STUDENT TECH GUIDE

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Kenneth Booker
6 years ago
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1 STUDENT TECH GUIDE

3 Index 02 Why Laker Tech? 05 Selecting the Right Device 05 Laptops, Desktops, ipad & Tablets 06 Operating Systems 07 Recommended Computer Specs 09 Accessories & Other Electronics 11 Software 12 Repair Services 13 Other Helpful Resources 14 Contact Us 15 Map i

5 Welcome to the laker tech department Laker Tech is a state of the art technology hub located within GVSU Laker Store. It was created as a retail space to provide technology and resources you need during your time at Grand Valley. At Laker Tech you will find a large selection of laptops (Apple and PC), tablets (Microsoft Surface, ipad ) ) and tech accessories. Please use this guide as a starting point when making your technology purchases. Additionally, the Laker Tech staff is always available to help answer any questions you may have. 1

6 Why Laker Tech? Although a personal computer is not required at GVSU, it is strongly recommended. It is one of the tools you need to get the most out of your education. Where you choose to purchase your technology is just as important as which device you decide to buy, and shopping at Laker Tech has many advantages over traditional retail stores. A college education is an investment in your future and this is one of your first steps. campus knowledge Our Laker Tech team consists of both full-time staff and student employees who are well equipped with first-hand knowledge of the University and the tools you need to succeed here. Our goal is to help you find the right devices for your specific career path. convenience Our location within GVSU Laker Store is centrally located on campus, and we are open all year long to serve our students. We have extended hours that correspond to the busy weeks of Grand Valley s schedule and we are happy to assist in any way. 2

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9 Selecting the Right Device Each student has a unique education plan and we want to help you choose the right technology to guide you down your path to success. laptop or desktop? Both desktops and laptops are an option for students. Laptops are recommended and most popular among students due to their portability. Laker Tech currently stocks a variety of laptops, tablets, 2-in-1 PCs, and imac computers. Access to desktop computers is offered in student computer labs across both the Allendale and Pew campuses. tablet, ipad or chromebook? These devices are popular for note taking and their portability. Chromebooks are not to be confused with a normal laptop; they function entirely through the web browser, and must be connected to the internet to work. Generally, these devices are not recommended as a primary device because they are limited in their capabilities when compared to a laptop. However, they are a great option as a secondary device. 5

10 what s your os? GVSU supports both Windows and Apple computers and offers access to desktop versions of both operating systems in student computer labs on campus. When determining which operating system to purchase, students should first consider their major. Most majors don t recommend a specific OS, allowing your decision to be based on personal preference. However, there are a few majors that suggest one or the other to best suit their students needs. For Art & Design, Film, Broadcasting and Photography majors, an Apple computer is recommended. For Engineering and Computer Science majors, a Windows computer is recommended. Windows and Apple operating systems come with built-in anti-virus that protects the device quite well, however students may want to consider an additional anti-virus to avoid having any mid-semester crises. 6

Recommended Tech Specs Basic User Average to Advanced User Power User Processor i3+ Processor or similar i5-i7 Processor i7 or similar RAM 4gb+ 8gb+ 16gb+ Hard

11 Recommended Tech Specs Basic User Average to Advanced User Power User Processor i3+ Processor or similar i5-i7 Processor i7 or similar RAM 4gb+ 8gb+ 16gb+ Hard Drive 250gb hhd or 128gb ss 500gb hhd or 256gb ss 750gb hhd or 256gb+ ss Graphics Integrated Graphics Discrete Graphics ati or nvidia Discrete Graphics Card with 1gb+ 7

13 Accessories Technology is a considerable investment and you ll want to protect it. We carry a variety of cases and bags to do just that. However, while protecting the exterior of their machines, many students forget about what s inside. Don t forget to back up your files! Grand Valley s IT department recommends that all computer users back up their files regularly to prevent data loss. We suggest, at the very least, to back up files that are frequently changed and important such as resumés and term papers. We carry a variety of flash drives for temporary back up as well as external hard drives for long-term data backup. Other Electronics We also carry other useful electronics such as calculators, headphones, wearable tech, phone accessories, gaming accessories, DVDs and Blurays. 9

15 Software Students may also need to install certain programs on their computers for various applications within their major. Below is more detailed information about the most commonly used software at GVSU. free microsoft office 365 GVSU provides Microsoft Office 365 to every student free of charge. adobe creative suite Laker Tech offers Adobe Creative Cloud at educational pricing for students looking to pursue creative studies. To get your free Office 365 follow these steps: 1. Visit 2. Enter your GVSU (ends If prompted, select Work or School account. 3. Enter your GVSU password. 4. Press the dark blue button labeled Install Office 2016 located near the top right of the web page. 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the installation process. anti-virus software It s highly recommended that students protect their devices and install an anti-virus program. Check with the GVSU IT Helpdesk for anti-virus recommendations. 11

16 Repair Services Laker Tech offers full-service computer, tablet and cell phone repair services via Genius Phone Repair, a Safeware Certified Repair Center. The experienced technicians at Genius are dedicated to getting you back on with your life. They ll diagnose your device, free of charge, and if you decide to move forward, they will carefully repair your broken device while ensuring you the highest level of customer service. Most repairs can be done same day, in just a few hours. They are so confident in their quality parts and service that every repair comes with their lifetime warranty. SERVICES Cell Phone Repair iphone Repair ipod Repair ipad Repair Refurbished Device Sales Computer Repair Mac and Macbook Repair Android Device Repair Tablet Repair Trade-in Program 12

17 Other Helpful Resources GVSU offers a variety of tech outlets for your convenience, visit for more information. wireless internet GVSU students can access the GVSU WiFi network from any building on campus. mobile apps and resources Sign up on mybanner to receive GVSU alert notifications regarding campus closings, safety and more. Laker Mobile: App developed by students to get the latest GV news, event info, and more. mygv: App that offers an easy way to access your campus dining balance, grades, & schedule. RAVE Guardian: App to stay connected and safe. Set up safety timers, connect with GVPD & more. computer labs GVSU student computer labs are located on both campuses with access to both Apple and PC desktop computers free for student use. printing GVSU computer labs offer free black and white printing for all students. GVSU s cloud-based printing service allows you to print from any device by sending your file(s) to the cloud and releasing to any of the specified campus locations. For instructions visit gvsu.edu/it/printing-85.htm. For color copies, book binding, faxing and other specialty printing services visit the Copy Center within GVSU Laker Store. 13

18 Contact Us Shop the Laker Tech department at GVSU Laker Store Allendale or online at lakerstore.gvsu.edu/lakertech. For all other merchandise shop in-store at either the Allendale or Grand Rapids location or online at lakerstore.gvsu.edu. ALLENDALE CAMPUS GVSU Laker Store The Marketplace 1 Campus Drive Allendale, MI P: Laker Tech: lakertech@gvsu.edu PEW CAMPUS GVSU Laker Store Richard M. DeVos Center 401 W. Fulton Grand Rapids, MI P:

19 lake michigan drive LOT C LOT D1 BUILDING KEY 48 th avenue 16 LOT F l ake r v il liage drive LOT H LOT H LOT G west campus drive 2 2a 5 6/6b 6a LOT H south campus drive 14 north campus drive Campus building GVSU Laker Store Parking Lot Main Campus Drive Campus Drive Walkway Laker Tech is located inside the GVSU Laker Store (6a) a a. 6b Mackinac Hall (mak) Fieldhouse (fh) Recreation Center (rc) Manitou Hall (man) The Commons (com) P. Douglas Kindschi Hall of Science (khs) The Marketplace GVSU Laker Store Starbucks and Which Wich? Seymour and Esther Padnos Hall of Science (pad) Loutit Lecture Halls (ltt) Henry Hall (hry) Student Services (stu) Cook-DeWitt Center (cdc) Cook Carillon Tower Mary Idema Pew Library (lib) Russel H. Kirkhof Center (kc) Performing Arts Center (pac) Kelly Family Sports Center (ktb) PARKING LOT KEY LOT C Student Pass Only LOT D1 Faculty and Visitor Pass LOT F Faculty and Student Pass LOT G Student, Faculty and Visitor Pass LOT H Student Pass Only LOT K Resident Pass Only 15 LOT H LOT K

Student Tech Guide. Get Help from the Information and Technology Solutions Center! link.mnsu.edu/studenttech. Big ideas. Real-world thinking.

Student Tech Guide. Get Help from the Information and Technology Solutions Center! link.mnsu.edu/studenttech. Big ideas. Real-world thinking. Student Tech Guide Get Help from the Information and Technology Solutions Center! Find this Student Tech Guide online at link.mnsu.edu/studenttech Big ideas. Real-world thinking. Get Started Your StarID