tools for research

I get a few calls each year from students (but mostly concerned parents) wondering what kind of computer they should buy for student life. Mac or PC?

Well, it depends. These days you get what you pay for. A reasonable standard laptop from a department store running windows costs about $1K to $1.3K. Add another $500-$750 for more RAM, an external harddisk for backups, a bag, insurance, anti-virus software, an ‘office’ package of word processor and spreadsheet and you are around $2K. Its scarily similar to the cost of a macbook. Cost isn’t an issue, and that makes sense when you realise these companies are all competing very keenly on price.
The issues that do matter are support, ease of use, compatibility and reliability. If you have good support (a solid geeky mate who doesn’t mind helping out at short notice) go with their recommendation - a Macintosh zealot will try to avoid your virus ridden PC, a microsoftite will shudder at the thought of handling the unknown country of the Macintosh. Otago has good support for both from the ITS HelpDesk, but different universities handle it very differently, some will refuse to handle your machine entirely!

I use a macbook - its easy to use, its got great hardware and is very easy to use. It doesn’t suffer from viruses and spyware (yet though it is possible that could change) and should give me 5 or so years of use. A PC will need a serious upgrade after 3. Compatibility is occasionally an issue, some major software vendors like to spread FUD about this, but in reality is rarely a problem.

Linux is an option as well. Especially for those who are fond of tinkering, and what to reduce the cost of their computing equipment you can end up with what is essentially a cheap Macintosh using Ubuntu and an older laptop with plenty of RAM and an upgraded hardisk. Your local Linux User Group will happily help out, and if you are strapped for cash, but not for time, it could be an excellent alternative. HelpDesks are usually a bit terrified of Linux, but once your local geek has you up and running, you probably won’t have too much of a problem.

What you’ll need, regardless of operating system (not an exhaustive list):

• 1 Gigabyte of RAM (or more)
• An external Hard Disk for backup, the same size or bigger than the hard disk of the computer
• 500 Gb of Hard Disk space
• DVD writer
• Wireless support for wireless G and WPA2 Enterprise