Information Technology

Find great gear at the best price.

When you’re ready to purchase a computer, software and/or printer for personal use, we encourage you to access our special partner discounts with Apple or Dell and VarsityBuys. These discounts are available for Adelphi students, staff, and faculty.

Personal Purchases Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to own a personal computer to complete my course assignments?

  • Adelphi does not require students to own a computer. Computer workstations are available for use at several campus locations where students can work on papers, perform research activities, and access the Internet and email. However, having your own computer provides you more flexibility in meeting course requirements on your own schedule.

• Does Adelphi offer discounts on computers for personal use?

  • Adelphi does not sell computers, but education discounts are available from Apple, Dell and HP to current Adelphi students, faculty, and staff.

• Should I buy a desktop or laptop computer?

  • You should base your decision on the model that best suits your needs. Desktop models are typically less expensive, easier to add hardware to, and often easier for setting up an ergonomically correct workstation. They are designed for stationary locations and take up more space than a laptop. Laptop advantages include being compact, easy to take with you anywhere, and ideal for connecting to Adelphi’s free wireless access points throughout the campus. Laptops, however, are more vulnerable to theft and damage, more expensive to buy and repair, and have a smaller screen and keyboard than a desktop model. Adelphi maintains wireless access points throughout the Garden City campus as well as the Manhattan, Hauppauge, and Hudson Valley Centers. .

• Do I need to buy antivirus protection?

  • If you live on campus in the residence halls, antivirus protection for PCs is available at no cost. However, you must set your system to run the antivirus checks regularly in order for the software to do its job and keep your computer safe. Those who do not live in the residence halls should purchase antivirus protection software. If you are buying a new system, antivirus software may be included in the package, so review what’s included in your computer purchase before buying separate software. Norton Antivirus by Symantec is the recommended software.

• What software do I need to buy?

  • Campus computer lab machines are equipped with Microsoft Office. You do not need Office to use your computer, but keep in mind that you may want to purchase Word, Excel, or PowerPoint individually, the entire Office bundle, or a compatible program such as iWork for Mac if your work encompasses using school-owned computers in addition to your personal computer. Please review what’s included in your computer purchase before buying separate software.

• Should I buy a hardware protection plan?

  • Some purchases include a package that covers any problems you encounter with your hardware and software, and include customer support. These plans are often available in terms of varying length, such as 2-or-3 year plans. This is different than a warranty, which is usually short-term and covers only certain aspects of your purchase. Read the fine print before you purchase a system, and decide whether you wish to purchase extra protection to reduce your liability in the event repairs are needed in the future. We recommend purchasing such a plan only directly from the computer manufacturer, such as Apple or Dell. Warranties from other retailers/distributors vary widely, so make sure you know what repairs or support the warranty covers.

If you’re not sure what you want or need, please read our Purchasing Guide for personal purchases.