Computer Requirements

The University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business requires all incoming Master's students to own or have access to a personal computer and have a working knowledge of its operating system.  This means that you should know how to get your computer to do what you want it to do, when you want it to happen.  It is in your best interest to become familiar with your computer before classes start.  Students have indicated that individual ownership of a personal computer or laptop is preferable.

The Current Computing Environment

The Evening MBA Program supports a student work area in the Evening MBA/Executive MBA office suite.  There are five computers and a printer available to the Evening and Executive MBA students.  This area is not open to the full-time students. 

The Graduate School of Business supports a micro-computing lab for Masters' students. The lab is meant to supplement your own micro computing resources while you are on campus. As the lab is frequently used to capacity, you should not expect to be able to use them for all your computing needs.

The primary microcomputers used in large commercial enterprises are compatible with those from IBM Corporation running Microsoft Windows NT. In view of the dominant position of IBM compatible computers in the business world, we urge you to make this your computing platform. Excellent IBM compatible brands include IBM, Compaq, Dell, Gateway 2000, NEC and others. Many computer manufactures bundle application software (i.e., MS Word, MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3 and others) with the purchase price of the PC.

Approximately 95 percent of business students, staff, and faculty use IBM compatible computers. A number of courses at the School of Business require the use of specialized software ranging from spreadsheets to econometric modeling. Software is available for most, though not all, of the applications used in the Graduate courses. In the event that a course requires software not available on your home computer, you may want to take advantage of a computer in one of our laboratories.

What kind of computer should I buy?

The UW School of Business is a Windows environment. Most of the School of Business faculty and the Master's Computer Lab use PCs with a Windows Operating System. Students will be required to prepare their resume for the Business Placement Office in a Windows NT environment. Naturally, the Master's Program suggests students acquire an IBM compatible computer. The School recommends the following configuration:

PC Compatibles
Minimum (already possess a computer)	Recommended (need to purchase a system)
Pentium III Processor 200 mhz or higher	Pentium IV Processor
Windows 2000 or higher	Windows 2000 or Windows XP
256MB of RAM	512 MB of RAM
20 gb Hard Drive	40 gb Hard Drive or higher
56.6 fax/modem	56.6 fax/modem
Network card	Network card
Color monitor	Color monitor
Mouse	Mouse
Sound card and Speakers	Sound card and Speakers
CD-ROM	CD-RW
Optional (highly recommended): Internal or external Zip Drive, Sony Microvault Storage Media USB or other equivalent portable storage media.
Please note: the minimum configurations are provided for individuals that already possess a computer system. If you must purchase equipment, we recommend you obtain the "Ideal" configuration in order to interface with the university and business school.
Furthermore, Grainger Hall and many university libraries have been configured for a WiFi connection, or Wireless Internet. To access the WiFi infrastructure, it will be necessary to purchase a Wireless Ethernet Card, which may come pre-packaged with newer laptops. Otherwise, these cards can be obtained at your local electronics store, e.g., Best Buy or through DoIT.

 

Should I buy a desktop or laptop?

With the addition of notebook computers to the market, laptop prices have decreased significantly. There are advantages associated with purchasing either type of system. Laptop computers offer flexibility and mobility whereas desktops generally have better keyboards, displays software and memory. The choice will depend on personal preference and your future plans for the use of this equipment. Both laptop and desktop units are acceptable. Again, the minimum configuration mentioned above applies.

What about purchasing a printer?

If you are purchasing equipment it is probably best to invest in a good ink jet or a laser printer. For final reports and graphics, the Business School has networked laser printers in the computing facility. UW-Madison also maintains laser printers at various locations around campus for student use.

What about access to the university centralized computing services?

The university offers students a wide variety of centralized computing services including electronic mail, network-based portable data storage (electronic student lockers), access to the Dow Jones/News Retrieval system, the ability to search the UW Library system for books and periodicals electronically, Internet, World Wide Web access and more.

Students can get by with a 56.6 fax/modem (remember, this is an absolute minimum). This will provide access to the essential centralized services including electronic mail and a text-based World Wide Web browser from home. However, broadband internet access is recommended for those who want to take full advantage of the university's centralized services from home.

How about software?

The School of Business supports a wide variety of software packages including most Microsoft, Lotus and Novell products. A new agreement between the University and Microsoft allows students to purchase the Office Premium XP bundle at a reduced rate of $80. You will receive access to the World Wide Web via the university's Internet
Suite.

The following software is available in the Master's Graduate Computer Lab.

Word Processing: Word processing is useful for everything from resumes to classroom assignments. You can print your final copy for a nominal fee on any of several laser printers available in the computing laboratories. There is no charge for printing in the Evening/Executive Suite in 3121 Grainger. MS Word is the most popular word processor with many students, and is installed on all laboratory IBM compatible computers. In addition we support: Microsoft Word 2003.

Spreadsheets: Spreadsheets are a ubiquitous business tool, and MS Excel is the most popular spreadsheet program with students. Although your spreadsheet program must be able to read and write Lotus 1-2-3 files, you do not necessarily have to purchase Lotus 1-2-3. We support: Excel 2003.

Statistics: Excel is used to analyze data in the MBA data analysis class. Minitab is the statistics program used in other introductory business statistics classes. Minitab runs on IBM compatibles. We suggest that you purchase Minitab through the Campus Computer Store to ensure that you (1) obtain the version that is correct for your microcomputer and
(2) receive the educational/student discount. Minitab for Windows V10.12 SAS V8.0 SPSS V10.0

Presentations/Graphics: The majority of your group projects and presentations will need to be delivered with presentation software. The most popular package is Power Point XP for IBM compatibles.

Microsoft Office XP is a suite that bundles MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint and MS Access (database development) together at a reduced rate. Microsoft Office XP is an excellent package; if you purchase this suite, please select the version that contains Access. The school suggests that students acquire and familiarize themselves with the software before classes begin.

How am I going to pay for this computer equipment?

If you are applying for financial aid, UW Madison will adjust your eligibility to include the price of a computer, printer and software. For domestic students, the financial aid budget allotment for computer equipment is $3,000.

What if I already own a computer?

If you already own a computer, laptop and printer, it should meet the minimum requirements outlined previously. Earlier generation PC's, for example a 386-based IBM compatible may not provide enough memory or the proper interfaces needed to interact with the university's systems.

What should you do?

If you own an IBM compatible computer that does not meet the minimum requirements, we suggest an upgrade to meet the specified specifications. For example, if you own a 386-based machine, we suggest you upgrade to a minimum of Pentium III Processor 900 Mhz or higher, 256MB RAM, 40.0 GB hard drive. A word of caution before you upgrade your existing machine, compare the cost of doing so with the cost of purchasing a new computer. It may be cost-effective to buy a new computer.

Campus computing purchases and resources

The Department of Information Technology (DoIt) supports and sells a variety of computer hardware and software. Their prices are competitive however, you can purchase equipment from a variety of retail stores either in your current community or once you arrive on campus. You may also visit DoIt's website for more up-to-date pricing information.

Final words

We suggest you consider purchasing equipment that will also meet your needs after you graduate. You should consider a Windows-based system if you are going to be purchasing a new computer as they are competitively priced and will probably satisfy your technology needs for the next two to three years. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Graduate Programs Office (phone: 608-262-4000, the Technology Support Center (phone: 608-262-6868), or DoIt (e-mail: information@doit.wisc.edu; phone: 608-264-3648).