Technology Requirements

Wireless Technology

The Wollongong and Sydney campuses have wireless connectivity for students to connect to the UOW network via their laptops. Students can access & search the UOW web sites, SOLS, library and internet access via the proxy server.

Most laptops come with a wireless network card and a modem already built-in. If your laptop does not have a wireless card, click here for further information. Note - a wireless network card will not provide internet access from off campus to the UOW network.

Student Laptop Ownership

Student laptop ownership will allow the Sydney Business School to pave the way for innovations in instruction that incorporates web-based applications & electronic work-group initiatives. Providing access to computer technology in the classroom can encourage active rather than passive learning.

GSB students can exploit these benefits in a new learning environment & obtain skills essential for the business world.

A laptop is a thinker's mobile toolbox - ready to use anywhere and anytime. Whether at University or at home, students will have the resources to:

  • access and continue to work on their projects
  • use the Internet for research and global communication
  • improve their writing skills with editing features and word processors
  • add interactive multimedia presentations into their projects
  • do electronic simulation
  • gather and process data efficiently and effectively
  • improve their thinking skills by analyzing data
  • employ interactive modes of learning

Purchasing a Laptop

Most reputable laptop brands: Compaq, Toshiba, Dell, IBM and HP.

Consider purchasing a service contract for technical support of your laptop. An extended 2 year warranty is money well worth spent. With the added 2 year service contract, your laptop will be covered for a total of 3 years.

Always buy the most you can afford. Keep in mind the standard configuration - the fastest processor, the biggest hard drive, and the most RAM. Weight is also an important factor, as you will be carrying the laptop around.

Many laptops now come with built-in modems or modem PC cards. You will need to have a modem to connect to the Internet/UOW via an ISP from home. However, on campus you will need an wireless card to connect to the UOW network/Internet.

Laptop Specifications

Processor Speed 2.0GHz (Pentium M, Centrino or Celeron - Note: Pentium M & Centrion have a longer battery life)
RAM 1GB
Hard Drive 30GB
CD RW or DVD RW Drive RW drive is recommended as a backup device for your course work, should your computer ever fail, be damaged or stolen.
PCI 802.11/a/b/g Wireless Card Provide UOW network access from within UOW campuses.
56k Modem Via a ISP provide network access to UOW from off campus.
USB Slots USB Memory Sticks (replacement for floppy disk)
Operating Systems Windows XP (preferred)
Extended Warranty & Insurance Recommended to purchase extended support warranty & accidental damage & thief insurance.

Laptop computers must be capable of running the complete Windows Suite of Business Applications. The above hardware requirements are the standard requirements.

UOW IT Resources for Students

Last reviewed: 5 January, 2009