Laptop Program FAQ
Who is required to have a laptop?
Why did Rider University select Dell for the laptop program?
What is covered under the laptop warranties offered by Dell and Apple and for how long?
How do I place an order?
After I purchase my laptop, how do I pick it up?
What do I do if I experience problems with my laptop?
Can I install additional software on my laptop?
Do I need to backup information on my laptop?
What if my laptop cannot be repaired in a short period of time?
Will I have access to the campus network?
What is CompuTrace?
Who is required to have a laptop?
All Accounting and Computer Information Systems (CIS) incoming freshmen students will be required to purchase a laptop. This requirement will give students the opportunity to make the most of educational and professional software commonly employed in the business community. For all other students the purchase of a laptop is optional.
Why did Rider University select Dell for the laptop program?
While laptops are a worthwhile and crucial tool for Rider students, they are an added expense. In order to make this resource a requirement, Rider recognized the need to partner with a reputed computer manufacturer who would care about the students. Dell, a proven leader in technology, offers consistent quality, service, delivery, technology and payment options, which make a laptop a feasible acquisition for Rider students. Reconfiguration and evaluation of software between Rider and Dell is at the heart of the partnership. Students will receive the most crucial software components that complement their studies on the laptops, which will ship from Dell complete with the preloaded software Rider supports and the network drivers installed allowing users to plug in their computers and begin working without delay.
What is covered under the laptop warranties offered by Dell and Apple and for how long?
Dell:
CompleteCare is Dell's most comprehensive repair and replacement service for laptops purchased under Rider University's laptop program. It is a supplement to Dell's limited warranty and it covers accidental damage for four years. Students will find that this warranty, when coupled with the Computrace anti-theft tracking software, provides an excellent value during their academic years.
To find out more information about CompleteCare click here.
Apple:
AppleCare Protection Plan customized for Rider University extends Apple's complimentary coverage on your MacBook up to four years from the computer's purchase date. This coverage includes telephone technical support, global repair coverage, warranty onsite repairs, web-based resources and diagnostic tools. AppleCare Protection Plan, however, does not cover damage to your laptop caused by negligence or accident, for example, if liquid is spilled onto the laptop or if the laptop is accidentally dropped.
To find out more information about AppleCare click here.
How do I place an order?
Start by clicking on Purchase Your Laptop on the left side of your screen. Click on your vendor’s icon then follow the instructions below:
Apple:
Enter your EasyPass account username and password. If you have problems with your account click here to change your password or call the help desk at (609) 219-3000 for further assistance. On the next screen click on Custom Store for Rider Laptop Program Purchase.
The "Rider University Laptop Program" store will open in a separate window. Click on Recommended Systems on the right side of the page. Select your laptop and on the next screen select any additional components or upgrades you wish to add to your laptop. Finally click Add to cart at the bottom of the page. When you are ready to purchase click Continue. At the "Review Your Proposal" screen review all the items in your shopping basket and when you are ready click Purchase with PCard. At the next screen you will be asked to log in using your "Apple ID". If you do not have one you will need to create it. Enter your payment information and then click Continue. This completes your purchase.
Dell:
At the "Rider University Laptop Program" page click Start Shopping. Under "Rider Recommended Bundles" click Customize to modify or upgrade your laptop or Add to cart to select the default options. Finally, click Checkout to complete the purchase. This completes your purchase.
After I purchase my laptop, how do I pick it up?
Laptops are shipped directly from Dell or Apple to students.
What do I do if I experience problems with my laptop?
Visit http://easypass.rider.edu/ to submit a support request.
Call OIT at (609) 219-3000 (off campus), ext.3000 (on campus) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Come to the Help Desk located on the second floor of Moore Library at the Circulation Desk. (Please bring all supporting documents that came with your laptop.)
Contact Dell Support.
Can I install additional software on my laptop?
Yes, but any conflicts that occur with Rider University's Core Software may result in the restoring of your laptop to its original configuration.
Do I need to backup information on my laptop?
Yes. It is your responsibility to backup any personal information/files on your laptop. In the event of any hardware-software issues resulting in the loss of data, OIT will only restore your system to the original configuration.
What if my laptop cannot be repaired in a short period of time?
In the event there is a delay in the repair of your laptop, the OIT Help Desk (located in Moore Library at the Circulation Desk) staff will provide you with a loaner laptop. You will be contacted once your laptop is repaired.
Will I have access to the campus network?
All laptops are equipped to access Rider’s network using wireless technology and traditional network cards.
What is CompuTrace?
All Dell Latitude laptops purchased through the Rider University laptop program (since the spring of 2006) include a security device known as Computrace. Computrace is an anti-theft tracking agent that can be used to locate your laptop if it is misplaced or stolen. When properly installed, this agent regularly communicates through the Internet with a computer at Absolute Software (the company that provides this product). Recent information received in this way can be used to recover a missing laptop.
Rider OIT recommends that all those who purchase laptops through the university laptop program or who use university-owned laptops check to make sure CompuTrace is installed and functioning properly. Absolute Software provides a web page that allows you to check the last time your laptop communicated with their computer and, if necessary, to reinstall the CompuTrace agent on your laptop.
Click on this link to be taken to the Computrace Install Check Page for Rider University laptops. (This site will ask for your Dell service tag, a 7-figure alpha-numeric shown on the bottom of your laptop.)
If you have any problems or concerns and cannot resolve them with Absolute Software, please contact the OIT Help Desk at (609) 219-3000. The best way to do this is to submit a request using the online help desk request form at easypass.rider.edu.
helpdesk@rider.edu | 609-219-3000 | Faculty/Staff Support | Student Support | FAQ
