Anytime-Anywhere Creativity Program
Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to participate?
What am I getting? Is it just the computer?
What about standard programs, like MS Word?
Will I be able to access the Internet quickly and easily?
What happens if I have a problem with my laptop?
Great. When will I get everything?
What if I don't know how to use this kind of computer?
I already have a computer. Why do I have to participate in the program?
What if my computer is a Macbook Pro or a Macbook?
Why a Mac? Why aren't we getting PCs?
My major is not one that requires a computer - can I buy one anyway?
Can it be a Windows computer?
What is a software image?
How will I receive my software image?
How often is the software revised?
Will I own my software?
Why do I need to have insurance?
Is my computer insured as part of the AAC tech fee?
If my computer is broken, where do I take it for repair?
Will I have to pay for software upgrades each year?
Can I install my own software?
Can I share the software on my computer with other people?

Who is required to participate?
• All incoming freshmen
(with the exception of certificate candidates in Dance and Music)
• All students entering the sophomore year of the major in the College of Art and Design
• All students entering graduate programs in Art Education, Masters of Industrial Design and Museum Exhibition Planning and Design

What am I getting? Is it just the computer?
It's way beyond a computer. You'll receive a new laptop with a completely engineered creative software and support package. Every aspect of it was prepared for you by UArts technology experts--the same people who will fix it for you if anything isn't working perfectly. It's an exclusive package only UArts students have access to and it includes:
• The 15" MacBook™ Pro laptop. As of 9/1/08, the configuration includes:
    - 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    - 2 GB RAM
    - 250 GB Serial ATA drive, 5400 rpm
    - SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW), 6x
    - 15" Widescreen display
    - Backlit Keyboard/U.S. English
    - Airport Wireless 802.11n
    - Built-in iSight video camera
    - Bluetooth
    - Accessory Kit
Should Apple upgrade these specs before we order for the coming year, we will order the most advantageous configuration for a similar price.
• External FireWire® hard drive (250GB)
• A full array of software specifically designed for creative students and used by creative professionals
• Technology support
• Insurance
• Replacement laptop
• Annual software upgrades

What about standard programs, like MS Word?
Definitely. Your software system will include:
• Current OS
• Web Browsers
• Microsoft Office
• iLife®
• iWork™
• KeyServed access to the Adobe Creative Suite and almost all of the other professional software used at UArts

Will I be able to access the Internet quickly and easily?
Absolutely. No matter where you are on campus, you'll be able to go online via wireless networking.

What happens if I have a problem with my laptop?
We'll give you a replacement MacBook Pro whenever your computer isn't working or is being diagnosed or repaired. Also keep in mind that your package comes with:
• On-campus tech support during business hours
• AppleCare® plan
• Virus protection
• Insurance to cover theft or irreparable damage to the computer
• Protective case

Great. When will I get everything?
If you're a freshmen, you'll participate in a distribution event as part of your orientation. If you're a returning student, transfer student or graduate student, you will receive it at that time as well.

What if I don't know how to use this kind of computer?
No worries. You'll take part in an orientation workshop where you'll learn how to set up and use the computer and learn about the computer resources available on campus.

I already have a computer. Why do I have to participate in the program?
Genius strikes anytime, anywhere. It's vital that nothing gets in the way of your creativity and that your busy life is supported. This program ensures that every student will have a consistent, reliable and robust system capable of filling almost all of his or her technology needs for three to four years.

What if my computer is a Macbook Pro or a Macbook?
What if my computer is a Macbook Pro or a Macbook?
If you have a MacBook Pro or MacBook, you may use your own machine - you won’t be charged for the Participation Fee, you’ll only pay the annual Technology Fee. We will upgrade your machine with a completely engineered software system customized to your major and compatible with your peers and faculty. We'll also provide regular software upgrades. Please contact Rachel Kantra in Academic Computing (rkantra@uarts.edu) for further information.

Why a Mac? Why aren't we getting PCs?
The University's programs have been consistently and overwhelmingly Macintosh based, given industry standards and common practice in the arts. Therefore, University provided software will be Macintosh based. We have also found that Macintosh computers are easier to manage and have fewer security issues than Windows systems. In addition, the iLife suite of software, which we recommend for interdisciplinary collaboration, is written only for the Mac.

Please note the Macbook Pro is capable of running as a PC, although the University is not configuring it as such. Students interested in using their Macbook Pro as a PC must purchase and install the PC operating system and programs on their own. Students interested in doing so should refer to the Technical FAQs that will be posted at the time of distribution.

My major is not one that requires a computer - can I buy one anyway?
Definitely! All interested students may participate.

Can it be a Windows computer?
If you are not required to participate in AAC, you can purchase whatever makes sense for you. We do, however, strongly recommend that all students interested in buying a computer purchase a MacBook Pro system through the AAC program for two reasons. First, the MacBook Pro has the ability to run the Windows operating system, although UArts is only providing software for the Macintosh at this time. Secondly, participation in the AAC program provides additional benefits such as a comprehensive, up-to-date set of software systems that is consistent with the rest of the UArts labs and students, on-campus technical support, and back-up technology.

What is a software image?
Think of it as the original...and your computer package will be its "clone." Here's the technical definition: The software image is a preconfigured archive containing the Macintosh OS X operating system and selected software that can be quickly restored to your computer's hard drive. The software image is developed and tested over several months prior to release. Essentially, all computers will be "cloned" from our software images as a way of delivering a reliable and uniform experience to all AAC participants.

How will I receive my software image?
Systems provided by UArts will be delivered with the software pre-installed. Some majors may require additional software, which will be installed during classes or workshops.

Students arriving with their own qualified systems will be required to back-up their data, their system will be erased and the software "image" will be installed on their computer during the distribution event.

How often is the software revised?
The software selection is revised yearly. Any critical fixes or updates to the software "image" will be made available during the break between the fall and spring semesters.

Will I own my software?
You will own Microsoft Office and the iLife suite. All other software will be Keyserved through the same system that is currently employed in all of our labs. This will enable all students to use thousands of dollars worth of up-to-date, industry-standard software, anytime, anywhere, without limitation as to major.

Why do I need to have insurance?
Insurance will provide for loss, theft and damage not covered by a standard manufacturer's warranty (AppleCare). Proof of insurance will be required in order diagnose any problem with your computer, in the event that its repair is not covered by the terms of the AppleCare agreement.

Is my computer insured as part of the AAC tech fee?
Computers purchased through the AAC program all come with insurance and an extended AppleCare warranty. Students who use personally-owned computers must arrange for insurance and AppleCare separately

If my computer is broken, where do I take it for repair?
While school is in session, you may bring it to our service center, for evaluation. If we find it is in need of hardware (physical) repair, we will provide you with a temporary laptop while we send yours to an Apple authorized service provider. If we find it is a software related problem, we will help you to back-up your data and we will re-image your computer with a clean operating system and a freshly-installed set of software.

If you are traveling / residing outside of the Philadelphia area when a problem occurs, you may take it to the nearest Apple authorized service provider, or contact Apple directly at 1-800-800-2775 to arrange service under the terms of the AppleCare agreement. If your system's damage is not covered by the terms of the AppleCare agreement, you will then need to file an insurance claim for repair or replacement. If your computer is damaged, lost or stolen in accordance with the terms of insurance coverage, it will be replaced through an insurance claim and you will receive a short-term loaner system for use while you computer is being replaced.

Will I have to pay for software upgrades each year?
No. The cost of software upgrades is included in the annual tech fee for all participants.

Can I install my own software?
Yes. There are no restrictions on what you can and can't install on your system. However, if software installed by you causes a problem, our method of resolving it will be to re-image your system. Any software packages installed by you outside of that supplied by UArts will need to be reinstalled by you.

Can I share the software on my computer with other people?
No. You are bound by all End-User License Agreements (EULA) published by the software manufacturers. Any sharing of copyrighted material without proper licensing or permission from the software manufacturer is prohibited by law, and is not condoned by UArts. Any students accused of copyright violation or infringement will be required to resolve matters on their own without involvement from the University. Additionally, all students are subject to the University's Guidelines for Responsible Computing and subject to disciplinary action should those policies be violated.