Computing
Center for Instructional Research and Computing Activities (CIRCA)
E520 CSE Building
(352) 392-4357
www.helpdesk.ufl.edu
Q: What are the computer requirements at UF?
A: Access to and on-going use of a computer will be required for all students to complete their degree programs successfully. Effective Summer B 1998 term, the University of Florida expects each student entering their junior year, as well as each student new to the university, to acquire computer hardware and software appropriate to his or her degree program. Competency in the basic use of a computer is a requirement for graduation. Class assignments may require use of a computer, academic advising and registration can be done by computer, and official university correspondence is often sent via e-mail.
While the university offers limited access to computers through its computer labs, most students will be expected to purchase or lease a computer that is capable of dial-up or network connection to the Internet, graphical access to the World Wide Web, and productivity functions such as word processing and spreadsheet calculation. Costs of meeting this requirement will be included in financial aid considerations.
For many first-year students, these functions can be provided by most currently available standard computers. A student computer configuration should include an office software suite and printer. Appropriate networking and Internet software is available to students at no additional cost from the University. Individual colleges may have additional requirements or recommendations for lower-division, upper-division, graduate and professional students.
Q: What software does UF/my college require?
A: Most colleges state a functional requirement defined by the kinds of documents which can be produced and read on a student’s computer: these requirements include an office suite and Internet software. Most colleges have additional software requirements or recommendations. See their web pages for that information.
Q: Is it necessary to have a GatorLink account at UF?
A: All UF faculty, staff and students are required to have a GatorLink account. The goal is to consolidate, under one username and password, the many user IDs and passwords now needed to reach different campus computing services. No one is required to use GatorLink for e-mail, but a GatorLink account does provide free e-mail service.