FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
ROTMAN WIRELESS LAPTOP PROGRAM

1. Do I have to own a laptop computer to enter the Rotman MBA program?
Yes, as an entrance requirement all students entering the two-year MBA program must own a laptop computer that runs Microsoft Windows and is able to connect to the Rotman wireless network. Students taking a combined MBA program (i.e. JD/MBA, SKOLL) must have the laptop prior to starting any MBA courses and should check with the other department for any laptop requirements that they may have.

2. Is there a standard laptop configuration?
The minimum laptop requirements are listed below, but any laptop purchased within the past few years should be suitable. All students are expected to have a laptop running Microsoft Windows that can connect to the Rotman wireless network.

3. What wireless standards does the Rotman wireless network support?
The Rotman wireless network supports the 802.11a, 802.11g, and 802.11n standards. Your laptop must be able to connect to 802.11g networks as a minimum requirement. 802.11n capability is highly recommended since it provides more robust connections. The older 802.11b standard is not supported by the Rotman wireless network.

4. Can I use my Apple laptop?
Apple computers can be used as long as they are configured to allow booting into Microsoft Windows. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that their Apple computer has a valid copy of Windows installed (Windows must be purchased separately). Two of the most popular applications used to allow booting into Microsoft Windows are Apple's Boot Camp (website) and Parallels (website).

The Rotman Helpdesk does not support Mac OS or Apple hardware. If you are running Microsoft Windows on a Mac they will provide configuration assistance for Windows related issues. If the problem is related to the hardware or Mac OS then they cannot provide assistance.

5. Can you provide more detail on the standard laptop configuration?
The standard Rotman laptop configuration is listed below. Typically, any PC with wireless connectivity that was purchased within the past two years will meet the requirements.

Operating System:

- Minimum: XP, Vista Home or Windows 7 Home
- Recommend: XP Pro, Vista Business or Windows 7 Professional
Note: Windows 7 Starter Edition (available on some small notebook PCs - often called netbooks) is not recommended as it is not compatible with some of the software used at Rotman.

CPU:

- Intel Core Duo or better
- 1GHz or faster
- Recommended: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0GHz or faster
Note: Laptops running Vista or Windows 7 typically require faster processors than laptops running XP.

Memory:

- Minimum: 1GB for XP, 2GB for Vista and Windows 7
- Recommended: 2GB for XP, 4GB for Vista and Windows 7

Hard Drive:

- Minimum 80GB
- Recommended: 160GB or more if you like to store music, photos or videos

Optical Drives:

- Minimum: DVD Reader
- Recommended: DVD Reader/Burner

Screen size:

- Minimum: 12 inch
- Recommended: 14 or 15 inch
Note: This is a personal choice. Laptops with small screens are lighter and easier to carry but they typically have smaller keyboards and are harder to work on for extended durations. Most students find a 14" screen a good compromise between usability and weight.

Wireless Connectivity:

- Minimum: 802.11g
- Recommended: 802.11a or 802.11n
Note: 802.11g/a/n are wireless networking standards all with good bandwidth, however, the 'a' and 'n' standards tend to be more reliable. Rotman does not provide connectivity with the 802.11b protocol.

6. What software will I be required to have?
You are required to have the Microsoft Windows operating system and the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Almost all new laptops will come with this pre-loaded. You will also need Microsoft Office but as an MBA student you will be provided, free of charge, with MS Office, Anti Virus software, and other applications required for the program at the start of the first year of your program. We do not provide any Apple versions of the software.

7. Is there anything else I should consider when purchasing a laptop?
Laptops can break and it always seems to happen at the worst time. We recommend that you purchase a laptop that can be easily serviced locally. It is also worth considering an extended warranty, especially if it includes fast, on-site repairs to minimize the length of time that a repair would take.

We also recommend that a method of backup be considered. Hard disk crashes and malware infections are among the most common kinds of laptop malfunctions. Manufacturers' warranties do not cover file recovery. You can save hundreds of dollars in potential file recovery costs by regularly backing up to an external disk or online service.

8. Does the School have any special arrangements or programs to purchase laptops?
Yes, we have arranged special purchase prices for Rotman students with Dell Computer Corporation for business-quality, network-ready Latitude series laptops. Dell has several different laptop models available to purchase through a specially-designed Rotman@Dell.ca website. Within this site you can view specifications, upgrade options, and you can order online. Once you are enrolled in the Rotman MBA Program, you will be given the Rotman@Dell.ca website address.

9. Why would I choose a Dell laptop over another manufacturer?
The Dell laptops that are offered on the Rotman@Dell.ca site are business-quality laptops that have been selected to reduce the amount of problems during and after you finish the MBA program. Some of the features are:

• Rotman Helpdesk technicians are certified by Dell to service the recommended laptop models (Latitude) and are able to provide software and hardware support with replacement parts provided by Dell. They only provide "best effort" support for software problems and no hardware support on the other Dell laptop models or other manufacturers' laptops.
• The Rotman Helpdesk has spare accessories for the recommended Dell models. For example: you can borrow a power supply should you forget yours at home.
• Our configurations include a 3 year Complete Care warranty. If the laptop breaks within 3 years, even if it was your fault, Dell will repair it no charge and usually within the next business day.
• These are business quality laptops with certified hardware and network components to maximize performance and minimize compatibility problems in any home or business network, including the Rotman/Campus Wireless Network.
• Loaded with Windows 7 Professional edition for maximum business performance and security.
• Many upgrade options available.
• Discounted price and free delivery.
• Dell is recognized as a leader in service and support.
• 30-day money back guarantee.
• Managed product line to ensure long availability of parts and upgrades.

10. I am buying a new laptop, what other things should I consider?
One important issue to consider is the weight of the unit and how you plan to transport it. Carrying a 6.0 pound (2.73 Kg) laptop is a heavy load on top of notes and books.

You should also consider a security cable. A security cable provides an inexpensive theft deterrent.

If you don't have a printer at home you may want to consider getting one. Rotman has printers for use by the students (there is a small charge for printing), however, many students prefer the convenience of having a home printer.

USB memory sticks have become very inexpensive and are convenient to back up and transfer files.

11. When is it a good time to buy a laptop?
If you are looking to purchase a new laptop we suggest that you order your computer approximately four to six weeks before the start of your program (including any pre-courses) to get the best price and latest technology. But this will vary with the vendor and product you chose. Some vendors do not carry stock and have to order the equipment through their suppliers, so the time-to-delivery may vary greatly. Other companies only sell equipment "made to order". Dell laptops are examples of a "made to order" product. If you order your laptop through Dell, the laptop is not manufactured until the order has been placed. The time from order to delivery is about 10 working days. Whatever vendor you choose, make sure you ask about the availability of the product before you purchase. You should also be aware that sometimes newly announced models are not available for extended periods of time.