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Technology Purchase Recommendations

This page is designed to help guide prospective students (as well as current students looking to upgrade) with suggestions on the hardware and software to purchase to meet their needs while attending Valdosta State University.

  • Laptop Computer vs. Desktop Computer
    Most students do not carry their computer on a daily basis. Since most students use a computer for short spans, such as between classes, the computer labs generally serve their daily needs. However, for longer study sessions and for students who wish to bring their computer for class or other academic events, we recommend a laptop computer. If you are looking for the specifications for the computer purchase (How much RAM do I need? What processor should I get?, etc.) please consult the VSU Tech Shop's Buying Guide.
  • Laptop Carrying Case
    We recommend a backpack style laptop case over a folio style laptop case, as it is more ergonomic and can be used to comfortably carry notebooks, etc. as well.
  • Laptop Theft Protection Software
    We recommend tracking software that may help locate your computer in case it is lost or stolen.  An example of this type of software is Lojack for Laptops.  Even though you may live on campus you will most likely travel either for classes, activities, or simply going back home during breaks.  This type of software may help you locate your computer quicker in the case that it is stolen.
  • AVG Free Edition + Ad-Aware 2007
    On our Recommended Software page, you will find a link to both AVG Free Edition for virus removal and Ad-Aware 2007 for spyware removal, which are both free software packages. Thus, you will not need to purchase a subscription to either an antivirus or antispyware software package. You are free to install these for personal use on your computer or computers.
  • USB Flash / Jump Drive
    We would also recommend that you invest in a few USB flash/jump drives.  Most of these drives are rather small, so they will help transport files from your personal computer to class or one of the many computer labs here on campus.  These drives are also great for backing up your files just in case you accidentally delete files from your computer.
  • Microsoft Office 2007
    Due to the fact that all labs in Valdosta State University either run Microsoft Office 2007 (PC) or Microsoft Office 2008 (Mac) and the fact that several academic classes require the use of Microsoft Office, we recommend this software to students as an office software suite.

While neither the Helpdesk nor Information Technology offers software for sale to students, the Valdosta State University Techshop is located on campus and offers educational discounts to students and employees on many of their products.