Does Zotero cost anything?
Nope. You get 300 MB of storage with the free account. You may purchase additional storage space.
I'm a MAC user. Is Zotero compatible with Apple?
Yes it is compatible and you can even use Safari as a browser if you prefer.
Do I have to use my HPU email address?
No, you can use the email address of your choosing. Your account will not be affiliated with HPU, so you are responsible for the access and management of your Zotero account.
What happens when I graduate, or leave HPU?
You are creating your own account, separate from HPU, so nothing will change regarding Zotero. However, if you use your HPU email address, you will want to change it in the Zotero settings when you graduate or leave HPU since that email will no longer be active.
Here's what The Chronicle of Higher Education has to say about Zotero.
Zotero is a free and open-source citation management software that allows you to manage your research materials, create bibliographies, format citations, take notes, and collaborate with others.
Step 1. Download Zotero 6.0 for Windows or Mac:
Zotero 6.0 runs as a separate application within your computer, the software includes the plugins for Word and OpenOffice.
Step 2. Install Internet browser Connectors
Depending on the Internet browser you use the most, install the proper Zotero connector to your computer. This will allow to collect references from your browser. Note: There has been reported issues with Safari browser so opt for Firefox or Chrome.
Step 3. Register for a Zotero account
You can use any email address, this is your personal account with Zotero.
Step 4. Check that your browser is connected to Zotero
Close and reopen your internet browser, go to Google Scholar and conduct a quick search on any topic. From your search results page, take a closer look within your browser tab. Check to see if there are any icons popping up, like a folder icon or a paper icon. If you see icons then your browser is connected to Zotero. If not, re-do Step 2.
Step 5. Open your Zotero account.
Once you have downloaded Zotero 5.0, open the software by clicking on the Z icon from your computer. Then look for the sync icon 
on the top right corner and click on it, then click on the option "Open Sync Preferences". You will be prompt to login into your Zotero account - the one you created on step 3.
"Zotero is a project of the Corporation for Digital Scholarship, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of software and services for researchers and cultural heritage institutions. It was created at the Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media at George Mason University with initial funding from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the United States Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation."
