MCLAs Laptop Initiative
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MCLA's Laptop Initiative
MCLA recommends that all students have a laptop computer. The benefits are immense. Your laptop will provide you with more freedom to work on assignments and access the Internet from various buildings and even open spaces on MCLA's campus.
Increasingly our faculty are providing class materials on-line and the campus now offers end to end wireless access for your convenience as a student. In addition, when you go home for breaks you can easily take your laptop with you.
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Software Recommendations For All Students
Each MCLA student is required to install the following software which is provided to each MCLA student FREE of charge.
Microsoft Office (Click here for instructions)
Students are encouraged to have antivirus software installed on their laptop. MCLA provides free Sophos Antivirus licenses to students.
Hardware Requirements For All Students
It is recommended that each MCLA student has a laptop. For those who choose not to purchase a program laptop and are bringing in a non-program laptop - it is important to ensure it meets MCLA's minimum hardware requirements.
Why Purchase a Program Laptop?
- Discounted Price
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts has worked to secure a discounted price with Dell which is very competitive in comparison to similar business-class models that include similar software, warranty coverage and services.
- Meets all required specifications
The program laptop is specifically setup for the needs of a typical MCLA student with full support facilitated through the college. There are also options to upgrade the laptop's processor, memory and hard drive.
- On Campus Support
While in attendance at MCLA, there will be no need to arrange any repair through Dell directly. The Computer Help Desk provides full support for software and hardware and will coordinate with Dell if need be. This is a service that is only provided for program laptops. The following shows a comparison of the services we can offer to students who own a program laptop rather then a non-program laptop:
| Program Laptop | Non-Program Laptop | |
| Virus Removal Services | Yes, we can even restore them to their factory state - no charge. | Limited to viruses that can be removed by standard tools, no operating system reinstalls |
| Hardware Repair Services | Yes, usually 24/48 hours turn around - No charge if warranty is active. Limited to 1 accidental damage claim per year | No, user will need to seek outside repair service that can sometimes take weeks and be very expensive |
| Loaner Laptops | Yes, loaners are provided upon request when laptop is in for service | No loaner service is available |
| Software Support | Yes | Limited to core supported software only, no operating system reinstalls |
| Internet Services | Yes | Yes, as long as laptop meets minimum requirements |
- Loaner Laptops
Students who have program laptops will be offered a loaner laptop for the time their laptop is being repaired. This service is not provided to those students with non-program laptop.
- 4 Years Accidental Damage Service
Accidental Damage Service will repair your system if it is damaged by an accident not otherwise covered by the Limited Hardware Warranty, including: Electrical surges and screen breaks, Liquid spills, Accidental drops and falls. Service excludes theft, loss, and damage due to fire, flood or other acts of nature, or intentional damage. Customer may be required to return unit to Dell. Limit of 1 qualified incident per contract year.