FAQ - Student Computers

Computer questions frequently asked by students. Click a category to jump to answers.

General Information

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Are students REQUIRED to own a computer?

No, but a number of departments require or recommend that students have access to a computer to complete coursework. While there are a number of computer labs on campus and the Virtual Computing Lab is available 24/7, owning a computer (particularly a laptop) offers many advantages.

All students use online resources to register for classes, pay tuition, purchase a parking pass and more. Many campus classes involve a combination of face-to-face meetings with online participation, or you may be enrolled in a online program. Most students, whether campus or DE, use Canvas, ECU’s online learning management system, to retrieve and submit assignments, access class resources, take quizzes and check grades. Your instructors, the Financial Aid Office and others communicate with you through email. Class assignments might include meeting online and chats through Microsoft Teams collaboration tool.

Does ECU recommend a particular computer?

Students should purchase a computer meeting the specifications of their academic program, if any. See these program requirements. All students should consult with their academic adviser before choosing a computer.

Will I need my laptop during class?

Your instructors may have a requirement, but there is NOT a university-wide requirement.

Will there be any special orientation or training?

Yes. There are informational technology sessions at summer orientation. Software training is also available through the ECU LinkedIn Learning subscription.

How do I connect to the Internet on campus?

Wired Access. All ECU residence halls except Greene have wired network access in every room. Computers need a standard Ethernet cable to connect. A computer must be running a currently supported operating system (Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.14 or higher).

Wireless Access. The eduroam network is available in residence halls, all buildings and some campus outdoor spaces as well as off campus wherever the service is available (NC State campus, for example). Each wireless device must onboard (connect) to the eduroam service. Begin the process at onboard.ecu.edu.

The ecu-wifi network is used to connect internet-ready devices such as smart TVs and other multimedia equipment not supported by the eduroam network. Please be aware that devices like personal wireless routers are not permitted to connect to either network.

Cell service has been expanded on campus and is available to mobile devices.

Apps and Software

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What software will I need?

Visit software.ecu.edu for a list of ECU-supported software. Most are available through the ECU Download Center. There may be additional software required by your instructors or academic department. Many software packages are available for purchase through ECU's bookstore.

Antivirus software. Antivirus is a required software for computers connecting to the ECU network. While you are free to use any reputable vendor, Windows Defender is part of the Windows 10/11 operating system while XProtect is a part of macOS. No cost.

Microsoft 365. All students have a Microsoft 365 subscription that includes Exchange email and calendar, Teams chat-centered collaboration, OneDrive cloud storage, five downloads for the Microsoft Office suite and more. Outlook mobile is the recommended app for ECU email. No cost.

Note that when you graduate, your ECU email address transitions to the alumni system and all email remains available to you. You also get to keep your OneDrive cloud storage, although your storage quota is reduced.

The Office download installed on your laptop or desktop computer no longer work and files become read-only once you leave ECU. Remember they can be edited online if they are saved to your OneDrive cloud storage!

Statistical software. ECU licenses several statistical packages for students. No cost.

Campus computer labs. Often, you may need a special program to complete classwork. ECU has campus computer labs with various software available. Printers are also available (see “Print Quota” below).

Virtual Computer Lab (VCL). ECU maintains an online computer lab where students connect to a remote computer from anywhere through their internet connection. These remote computers are loaded with many specialty software needed for certain classes. This saves you from having to purchase the software. The VCL is available to students enrolled in the current semester only.

Can I run Windows on a Mac?

With an application like Boot Camp or Parallels, Intel-based Mac computers can run the Windows operating system. Boot Camp is free with macOS, but you cannot run both Windows and macOS at the same time. Parallels allows both operating systems to run at once. Parallels is available for a fee.

To use one of these applications, you will also have to install a copy of Microsoft Windows on your Mac (see the software section below on how to get a FREE OS upgrade through ECU). While these applications do work, be aware that neither Microsoft nor Apple officially supports the running of Windows on a Mac computer. Check with your department before making this decision.

There are limitations with the Apple Silicon M1 and M2 chips: 1) M1/M2-based Macs ONLY support one external monitor natively. In our experience, this has been a major deterrent for some Mac users. 2) Boot Camp is not supported on M1 or M2 Macs, so dual booting options are limited to Mac virtual machine apps like Parallels Desktop. Additionally, since our Microsoft contract does not include the ARM version of Windows, ITCS does not support running Windows on a Mac for Apple M1 and M2 (non Intel based).

What do I need to know about printing?

Enrolled students receive a yearly $30 print allowance for use in computer labs and libraries. The Pirate Print service allows a student to print course assignments at various printers on campus. See the Pirate Print information pages for locations and a link to the Pirate Print mobility client for your mobile device. .

Purchase and Costs

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My academic department does not have a specific recommendation.

Any of the ECU-recommended, basic computer configurations will meet your needs. ECU makes every effort to ensure that commonly-used student applications (email, Canvas, Banner, etc.) run on either Windows or Mac platforms. However, we cannot guarantee that every software application required by an instructor will run on both platforms. There are rare occasions when applications only run on a PC. However, on-campus computer labs and the virtual computing lab often have software to complete assignments.

What type of computer do I need?

Many academic programs require or recommend students have a computer. Some departments may require a laptop you can bring to class or a system that is able to run specific software. For example, you may need a high-end video card or a minimum amount of RAM.

All students should consult with their academic advisor before choosing a computer. See the latest computer and program recommendations.

Should I purchase a laptop or a desktop?

A laptop’s portability and ECU’s wireless network allows you to access the internet in all buildings on campus and some public outdoor spaces. You can take your computer to class, the library and study sessions. Laptops also make it easy to take your computer home while on breaks or for the weekend. However, there are more security considerations with a laptop as its portability makes it vulnerable to theft.

Desktop computers offer advantages also. They are less expensive, and students sometimes find working at a desk with a keyboard, mouse and monitor more comfortable. Desktops are also less prone to loss and theft. We encourage students to talk to their advisor before making a final decision. Also, some programs have certain computer requirements.

Can I purchase from any computer vendor?

Yes, students may purchase a new computer from any vendor or manufacturer.

Does financial aid include the cost of a computer?

Each student’s situation is handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact Financial Aid: faques@ecu.edu.

Is the cost of a computer included in tuition?

No, students are responsible for purchasing their own computer.

What if my grandparent buys the computer for me through Dowdy?

No problem. Make sure all warranty information is in the your (the student) name; this greatly simplifies hardware support.

Does ECU recommend tablets like iPads or smartphones?

Although popular, we recommend smartphones and tablets as a second computing device rather than a main computer.

Smartphones are widely used to check email and Canvas assignments. We recommend both iPhones and Android-based devices but only offer limited support for any mobile device. Please note that users are generally pointed back to the service provider for most assistance.

Warranties and Insurance

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Do I need to purchase a warranty?

Four-year warranties are recommended for all computers. Accidental damage insurance is also highly recommended. Having warranty protection with a local service provider insures you have minimal time without your computer should there be a problem and also helps with unplanned costs. Check with the Dowdy Student Stores for available options.

What about insurance?

We strongly recommend that parents add a rider to their home owner’s insurance or take out a small policy that covers fire and/or theft. Those things are not covered by a warranty.

Security

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What should I do to protect against laptop theft?

Students should treat backpacks as they would a purse – keep it close at all times, even in a bathroom stall. A laptop cable lock is available at ECU’s Dowdy Student Stores, as well as at many suppliers of computer equipment. When your computer is out of your possession, it is most vulnerable to theft. Keep dorm rooms locked at all times for the safety of your laptop as well as your other personal items. Thefts will occur. It is the responsibility of the student to protect a personal computer at all times.

Hard drive encryption and passwords are also encouraged for students.

Support

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How can I contact the IT Service Desk?

Call 252-328-9866 to contact the IT Service Desk.

Is there a face-to-face option for students?

Visit your nearest Pirate Techs campus location for face-to-face assistance with software installation, OS issues, network and wireless, passphrase resets, some hardware, viruses and more.

How about online, self-help technology content where I can find answers?

Submit a service request or search our IT Knowledge Base for ECU-specific technology answers.