Since there is other software included in this bundled version, it is recommended that the student wait until arrival at VA Tech to purchase the full package. A student ID will have to be shown at the time of purchase. Since graphic programs will be used, a high quality printer is necessary. Lower end ink jet printers do not print evenly and often take an inordinate amount of time to produce each page. The cost of a high quality printer has dropped dramatically in the past year.
Laser printers are also very inexpensive and provide an excellent alternative.
However, the expense of upkeep for a laser printer is higher than for an ink jet printer. Students need to maintain connection to the campus network throughout their stay at Virginia Tech. If the student is housed on-campus, 10BaseT Ethernet cards will need to be purchased for connectivity to the campus network. These can be purchased from the bookstore. If the student will be housed off-campus in a nearby apartment complex, they should contact the apartment manager to determine if they have Ethernet access in any of their apartments.