Privately Owned Computers

Privately Owned Computers

• Do you provide any support for privately owned computers?
• What are USF's recommended specs for students who want to buy a computer?
• What are USF's minimum computer specifications for connecting to the USF network?
• Why doesn't ITS provide more support for privately owned computers?
• Where can I get help?

ITS does not provide general support for computers owned by individual students, faculty and staff.

Do you provide any support for privately owned machines?

Support for personally owned computers is limited to assistance with configuring the computer to access USF IT services, configuring internet access from off-campus, basic troubleshooting, and for students in residence halls, anti-virus and security patching assistance. Please review our FAQ page for documents designed to assist you with basic system and Internet configurations.

What are USF's suggested specs for students who want to buy a computer?

Many students find laptop computers to be very helpful during their studies at USF. Laptops offer convenient access to USF network resources (wireless or wired), e-mail, and Internet resources.

If you are planning to purchase a new laptop for your USF program, USF ITS recommends Dell or Apple computer systems. The University has standardized on computer equipment from Dell and Apple. Dell and Apple systems are used throughout the entire Unversity (classrooms, computer labs, library, etc.)

To purchase a personal laptop or other computer equipment from Dell at special USF discounted pricing, please click here.

To purchase a personal laptop or other computer equipment from Apple at special USF discounted pricing, please click here.

What are USF's minimum computer specifications for connecting to the USF network?

In order to connect to the USF Network from off-campus or in the USF residence halls, your privately owned equipment should meet the below standards. We cannot guarantee support for systems that fall below our minimum requirements.

PC Minimum Requirements

• Pentium IV or faster
• Windows XP with Service Pack 2
• Antivirus Software: USF provides Symantec AntiVirus for free to current students, faculty and staff
• 512 MB of RAM
• CD-ROM drive
• Blackboard Users: Please see Blackboard Computer Requirements

Macintosh Minimum Requirements

• G4 or higher
• System 10.2.8 or higher
• Antivirus Software: USF provides Symantec AntiVirus for free to current students, faculty and staff
• 512 MB of RAM
• CD-ROM drive
• Blackboard Users: Please see Blackboard Computer Requirements

Modems
(for off-campus dial-in connections)

• Any 56Kbps Analog modem

Network Interface Card (NIC) and Adapters
(for on-campus network connections)

• Any integrated (built-in) Network Card

Why doesn't ITS support our machines?

With over 8,000 members of the USF Community, it is simply not possible for ITS to service privately owned equipment. You can direct simple questions to us and we can try to guide you in the right direction, but please understand we are limited as to what we can do.

Where can I get help?

If you need assistance with your computer, printer or peripheral device, you may wish to consult the manufacturer. You might also check to see if your computer is still within its warranty. Definitely take advantage of the warranty if you have one! If your computer does not fall within a warranty, you can try one of the local computer stores. We recommend you make sure to ascertain that the local repair shop has the appropriate experience or certification to make repairs.

Note: USF has no formal relationship with any of the vendors listed below and will not assume liability in any dispute between these vendors and members of the USF community.

San Francisco Computer Repair Shops

Computer 5000 5000 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94118-2814 415-668-5000 Macintosh and PC service

The Total Mac 3139 Geary Blvd. San Francisco, CA 415-386-4320 Macintosh service