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Bringing a computer to campusYou are not required to have your own computer, but if you decide to bring a computer for use in a residence hall room, here's what you need to know. Computer RequirementsNetworkingThe only hardware requirement is a network/Ethernet interface to connect to the campus network, and a network (CAT5 or CAT6 Ethernet) cable. Cables are available from the IT office in Cofrin 119, at the St. Norbert College Bookstore, and at most computer and office supply stores. We recommend buying a longer cable, so that you can use it throughout your residence at the College, regardless of where you live. For specific hardware purchase recommendations, see the
Recommendations section below.
Operating SystemTechnology Support Services supports only Windows XP (any edition), Windows Vista (Home Premium edition or Business edition recommended), and Macintosh OS 10.3 (Panther) or later. If you are given a choice when buying a computer, we would recommend Windows XP over Windows Vista. Anti-virus softwareIn order to connect a Windows computer to the Internet, our setup process requires you to install the College's version of McAfee VirusScan (free) and scan for viruses. All other anti-virus software must be uninstalled. McAfee VirusScan will be kept up to date for you automatically. If your computer becomes infected with a virus, it may be disconnected from the College network until it has been cleaned. Do
not purchase any anti-virus programs or subscriptions for a computer that you're bringing to campus!
Restore/Resource CDsWhen buying a computer, be sure to get whatever "restore" or "resource" CDs are available. These disks contain all of the information necessary to restore your computer to the condition it was in when you got it and restore functionality in the event of a major system problem. When setting up your computer for the first time, if you are given the opportunity to create restore CDs, do so.
Choosing a computerA computer is a major purchase. Our goal is to help you purchase one that will stand up to the demands of college life and last you throughout your residence at St. Norbert College. Some general considerations:
What will you use it for?Obviously you'll want to type papers & go online, but consider other things like playing video games, storing digital photos, editing videos, etc. What programs will you use & what are the computer requirements for those programs? Also think about how long you want to keep the computer before upgrading to a newer model. Windows or Mac?This is a personal choice, and you should choose whichever platform you're more comfortable with. Our campus supports both, and we have both Windows and Mac computers in our labs, so you will always have access to the other platform if needed. Laptop or desktop?It really depends on your personal preference. Think about if you want to carry it around with you, take it with you every time you go home, etc. Although you generally get "more for your money" with desktops (laptops are usually more expensive than equally-equipped desktops), most students now bring laptops. Wireless access is available in the most parts of the Library, Campus Center, Union (including the cafeteria), and Bemis International Center, as well as most residence hall lounges, some classrooms, and the first floor of Cofrin Hall. Business-class vs. consumer-class computersBusiness-class computers are built from higher-quality components than most consumer-class computers (those commonly sold at retail stores like Best Buy), and are generally more durable, more upgradeable, and have a longer life expectancy. Buying a new computer: RecommendationsWindowsOperating SystemsWe support Windows XP (any edition) and Windows Vista (Home Premium edition or Business edition recommended). Again, if you have a choice, we recommend Windows XP over Windows Vista at this time. HardwareWe recommend a computer with at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, and a 60GB hard drive for the best experience and longevity. Again, your specific needs may vary depending upon what you use your computer for. Macintosh/AppleOperating SystemsWe support OS 10.3 (Panther) or later. HardwareWe recommend a computer with at least an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB RAM, and a 60GB hard drive for the best experience and longevity. Again, your specific needs may vary depending upon what you use your computer for. Hardware questions/considerationsWhen buying a computer, there a number of choices to be made among various components such as processors, memory, hard drives, CD/DVD drives, etc. For an explanation of some of those options, see Buying a new computer: Hardware questions/considerations. St. Norbert College online storesSt. Norbert College has set up online stores with Apple, Dell, and HP that provide educational discounts for computers. Recommended configurations can be found at each site, as well as configurations that can be customized to suit individual needs. The selected models at the Apple store are recommended by our Teacher Education program. Use the following links to access our online stores:
*To connect to the Apple store, you will need to log in with your St. Norbert College login ID and password. This is the same login ID and password you use for your St. Norbert College e-mail. If you haven't activated your account yet, do so first by visiting the Computer Account Management page. Other educational discountsMany computer manufacturers offer educational discounts for high school and college students. If you shop at our online stores, you'll be sure to get these discounts. If you're shopping somewhere other than one of our online stores, don't forget to ask about these discounts. SoftwareAnti-virus softwareAgain, do not purchase anti-virus programs or subscriptions for a Windows computer that you're bringing to campus, because you will be required to install the College's McAfee VirusScan software (free) in order to connect your computer to the Internet. All other anti-virus software must be uninstalled. Microsoft OfficeSave money! If you're going to purchase Microsoft Office, be sure to check out the discounted Microsoft Software Purchase Program first. This is probably the lowest price you'll find for Microsoft Office. Anti-spywareWe strongly recommend that you use anti-spyware software. We use these free programs: SpyBot - Search & Destroy, Ad-Aware, and Windows Defender. (Windows Defender is already part of the Windows Vista operating system.) Links to download these and instructions are on our downloads page. Along with viruses, malicious spyware programs are the biggest problems we see on student computers. Whether you're on or off campus, you should use these programs to help keep your computer free of spyware. Other softwareSee Buying Software: A Guide for College Students, Faculty, and Staff to learn how to get educational discounts on other software. Computer Setup & Registration (on campus)To access the Internet from your room, you will first need to set up your computer. Once you connect your computer to the network hub or jack in your room & turn it on, open your web browser and you should see the Computer Setup & Registration page (if that page doesn't open automatically, go to http://netreg.snc.edu/). The instructions on that page will walk you through the setup process, in which you will install the College's McAfee VirusScan software (free), scan your computer for viruses, and register you computer. Once you complete those steps, your Internet connection will be active. By accepting a connection to the St. Norbert College computer network, you agree to adhere to the Residence Hall Networking Terms and Conditions, Computing and Networking Appropriate Use Policy, and all File Sharing guidelines. If you do not adhere to these conditions, you will be subject to losing your network connection privileges. SupportTechnology Support Services provides assistance during all steps of the connection process. We will make our best effort to help you connect your computer to our network, however, there may be computers that simply will not work with our network. For a printable version of this page, please see the PDF version in our handouts area. Assistance and QuestionsIf you have any questions or need more information, please call the Help Desk at (920) 403-HELP (4357), contact us via e-mail at helpdesk@snc.edu, or stop by the Help Desk in Cofrin 101. The Help Desk is for St. Norbert College students and employees only. |
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Technology Support Services Phone: (920) 403-4357 |
