Technology Requirements FAQ

The ITS Knowledge Base contains information and guides for many campus systems and procedures. You can access the Knowledge Base through Pioneer Portal at https://portal.uwplatt.edu. Search your term at the top of the page, then select the KnowledgeBase tab to view all results.

It all depends how you will use the device. A laptop is a portable option that still lets you use all the standard programs. A tablet is good for taking notes, but it won't be able to support most campus software. As for manufacturer, every company makes both bad and good computers. It is less about who's making them and more about quality and price of components. 

More often than not, this depends on personal preference. If you are in an engineering program, see the question below about specific major needs for more information. The ITS Help Desk supports both Windows and Mac OS, and there is a case for both. In the end, it is really up to you.

SSDs are faster than regular drives and can change boot-up time from around a minute to five seconds. However, a solid-state drive provides much less storage space for your dollar. With a regular hard drive, you can get a lot of storage cheaply, but it will be slow in comparison. If you want speed from your computer, we recommend you get the solid state. If you decide you need more storage later, you can get an external drive.

No, there are many printing stations all over campus. Each student is allotted $3 in printing funds per fall and spring semester for printing. Accounts are charged $0.04/page for black and white and $0.10/page for color. Charges over $3 are the student's responsibility. Unused allotments do not carry over to the next term.  See full details at Student Printing Policy and Procedures

NOTE: Effective 07.01.25 costs for student printing will increase to $0.06/page for black and white and $0.20/page for color. This change is necessary to meet rising costs of printing and maintenance. It is the first increase since the student policy was revised in 2015.

Probably not. Every Residence Hall has full wireless access. If you have a device such as a Smart TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, or a handheld gaming console, then a router will be necessary. If you have multiple wired devices (Xbox 360/One, PS3/4, Nintendo Switch/Wii U with adapter, and/or a computer), a router may be useful. NOTE: This information applies to Platteville campus residence halls only.  Residence halls at Baraboo Sauk County are privately-owned. Please contact the management company directly for information related to technology in their buildings.

As part of your Office 365 account, you have access to five free MS Office licenses to use on personal devices as long as you are enrolled at UW-Platteville. New students get access to their email accounts in late spring, prior to registration.

In our experience Verizon and US Cellular services work well in our geographic area.

Yes, we do! We typically hire in spring for the following summer and academic year.  Watch for posters, check out our Facebook page (UW-Platteville ITS Help Desk), and monitor the Handshake website.