to minimize viruses, using automatic software update technology and Symantec AntiVirus.
I've ordered a computer. When will I receive it?
Lead times from the vendor usually take 2-6 weeks. You may send an e-mail to sci@princeton.edu with delivery questions. If possible, have your order number available which you should receive via an email from the manufacturer.
How do I change or cancel my order?
On the same business day as your order, please contact the OIT Helpdesk at 609-258-4357; the order might be caught before it is transmitted to the vendor. Otherwise, please to cancel your order. (Have your order number ready when contacting the vendor.) Once the order has been cancelled, again contact the OIT Helpdesk at 609-258-4357 so the SCI database can be updated with the change in your order status so a new purchase can be made.
Can I have my computer shipped to an international address, or a U.S. territory?
SCI vendors will not ship to international adresses, such as Canada, nor to U.S. territories (like Puerto Rico). If you reside outside the 50 U.S. states, please wait until you arrive in Princeton to order your computer. .
Is there a modem included?
No. Apple currently does not offer a built-in modem.
While on campus, both laptop and desktop computer owners can have access to the campus and Internet networks via their subscription to Dormnet.
See the URL: for complete information about Dormnet. All computer models available through this initiative have the appropriate network cards installed. The network card and networking software make it possible for the computers to access the campus and Internet networks. A modem is not needed for access to the Internet from campus.
Do I need any hardware upgrades?
We do not require upgrades to the standard . Upgrades are at the individual's discretion.
Is it possible to have my computer rushed or held by the vendor?
Unfortunately, no. SCI purchases will be shipped in the order in which they were entered into our system. We encourage you to order your SCI computer as soon as possible. You may select expedited delivery in the SCI Store. We will work with the SCI vendor to hold all deliveries of orders placed after mid-August. These orders will be shipped to the campus mailing address you specify on your online order form.
What is the Math/Science/Engineering Software Bundle?
The Math/Science/Engineering Software may be ordered as an option, but the software will not be activated. You will receive directions to activate with your order. For information about the software included on the Math/Science/Engineering package, please see
Is the Math Science Engineering package available for purchase without an SCI machine?
For the software included with the package, please see . Some of the software is freely available on the Internet. For the included commercial software, Princeton University students may obtain a copy at no-cost or at a reduced cost, depending on the software. For further information regarding Princeton software licensing, please see
Is it possible to have my computer shipped to Princeton?
There is no central location provided by OIT.
For additional information about the shipping options, visit .
If I delay ordering, will there be a shortage?
Princeton will work with the SCI vendor to make at least one laptop model available during all times of the SCI ordering period from the store opening in June or July until the end of the academic year. While there may be periodic delays in shipping specific models, we do not anticipate a permanent shortage of computers. Computer models and prices likely will change over time as technology changes.
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