Academics

Computer Recommendations

The College of Atmospheric & Geographic Sciences does not recommend a specific type or brand of computer; we encourage students to make that decision based on their college lifestyle and personal preference.

Some students wouldn't be without a laptop and carry it everywhere. Since most of the buildings on the OU campus are wireless, it's very easy to carry a laptop around and find a comfortable area to work.

Other students prefer to use a desktop in their dorm or apartment or in one of the computer labs on campus. Desktops are less expensive than laptops.

The choice of Apple or PC is also up to the student; about 45% of the computers in the National Weather Center are Macs (up from 15% a few years ago). Macs cost more, are less powerful, and can't handle some of the programs PCs can.

On the other hand, PCs can't handle some of the new weather software, and aren't as good at working with graphics as Macs.

During your first year at OU, a PC or laptop isn’t really necessary. You will be working primarily on General Education requirements, along with Calculus, Physics, and Computer Science prerequisites if you are pursuing a bachelor of science degree, or beginning language courses if you are pursing a bachelor of arts degree.If you can wait a year to make a decision about what kind of computer to buy, you will qualify for discounts at OU’s IT Store.