Library Services: IT Department

Buying Software

The University of Montana School of Law
Computer Recommendations, Requirements and Support Policies

Buying a computer: Recommendations, Comparisons, and Sources
Buying software: What you need and where to get it
Buying accessories: Supplement your package with the essentials

• Anti-virus software - The University has a site license for Symantec Anti-Virus software so it is available at no charge to all students. Purchasing it with your computer is not necessary. Please see James Cramer at the Law School for details, initial download, set up and automatic virus definition updates via the UM Law School anti-virus server. If you purchase your system through this web site Symantec Anti-Virus software will be installed on and configured on your computer when you receive it.
• Word processing software - UM law students will need Microsoft Office Professional Suite 2003 which includes PowerPoint software for law school presentations. However, WordPerfect Office X3 software is also recommended as well because WordPerfect is used widely by Law School faculty as well as in many courts and law firms. The UM School of Law has a site license for WordPerfect X3 so this software is AVAILABLE AT NO COST to our students. Therefore, UM law students should not purchase WordPerfect software. Students should go to room 183 or 184 in the Jameson Library for help with software installation. The Microsoft Office Suite is available for about $80. through The UM Bookstore with your student discount (bring your GRIZ card). Please take advantage of your student discount and do not purchase the MS Office Suite through Dell at a cost of $200. The Law School IT staff will install this software for you if you wish.
• OneNote Software – OneNote is a component of the Microsoft Office Suite which is included with Tablet PCs, but not included with conventional PCs. OneNote is not currently included in the Microsoft Office Suite Professional 2003, but must be purchased separately for $49.95. Some law faculty use OneNote to create notes in class and to post class notes to web pages. Many UM law students find OneNote a useful tool for collaborative editing. This system allows several users to share documents and allows all members of a session to edit a single document simultaneously while communicating over the wireless network.