Does PLNU Recommend a specific computer that I should use?

Yes!  PLNU has partnered with Dell and have standardized on their Latitude Notebooks for our Staff and Faculty.  We have obtained excellent prices and support from them for years and have recently obtain the ability to pass those savings on you the students!  Please click on this link to see our PLNU Computer Recommendations.

Why did you choose the Latitude and not the Inspiron, which is less expensive?

The old adage that you get what you pay for is definitely true in this case. We purchase the Latitude models because they are Dell’s business grade laptops. Point Loma Nazarene University has been purchasing and using the Latitudes for over five years and they have proven to be very sturdy and reliable!


Should I purchase a desktop or a notebook (i.e. laptop) computer?

We recommend that students bring or buy a notebook computer, due to the limited space in the shared residence hall rooms. In addition, the University has installed a wireless network that allows students with a “wireless-enabled” notebook to get and stay connected to the University network and Internet from virtually anywhere on campus. Thus, they are able to roam about campus while maintaining access to University and student resources whether they are in class, the coffee shop, a lounge, or sitting in the sun on ‘Caf Lane’.

Here are a few additional reasons to invest in a notebook computer:

• It will enable you to work together on projects with classmates or in a study group.
• You can take it to class and use it for note taking, keeping you better organized and saving paper.
• It will allow you to have access to multimedia (CD’s, DVD’s, etc) anywhere you go.
• You can take your computer with you during school breaks or other off campus events.
• You can use your computer for class presentations.

What software should I have on my computer?

As part of the Microsoft Campus Agreement between Point Loma Nazarene University and Microsoft, students may purchase the Microsoft Office Suite of application software for only the cost of the media and shipping (approximately $45, manual not included). This agreement entitles students to use the software on their personal computer for the duration of their education at PLNU (and after graduation) as long as PLNU continues to participate in the Microsoft Campus Agreement. The software is not at the bookstore; it is sold through a third party, CollegeBuys. You will need to fill out the form online, print it out and fax it along with valid student verification (explained on the website). Orders usually arrive to the address you specify in approximately one week. The website is:

http://msca.foundationccc.org/msca/order1.asp.

Please follow the on-screen directions to fulfill your order.

Will I have access to the Internet?

If you live on campus and have a compatible computer, you will have ready access to the PLNU campus network and Internet via wired and wireless connectivity (all residence hall rooms have wireless and wired connectivity for network access). Campus network and Internet access is also available in the labs for all students. For educational purposes and convenience, all students are provided with a PLNU email account at no additional cost.

Note: For the protection of the students, staff and faculty, the PLNU campus network is equipped with an Internet pornography filter.

I have a Mac! Will it work with the University network?

Yes, it will. PLNU’s network is configured so that it will work with a PC or a Mac. We also have a new Mac Lab, on the third floor of the Ryan Learning Center (opposite side of the library building), equipped with new 24” iMac computers and state-of-the-art software, such as Adobe’s Creative Suite Premium 3 (CS3).

What if my computer breaks? What do I do?

If you have any Dell computer that is currently covered by warranty, you can bring it to the ‘Student Helpdesk’ (x7378) in the Library where it will be evaluated for repair. If you have a Dell computer that is ‘out of warranty’ or a computer that is any other brand than Dell you can bring it to the Student Computer Repair Center (located in the back of the Common Knowledge Bookstore), and we will evaluate it and provide you with recommendations for repair or an estimated cost regarding the repair.

Who do I call and/or e-mail for help?

For software, virus or Dell warranty repairs call the Student Helpdesk (located in the Ryan Library, x7378).

For purchasing questions or help or Dell ‘out-of-warranty’/other than Dell computer problems call the SCRC (located in the back of the Common Knowledge Bookstore, x2607).

SCRC hours are from 8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday.

If we are not available, please call us at (619) 849-2607 or e-mail us at WilBailor@pointloma.edu.