Information Technology

Lindner, in conjunction with UC Digital Technology Solutions (DTS), provides virtual computers for all students. The software required for coursework at Lindner is installed and available for student use on these virtual computers. Students connect remotely to the virtual environment by downloading, installing and using the VMWare Horizon client, which is completely free of charge.

Available at mydesk.uc.edu, MyDesk is accessible from your PC or Mac anytime, day or night, on campus or off. This is especially useful for students who use Apple laptops and need to use software that only runs on Microsoft Windows. When using MyDesk, be sure to save your work to a cloud service such as OneDrive, or to a USB drive.

• Processor: Intel Core i5/i7
• Memory (RAM): 8.0 GB minimum, 16.0 GB preferred
• Hard drive size: 256 GB minimum
• Display/resolution: User's preference
• Operating system: Windows 11 or higher (PC), OS X 10.9 or higher (Mac)
• Warranty: User's preference; four years suggested
• Webcam: Required; either built-in or USB-attached
• Backup drive: Strongly recommended
• Headset: Strongly recommended for remote coursework. To include over-ear headphones and attached microphone.

• Students and study groups will have the ability to work from nearly any place or at any time with dedicated access to specialized software and tools, alleviating the demand for capacity- and time-constrained lab computers.
• Professors and students will have the ability to integrate real world simulations or live input in the classroom, providing for a more interactive learning experience.
• Accommodates the scheduling and work requirements of our students who are full-time working professionals.
• Access to the Lindner printing resources will be facilitated via direct access from your personal laptop.
• Students can participate in online-based classes and take advantage of more flexibly scheduled courses.
• Additional classroom space for Lindner classes.

Most laptops purchased from the UC bookstore will cover the requirements set by Lindner for most needed programs. Please visit the UC bookstore to see their offerings. You may also want to inquire about their warranty options. Students may also purchase their laptops from any number of retailers or directly from the manufacturer.

Students can use their existing laptop or mobile workstation as long as it meets the minimum specifications set by the college and is able to run any software required by the program.

Lindner IT suggests the use of a Windows-based laptop in your coursework at Lindner.

Some business-oriented software packages are written only for Windows. Some other applications have both Windows and Mac versions, but they are not identical and the Mac version is missing key features that are included in the Windows version. A good example is Microsoft Excel, which is used heavily in many Lindner courses.

If you already have a MacBook, you can use a MacBook in your coursework. However, this may require additional steps and/or purchasing additional software. For example, you may use VMWare Fusion to run a Windows virtual machine on top of the Mac OS. There is also the option to use MyDesk, a virtual Windows environment we provide for our students.

Lindner does not support the use of an iPad in place of a laptop. While we feel the iPad is an excellent device to use complimentary to your laptop, it has large disadvantages if being used as your only device.

• iPads do not have the processing power of a traditional machine.
• The iPad doesn't give you direct access to its file system, making it difficult to access your files when network access isn't available.
• The iPad has a limitation on software compatibility. While some apps are available through Apple's App Store, many required business applications are not. This leaves you unable to complete daily coursework required by these applications.
• There is no USB port, making it difficult to transfer materials from one device to another.

College students use their laptops almost constantly; use them in a wide variety of physical environments; move them around quite a bit; and subject them to physical stress. Even the most careful student will generally subject their laptop to lots of bumping and impact merely by the constant movement of the laptop into and out of backpacks, onto desks, etc. Lindner IT therefore recommends purchasing a business class, rather than a consumer class, laptop for use in your studies.

Most major manufacturers sell both types. For example, Dell has the Optiplex and Latitude lines which are business class laptops, and the Inspiron, XPS, Studio, and Alienware lines, which are consumer class models.

Consider this example: two Dell laptops, one an Optiplex model, and the other an Inspiron model, both have the same processor, the same amount of RAM, and the same size hard drive. In this example, the business class laptop will cost more. Why? Mainly because they are physically built to withstand more jostling and movement.

Every UC student automatically has access to Microsoft 365, both the web version and the option to download, install and use the actual 365 apps. Other software requirements are determined by specific coursework. Your instructor will inform you as to how to acquire any software required for any specific class.

Since a laptop is required by Lindner, students may be able to include this cost in their financial aid needs. For system costs, we recommend consulting the UC Bookstore Program, which provides purchase options that meet the college requirements.

For more information about the financial aid process, please visit UC's Student Financial Aid website. The only financial aid application needed at UC is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In the event that your system needs repair, as a student you may check out a loaner laptop during the repair period from the Lindner IT Service Desk, provided that inventory is available.

Any equipment purchased will be supported with respect to connecting to the network, printing to the labs and software assistance. If a system needs hardware support, it is up to the student to seek assistance.

Under no circumstance will the Service Desk be responsible for backing up any data on a student's laptop. The backup process will remain the responsibility of each individual student. The Service Desk does provide documentation and will offer advice to help students understand the steps that need to be taken for secure and complete data backup of their device.

There are various software packages, video players, etc. that require free plugins for your computer to run properly. These websites will allow you to download and install them for free without having to worry about inadvertently downloading malware in the process.

Windows: Ninite.com has all the essential freeware you'll want for your Windows computer. Just check the box for each app you want, then click Get Your Ninite. A single file will download that will install each application you picked with no need for additional interaction.

• Suggested installs for your Windows computer: Java, .NET, Chrome, Firefox.
  

Mac: The equivalent site for Mac is GetMacApps.com.

• Suggested installs for your Mac computer: Chrome, Firefox.

The University of Cincinnati also provides free wireless access for all students, faculty and staff. To connect to UC_Secure, please follow these instructions from UC Digital Technology Solutions. Please note that you will need to be on campus before setting up this wireless connection.