A compiled list of FAQs.
Hardware (9)
No, the Computer Store is not an authorized service center. Your first course of action should be to check your warranty and contact the manufacturer; they can provide you with support options.
Possibly, but most likely not. While having a 64bit version installed on your computer definitely has several advantages (more RAM, better performance), you may not be able to use specific software programs in your area of interest. Beware of legacy (old versions) of programs. Software creators have had to develop fixes along the way to increase compatibility to what it is today. If you aren’t sure if a program you are purchasing is compatible just look on the box or item description. Most current programs are compatible with both 32bit and 64bit. If you are having network connectivity problems, immediately contact the ITS Helpdesk.
We suggest getting a lock for a laptop, a USB flash drive for data transfer, and a network cable to connect in the dorms. Anything else will depend on your needs. We provide an array of accessories that you may purchase to fit any need!
It depends. The University provides each student with up to 110 pages of free printing in the student computer labs each semester. If you plan to print a very large volume of pages and/or if you have special printing needs such as photo quality, you may want to consider purchasing your own printer. More information about printing in the student computer labs is available via the Classroom and Lab Computing (CLC) website.
Definitely not! Penn State’s Computer Store is a service of the University and our main goal is to assist you in finding the system that best fits your budget and needs. We encourage you to compare our service and price with other retailers.
Laptops offer much greater portability; desktops typically offer a lower price point and higher performance. If you need help with your decision or have questions, stop by either our Willard or HUB ShowRooms, call us at 800-251-9281, or send us an email.
A number of colleges have supplied us with computing recommendations for their individual colleges/majors. Check your college's website for more information.
Our recommendations are based on the purchase of a NEW computer. We have minimum recommendations which are grouped by laptop and desktop and the number of years that we expect the system to remain viable.
Check your local yellow pages for personal computer repair resources. For computers that are under warranty, please refer to your individual warranty plan for information on getting your computer fixed.
Several groups on campus can provide excellent computer support to staff and students. Residential Computing (ResCom) is a group that can help Residence Hall students with a variety of support needs. The ITS Help Desks, located in 6 Willard Bldg and 215 Computer Bldg, can assist faculty, staff and students with many computer related issues.
Software (4)
No, the Computer Store is not authorized to perform service work. A variety of help resources are available through the Information Technology Services (ITS) Consulting Services Information web site . If you are living in a residence hall you can also contact Housing’s Residential Computing (Rescom) program. Otherwise check with your local campus help desk for assistance.
Yes. A variety of software programs, including Symantec AntiVirus, Eudora, StarOffice, Netscape, FireFox, Mozilla, and Opera are available in download form from the ITS download site https://downloads.its.psu.edu/.
Every system includes the operating system – either Windows or Mac OS. Microsoft Office is NOT included in the base price of any system. You can, however, purchase it through the Computer Store at a substantial discount as noted above.
The answer can vary considerably depending on your interests, classes, and your major; however, almost every student on campus will need Microsoft Office. You may also want to consider Adobe Creative Suite for web, design, and graphics. These programs and many others are available at a substantial discount through Penn State’s Computer Store.
Licensing (9)
All the details of the Departmental Microsoft Campus Agreement can be found at http://computerstore.psu.edu/licensing/microsoft-campus-agreement-faqs.
Further questions can be directed to Sue Gavazzi.
No. Licenses run for one year according to contract renewal date (not your purchase date) and cannot be prorated.
Annual maintenance renewals (or lack thereof) are established by the vendor. For some products, annual maintenance is required to continue legal use of the software. In addition, some products expire on a set date each year and will require a new license code.
The decision to establish a license with a particular vendor is determined based on customer demand and/or vendor pricing. If there is a program that you think the Computer Store should consider as a University license, please fill out our contact form.
Most licensed software products are special order items that are created and packaged in-house on an as-needed basis. Most orders will be available for pickup or delivery within 48 business hours.
Licenses sold through the Computer Store are not centrally funded; they are purchased with money from the Computer Store's budget. We are a cost recovery service and base our prices on the price we negotiate with the vendor. Although the software is not free, our prices are often as much as 80% below retail.
You must purchase a license for each machine; however, you can purchase one copy of media and install it on any number of licensed machines. For example if you have 10 machines you would only need to purchase 10 licenses and one copy of the media.
You will need to purchase one license per computer unless the item description on the Web indicates that it is a "departmental license".
Eligibility is listed on the product description.
General (17)
If you don't see see it, ask! If we can get the item at an academic discount we'll add it to our inventory.
As a cost recovery service, we pass on savings we receive directly to our customers. Unfortunately, not every manufacturer grants an academic discount for their product.
The Penn State Computer Store takes cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and LionCash from students. Sorry, Penn State's bursar office does not allow Computer Store purchases to be paid using student accounts.
The Computer Store does not offer financing; however, Apple, Dell, and HP all offer their own financing options, check their websites for details.
As an incoming student you must have a Penn State Access Account and be scheduled for classes to buy from the Store.
Yes, as a cost-recovery service of Penn State, the Computer Store receives academic pricing from our vendors and we pass these savings on to the Penn State community. We carry a selection of specially-priced laptops from partners Apple, Dell, and Lenovo. In addition, each of these vendors has a Penn State Web site that also provides discounts to members of the Penn State community.
Visit the RESCOM website, located at http://www.rescom.psu.edu/, for directions on Internet connections, as well as, e-mail set up, bandwidth information, and the RESCOM FAQ.
The information you provide to us will remain confidential and will only be used for shipping and billing purposes. Penn State's Computer Store uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption. You can tell when you're in a secure environment by the following signs: the URL to the left of the colon changes from "http" to "https" to indicate that you are using SSL. Most browsers also display a lock or key icon to indicate secure sessions.
To ensure efficient processing of orders and to keep our prices as low as possible, the Computer Store has established the following policies regarding the return of merchandise:
- Return policy becomes effective upon customers receipt of item(s).
- All exchanges must be substantiated by the original receipt (per Penn State Procedure CR2056, Sales, Exchanges and Returns).
- Customers are required to inspect items immediately upon receipt.
- Customers are responsible for their purchase decisions.
- General return policy may be superseded by individual vendor policies.
- Special order items may not be returned.
- Return policies for site license items (part numbers beginning with “ S”) vary by vendor; please contact us prior to purchase.
Unopened Products
Unopened item(s) - with the exception of special order, site license and volume purchase items noted above - can be returned within 10 business days.
The Computer Store reserves the right to refuse a return or assess a restocking fee of 20% for any item(s) not returned within 10 business days.
Opened Products
Opened item(s), including software, may not be returned or exchanged unless verified as defective by Computer Store personnel. See below for policy regarding defective products.
Defective Products
The Computer Store reserves the right to inspect and verify defective returns. Within 10 business days, defective item(s) will be exchanged for exact same item(s). After 10 business days, individual vendor warranty guidelines should be followed. Missing parts are covered by individual vendor policies.
Customers must call to request a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number before an item is returned; invoice number is required. No returns/exchanges will be accepted without an RMA number.
Returned item(s) must include ALL original packaging, manuals, original box and invoice; RMA number must be written on the invoice. The Computer Store must receive Item(s) within 10 business days of the date the RMA number is issued. After 10 business days the RMA will expire and the return will not be accepted.
Effective Jan. 4, 2006
Campus mail is an excellent service, and we can't imagine Penn State without it; however, it does not provide tracking information, delivery confirmation or package insurance. In addition, many of our products exceed the package size limitations.
We chose UPS for two reasons… price and service.
UPS is less expensive!
It provides great services, including tracking numbers on shipments.
UPS provides email confirmation and on-line tracking information in addition to fast, dependable delivery - typically next day for packages shipped within Pennsylvania.
We will begin processing your order immediately upon receipt and will typically ship in-stock items within 1-2 business days. If there is any delay, we will contact you immediately, either by email or by phone. If you have a question regarding the status of your order, please have your Order Confirmation number ready and call us at 814-865-2100 or 800-251-9281 during regular business hours (see above).
Note: Due to licensing and vendor restrictions, items WILL NOT be shipped outside of the continental U.S.
Personal Orders - We offer FREE UPS Ground shipping on personal orders*! All personal orders will be shipped by UPS Standard Ground* unless another shipping method is requested. UPS Standard Ground orders within Pennsylvania typically arrive within 1-2 business days of shipment, but cannot be guaranteed.
*UPS Standard Ground not available to Alaska and Hawaii - please contact us for shipping options and costs. You can also choose to pick up your order at our showroom in 12 Willard Building. Note: Items must be picked up within 10 business days from the time you are notified that your order is ready.
Departmental Orders - Penn State departmental orders will be shipped at no charge by UPS Ground.
Personal orders shipped within the state of Pennsylvania are subject to Pennsylvania State Sales Tax (6%). If applicable, the appropriate tax will be automatically added to your order total.
Penn State departmental orders (orders that are paid for with departmental funds) and personal orders that are shipped outside Pennsylvania are tax exempt.
When placing your order on-line or in person, you can pay with MasterCard, Discover Card or Visa (including Penn State Purchasing Cards). If you place an order in person at our sales locations (see above) you can also pay with cash, check (made out to Penn State) or LionCash.
Penn State departments can also order item via the Penn State Purchasing Ebuy web site (http://www.ebuy.psu.edu). If you need assistance with the Ebuy site please contact Penn State Purchasing at 814-865-7562.
After completing your online checkout, an Order Confirmation number will be generated and a copy of your order will be sent to you by email. A payment receipt will be enclosed in your shipment along with the merchandise. Please keep this payment receipt for reference in case of exchange or refund. The order confirmation that is provided online at the time of your order does not serve as your official receipt. The official receipt is the payment receipt that is mailed to you with the merchandise.
Penn State students, faculty, staff and departments have the following ordering options:
- Order online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Order in person at 12 Willard Building M-F, 9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Only current Penn State students, faculty and staff are eligible to purchase from the Computer Store. Please see our eligibility page for further details.
Penn State's Computer Store has two locations on the University Park Campus. Our main showroom is located in 12 Willard Building. We also have a showroom located in the HUB, next to the Penn State ID+ office.
Store hours for both locations are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (except holidays).
New Student (1)
Only current Penn State students, faculty and staff are eligible to purchase from the Computer Store. Please see our eligibility page for further details.
