DEPARTMENTS

Campus Brain Computer Resources

ADVICE

ACADEMIC RESOURCES
BOOK REVIEWS
CAUSES WE FAVOR
CHOOSING A MAJOR
COLLEGIATE WEAR
COMPUTER RESOURCES
CREDIT CARDS
CURIOSITIES
DATING SERVICES
EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES
FINANCIAL AID
FUN & GAMES
FUNNY PICTURES
GAMES & GAMING
GIFTS
GRAD SCHOOL INFO
JOB SEARCH ADVICE
JOKES
LINKS
MOVIE REVIEWS
MOVIE TRIVIA
MUSIC RESOURCES
ON LINE LEARNING
ON SALE
POSTER STORE
SCHOLARSHIP ADVICE
SPARTAN FAN STORE
SPRING BREAK
STUDENT DISCOUNTS
STUDY ABROAD TIPS
STUDYING ADVICE
SUCCESSFUL STUDENT HABITS
TEE SHIRT STORE
TEST TAKING STRATEGY
TEXTBOOK RESOURCES
TRAVEL RESOURCES
WOLVERINE FAN STORE
WRITING A PAPER
 

Computer Software

Academic Superstore
Academic Superstore provides software to students and faculty at academic prices significantly lower than retail. If you are a part or full-time student, teacher or faculty member attending or employed by an accredited, degree-granting institution (K-12 or Higher Ed), you are eligible. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Journey Ed
Journeyed.com With over 6,000 high-end academic titles in its catalog, JourneyEd offers qualified students, faculty members and other members of the educational community software at significantly discounted prices.

Power Producer
Burn Your Memories onto CDs/DVDs with PowerProducer! from Cyberlink.  Founded in 1995, CyberLink Corp is a world leader and pioneer in bringing advanced digital video and audio software to the market. Producer of the world's leading DVD software player, PowerDVD, CyberLink also delivers solutions that include video editing and recording, on-line training and distance learning solutions, digital media presentation and delivery, and unique talking head design tools for the web, using advanced MPEG-4 technologies.

Gear Software
Want to TRY before you BUY? Click here to get your GEAR Software trial. GEAR Software has developed standard-setting DVD and CD recording software products and Software Developer Toolkits for more than a decade. It's robust, reliable multi-platform recording solutions support Unix, Windows/NT/2000/XP and Linux operating systems.

Language Translation - Babylon
Did you ever want to know what a foreign phrase or word meant? You can if you download Babylon for FREE and get one-click translations! This is so cool for sending e-mails to your friends studying foreign languages or for understanding those texts that sprinkle in foreign phrases. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Panda Anti Virus
Award-winning protection: Panda Antivirus Platinum is the agent we use on our own computer to keep us free from trouble. Since it was founded in 1990, Panda Software has pursued its goal of becoming the world leader in antivirus protection. It does this by reinvesting a high percentage of its income in R+D. This policy has put the company at forefront of antivirus software development, with a qualified team of experts developing latest generation solutions. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Kaspersky Anti Virus
Kaspersky Anti-Virus Products: Kaspersky Labs is an international software-development company offering advanced products for protection against viruses, hackers and spam. Founded in 1997,  Kasperksy Labs has a well-stablished partners network operating in many countries the world over. The company consists of 250 highly qualified specialists, among whom 10 hold MBA degrees, 16 Ph.D. degrees, and 2 are members of the prestigious Computer Anti-virus Researchers Organization (CARO).

MCAfee VirusScan
Trusted by over 2 million satisfied users worldwide, VirusScan protects your PC, files and email address book from high-risk, productivity-killing viruses, worms and trojans like Bugbear, Slammer, Code Red, Nimda, SirCam and Nicehello. Easy to use and always on guard, VirusScan automatically checks for virus updates and software updates so your protection is always up-to-the-minute. And it's from McAfee Security, the most trusted name in online security. Save over 40% on McAfee VirusScan Online by following this link.
 

PC-cillin™
PC-cillin™ combines advanced virus detection and cleaning with an integrated firewall to safeguard your system from hackers and malicious code threats in email and instant messaging, and while surfing the Internet. New features like Wi-Fi protection helps secure your PC when connecting to a wireless network, and Outbreak Alert gives you early warning about new viruses. Use our "special deal" link to protect Your PC & PDA from Viruses. Buy PC-cillin with Easy Installation & Support for $10 off

Freeware & Shareware  
Download.com is our #1 source for free and try before you buy software. We trust their service to be bug free. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Conware has a cool icon maker and will soon have a simple MP3 player.

Computer Tune up   Keep your PC running at optimum speed with this free service from PC Pitstop. We do this periodically and keep our computers trouble free. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Anti Spyware

Get the spyware out of your computer. Get the free Ad-aware software from Lavasoft. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

SpyBot Search and Destroy won the PC Magazine Editors Choice for their free downloadable anti spyware, trojan and hijacker software.Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Computer Hardware Manufacturers

Gateway
Founded in 1985 in an Iowa farmhouse, Gateway Computers has grown into one of America's best known brands with millions of satisfied customers. Starting with a $10,000 loan guaranteed by his grandmother, a rented computer and a three-page business plan, Ted Waitt turned Gateway into a revolutionary company whose innovations helped shape the technology industry. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Dell
Michael Dell started the company in 1984 with the revolutionary idea to sell custom built computers directly to the customer. With the power of direct and Dell's team of talented people, we are able to provide customers with superb value; high-quality, relevant technology; customized systems; superior service and support; and products and services that are easy to buy and use. Special Offers on DELL Computers are found here.

Fujitsu
Headquartered in Santa Clara, Calif., Fujitsu PC Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited and a leading provider of information technology solutions. Fujitsu PC Corporation offers a complete line of high-performance computing solutions to the North American market, including best-in-class LifeBook^® notebooks, Stylistic^® tablets, SCENIC^® desktops and Intel-based PRIMERGY^® servers. The company emphasizes leading-edge technology, exceptional product quality, and user comfort and productivity, as well as outstanding customer service. If you are looking for high end performance, Fujitsu Notebooks are known as some of the best and our link sends you directly to their notebook homepage where you can explore their products and buy on line from their store.

Apple
Buying a Mac is more affordable than ever. Higher Education faculty, staff, and students can now purchase computers for personal use at Apple’s published prices for education institutions.Apple Computers makes it easy for the student to get a  PowerBook G4 for Education or any other Apple product with student discounts and easy financing aimed at the college student.
 

HP & Compac
Hewlett Packard and Compac history: Stanford University classmates Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard founded HP in 1939. The company's first product, built in a Palo Alto garage, was an audio oscillator—an electronic test instrument used by sound engineers. One of HP's first customers was Walt Disney Studios, which purchased eight oscillators to develop and test an innovative sound system for the movie Fantasia.

Compaq Computer Corporation was formed after a 1982 meeting in a Houston, Texas, pie shop. Together, employees in the new HP share a passion for satisfying customers, an intense focus on teamwork, speed and agility, and a commitment to trust and respect for all individuals.

Computer Resellers:

Tiger Direct
Tiger Direct was established in 1987 to serve the needs of computer users, and today they are one of the industry's top computer and computer-product retailers. Their web site has been ranked among the New York Times' "Top 25 Online Retailers" in 2002. And their catalog has become a textbook for computer users.

Computer Show
Computer-Show.com Computer-show.com is an Internet based computer hardware dealer located in Chatsworth, California. Computer-show.com was founded 1997 by a computer Service Company that has been providing support for major OEM's for over 15 years. Computer-show.com was started with the idea of providing Computer hardware at below wholesale prices due to their major OEM contacts and the opportunity to purchase computer surplus directly form these OEM's. These products consist of new, refurbished, overstocks, off lease and end of life.

Comp USA
CompUSA Inc.is the nation's leading retailer and reseller of personal computer-related products and services. Founded in 1984, it now operates approximately 225 stores in 90 major metropolitan markets. These Superstores serve retail, corporate, government and education customers and include technical service departments. CompUSA's inventory includes all major brands of computers and information products including Apple, Compaq, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Lotus, Microsoft, Toshiba and more. CompUSA also carries more than 2,000 software titles. Many of the stores include classroom training facilities. Faster, newer, smarter - New Computers at CompUSA.com!  Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Computer Geeks
ComputerGeeks.com specializes in providing computer-related excess inventory, manufacturer-closeouts, and high-demand computer components and peripherals at highly-discounted prices to tech-savvy, "Geeky", consumers

Global Computer
As part of a $1.7 billion Fortune 1000 company, Global Computer Technology Solutions   brings unparalleled resources to work for you. Not only do they stock the leading brands of computer products in multiple sales and distribution locations, they also manufacture built-to-order PCs, notebooks and servers under the Systemax brand name. This combination of brand selection and true manufacturing capabilities is unmatched in the industry, affording you greater flexibility, expertise and buying power.

Computers 4 Sure
Computers4SUREis Office Depot's online computer megastore.

Club Mac
clubmac has been serving the Mac community since 1988 and is located in Irvine, CA. They offer everything for the Mac user on their comprehensive, easily navigated website.

NEO Computers
NEO Computers: the best value on the Internet on high quality computers built to your specifications. NeoComputers is dedicated to building the highest quality computers and they use only name brand components in them. Unlike most "parts and accessories" companies they warranty and support everything they sell instead of requiring you to go directly to the manufacturer for support.

e-Cost
e-Cost was built from the ground up with one thing in mind, selling computer and electronic merchandise at the lowest possible cost. Customers can buy virtually at cost and get free shipping. Click Here for details. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

        Add Ons & Peripherals       

Silicon Mountain
Silicon Mountain Memory, Inc. is a computer memory sales and manufacturing company offering memory solutions for nearly all computer devices and peripherals. Every module is precisely engineered and repeatedly tested prior to being shipped. This commitment to quality allows SMM to boast one of the highest compatibility rates of any RAM manufacturer.

Crucial Technology
Crucial.com: Crucial Technology is a division of Micron Semiconductor Products, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Micron Technology, Inc. Located in Boise, Idaho, Micron manufactures dynamic random access memory (DRAM) chips and assembles them into memory modules for the global computer industry. Currently, Micron is the only DRAM manufacturer in the US and one of the three largest in the world. Micron is one of the top suppliers of memory to the major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including Compaq, Gateway, HP, and IBM.

Iomega Corporation
Established in 1980, Iomega Corporation is a global leader in reliable portable data storage. Iomega solutions help people protect, secure, capture and share their digital lives. Iomega’s award-winning storage products include the popular Zip® 100MB, 250MB and 750MB drives, high-performance Iomega® HDD Portable Hard Drives, Iomega® HDD Desktop Hard Drives, Iomega® Mini USB Drive, Iomega® CD-RW drives and DVD drives, and the Iomega® Floppy USB-Powered Drive. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Creative Labs
Creative (Nasdaq: CREAF) is the worldwide leader in digital entertainment products for the personal computer and the Internet. Creative was founded in Singapore in July 1, 1981, with the vision that multimedia would revolutionize the way people interact with their PCs. Famous for its Sound Blaster and for launching the multimedia revolution, Creative is now driving digital entertainment on the PC platform with products like its highly acclaimed NOMAD Jukebox. The company's innovative hardware, proprietary technology, applications and services leverage the Internet, enabling consumers to experience high-quality digital entertainment -- anytime, anywhere. Visit the Creative Online Store - Special discounts on selected products! Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Intrigo Lapstation
If you own a notebook computer and want to use it in bed or sitting in a chair you just have to check out the Intrigo Lapstation. This is a super idea and well worth the price. It's made our notebook into a laptop. Recommended by the Campus Brain staff.

Internet Service Providers

   It's all the same Internet. We think it should be free and lightning fast for everyone. But since our pipe dream won't come true, here's a list of ISP's for those of you not connected to your college ethernet.

Verizon Online DSL

Shop top Broadband providers - Qwest DSL, EarthLink DSL/Cable, DirecWay Satellite and More! Click Here!

Get 2 months Free* Internet Access, from MSN

Get NetZero Platinum today! Platinum gives you fast reliable internet access for $9.95/month. 1/2 the price of AOL!

Get Juno Platinum today! Platinum gives you fast reliable internet access for $9.95/month. 1/2 the price of AOL!

EarthLink offers the first 6 months at 1/2 price on their dialup service.

Order DSL Now! Includes FREE Modem! WAIVED Activation Fee & FREE Installation!

Joiinternet for $6.95 per month is a real deal.

Stay Bug Free
If you don't have an anti-virus program on your computer we strongly urge you to buy one immediately. The files you've created on your computer are your intellectual property, the result of months or even years of hard work. It is simply not worth the risk of loosing them, or of having to spend your valuable time reconstructing them.

Avoid Spam
Using a separate e-mail address for filling out forms for newsletters, newsgroups and other online offers can help keep spam out of your main mailbox.

ABOUT OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Access Your PC from Anywhere.  Download Your Free Trial!
GoToMyPC is the new remote-access solution that allows you to securely access and work on your PC from any Internet connection! Perfect for working at home, while traveling, or accessing that forgotten file after-hours.  Download Now!

We recommend a product, merchant or service for two reasons:
1) We have personal experience with the product, merchant or service.
2) That experience has met or exceeded our very high expectations.

Lack of a recommendation does not imply inferior quality of product or service. As a matter of policy we only list merchants, products and services that we feel are deserving of our visitors' trust.

Misc. Facts & Advice

Memory
More memory makes operating systems and programs run more efficiently. We feel that 512 MB is the minimum amount that is necessary for optimum performance in today's environment. If you are going to be purchasing a new computer we recommend that you get the maximum amount of memory when you buy it. The bang for the buck that more memory gives cannot be over stated.  This will save you the hassle of upgrading in the future. You will want to upgrade. We guarantee it.

Laptop vs. Desktop
Laptops are 20-30% slower than a desktop with the same features (CPU, hard drive capacity, etc.). Slower CPUs, motherboards, hard drives, and video systems all contribute to the speed loss.
Laptops are essentially not upgradable. The  video card, sound card and screen are all built in. A limited amount of memory slots means that you will probably have to throw away memory to increase memory.
Laptops cost about twice as much as desktops for the same configuration. Portability is great but we suspect that you will eventually want a desktop as your "main" computer.
We generally do not believe in buying extended warrantees for equipment since they are nothing more than sources of additional revenue for the retail industry. With a laptop we feel that a three year additional factory warrantee is a good idea. This will save you from scrapping out a thousand dollar plus computer because a component failed. More than a three year warrantee is wasted money. Your computer will be obsolete by then.

E-mail As Backup
You always hear about how you should back up your data in case your computer decides to do a melt down. We have discovered an easy, free and secure way to do this. We send each of our office files to a free e-mail account right after we close them. That way they are safe until we do a more permanent back up. We even have folders for several categories for easy retrieval. When they are safely burned to CD then we simply delete them. Yahoo and Netscape among others offer free e-mail accounts with limited space so be careful sending large picture files to yourself. If you overfill your free account you could loose your files.

GOOGLE Deskbar
Google's latest tool lets you search the web from any application without opening a browser window. All you need is an internet connection. For example if you are working on a paper in Word and you want to check a quick fact all you have to do is type Ctrl/Alt/G, type in your search string and hit Enter. A window opens in the bottom right of your screen that displays results which can then be clicked to  take you to the actual page.On top of this you can search within each of Google's functions by hitting "Ctrl-[X]" rather than return, where X is N for news; I for images; D for dictionary definition; G for groups; F for the Froogle shops search; and L for Lucky - i.e. take you immediately to the top search result. Click here for the link.

Trojan Scanner
Trojan horses are a huge security threat. A Trojan is a program that enters your computer undetected, giving the attacker who planted the Trojan unrestricted access to the data stored on your computer. Trojans can transmit credit card information and other confidential data in the background. Trojans are often not caught by virus scanning engines, because these are focused on viruses, not Trojans. Catching such threats would require the use of a Trojan scanner (a.k.a Trojan cleaner, Trojan remover, anti-Trojan). Click here for a freeware Trojan scanner.