Tech Central
Information Technology
Student Support
Tech Central
- How do I get student discounts at Tech Central?
- How do I know which computer is right for me/my student?
- How do I get Office for $49.99?
- How do I make purchases at Tech Central if I am not a student?
- How do I make a personal purchase as a faculty / staff member?
- Why should I buy my computer through Pepperdine?
- What is the difference between Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows?
- I've seen this Tech Central laptop cheaper elsewhere, am I paying more for the same system?
- Can I use a Mac at Pepperdine?
- Can I use my Mac to run Windows?
- What do I do if I have a problem with my order?
- What is the Tech Central return policy?
Student Support
1. How do I get technical support?
Students may contact the Help Desk at 1-310-506-HELP (4357), talk to computer lab staff, or visit Tech Central in the 2nd floor of the Payson Library on the Malibu campus.
2. How do I find the computer labs and cyber cafes?
Go to http://services.pepperdine.edu/it/instruction/instructionalsupport/labs.htm for information on where to find computer labs and cyber cafes on campus.
Tech Central
1. How do I get student discounts at Tech Central?
Tech Central's website offers educational discounts on laptops from CDWG (HPs), Dell, and Apple as well as software publishers such as
Microsoft, Adobe, and Macromedia. Computer supplies such as ink, printers, mice, and more are available at a special discount rate for students, faculty and staff through our online partners.
2. How do I know which computer is right for me/my student?
There is no simple answer to this question. Each student should consider how he or she will be using his or her computer. Some people prefer a larger screen while others prefer the portability of a smaller laptop.
Students should consider how they plan to use their new computer, review any hardware requirements that their education program may have, and then review the computer bundles available through Tech Central.
Contact Tech Central for additional guidance.
3. How do I get office for $49.99?
Tech Central's prices are very low because Pepperdine has subsidized the majority of the cost for students.
Students can purchase this product from Tech Central's website
4. How do I make purchases at Tech Central if I am not a student?
Many items that are discounted for education are available only to current students of Pepperdine. Students may make purchases from Dell for their family and friends, as well as most items from CDWG. Only currently enrolled students, staff, and faculty may purchase the Microsoft Office and Windows products from Tech Central. Apple Computer products are available only to currently enrolled students.
Contact Tech Central at (310) 506-4811 for eligibility information.
5. How do I make a personal purchase as a faculty / staff member?
Faculty and staff members can make purchases at Tech Central and from its online partners at a discount. Some products require a Pepperdine ID to make a purchase. Additionally, some items, like the software subject to the MCA, are for personal use only.
However, faculty and staff may not buy copies for or distribute copies to friends or family members.
6. Why should I buy my computer through Pepperdine?
Students are encouraged but not required to buy their computers through Pepperdine. All of the computers sold through Pepperdine's partners are offered at competitive educational prices which are typically much lower than retail.
All recommended laptops meet or exceed University technical requirements and qualify for technical support by Pepperdine's Information Technology department.
7. What is the difference between Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows?
Windows is an operating system. It provides the platform on which all other programs run. Office is a productivity suite. It includes programs such as Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
Tech Central highly recommends that students purchase this software, available at a substantial discount through Tech Central.
8. I've seen a Tech Central laptop cheaper elsewhere, am I paying more for the same system?
When laptops are compared with identical configurations, Tech Central's prices are usually lower than the competition.
Those who find the same model for less at another store almost always sacrifice performance and features. Laptops recommended by Pepperdine are high-performance, high-quality machines intended specifically for this academic environment.
9. Can I use a Mac at Pepperdine?
Students may use Apple computers according to their program guidelines and requirements. Some schools and academic divisions have Windows-based computer requirements. The School of Law, Graziadio School of Business and Seaver's Business Administration Division all either strongly recommend or require a Windows-based laptop.
10. Can I use my Mac to run Windows?
All Intel-based Apple computers are able to run a Windows operating system. Students may purchase Windows Vista Ultimate for $49.99 and install it on an Intel-based Mac. If help is needed with installation, students may come to Tech Central to have Windows installed for $50.
11. What do I do if I have a problem with my order?
For orders from Tech Central's partners, contact the vendor directly. Contact lists are posted on the vendors' websites and faculty, students, and staff are encouraged to resolve the problem with them before contacting Tech Central.
Tech Central will not be able to resolve order problems with the vendors, but they may be able to assist in a resolution if faculty, students, and staff encounter difficulties. For software order problems, please call (310) 506-4811.
12. What is the Tech Central return policy?
All sales of Microsoft software sold at Tech Central are final. If the software is defective, Tech Central will verify the defect before processing a refund. No returns are accepted for customer mistakes or system incompatibility. For all other purchases, please review the return policies of the vendor from which the item was purchased.
Last modified: 11/17/09
