Therefore you should view computer utility from a short-term point of view. Freshmen on a tight budget can lease or purchase a computer with the minimum recommended configuration, with the intent of obtaining a more advanced computer upon entry into the junior year. The minimum configuration is likely to become obsolete in 2-3 years. The College of Natural Resources and Environment recommends that freshmen choose a windows-based PC, which is conventional in the sciences and engineering. The College also recommends that freshmen choose a desktop computer rather than a laptop.
Students then can consider a laptop among their choices for the third and fourth years of study.