Frequently Asked Questions
Buying and/or Bringing a Computer to
Whitman
Click to return to the Students FAQ page
Do I need to bring a computer to campus?
If I bring a computer, should it be a laptop or a desktop model?
Are all residence halls and campus houses wired?
If I don't bring a computer, are there ones for me to use?
If I'm planning on buying a new computer, what do I need so I can connect to the network?
If I'm bringing a not-so new computer, what's the minimum I can bring and still be ok?
Do I need to bring a computer to campus?
It isn't necessary to have your own computer in your room, although over 94% of students eventually choose to do so. Other students find that the computers available for general use meet their needs. Lab computers are abundant, there is virtually no wait for lab computers, and lab hardware and software are kept up to date.
Return to top
If I bring a computer, should it be a laptop or a desktop model?
It really depends on your personal work-style and preferences. This last year, over 88% of the students who had their own computers did have laptops, and that percentage increases every year. We are seeing a definite surge in laptop popularity. Students who prefer laptops say they find a laptop easier to bring home during term breaks and summers, and they also appreciate the ability to take their laptop to the library or other locations to work. If you do consider a laptop, make it a good one -- laptops tend to misbehave more than desktop machines, so if you buy a cheapie, you'll probably have trouble. Laptop portability is a major factor in the selection process, make sure that the weight and dimensions will work for both you and any accessories you might have already purchased or are in the process of purchasing. Many major manufacturers, such as Dell or Apple, offer educational discounts to students. Some students find they dislike using a laptop keyboard for extended periods, or they don't like the smaller screen. These students tend to opt for desktop computers, or they equip their laptops with external monitors and keyboards/mice.
Also, if you are considering a laptop, one nice option is a wireless card. Whitman's wireless network broadcasts a Wireless-B (802.11b) signal which any Wireless-G (802.11g) card can receive as well. You will still need to have a regular wired ethernet port (see the info below about connecting to the network in your room), but a wireless card allows you to connect to the Internet wirelessly when you are working in the library, the campus center, Ankeny field, or most academic buildings. You can access your email, surf the Web, or use other network-based resources while sitting in a study room or even a comfy overstuffed chair!
Return to top
Are all residence halls and campus houses wired?
Return to top
If I don't bring a computer, are there ones for me to use?
Students have access to computers in the general computing labs in Olin and Maxey halls, the Hall of Science, and Penrose Library. These facilities house WindowsXP PCs, Apple iMacs and G4/G5 towers, black & white Laserjet printers, color printers, scanners, and even large-format color plotter printing (available in the Multimedia Development Lab). Laptops are also available for checkout and use within the Library, but this service is offered at a first come first served basis with a four hour checkout session. The Multimedia Development lab in Hunter Conservatory offers high-end multimedia PCs and Macintosh G5s, multimedia software, slide scanning, slide recording, flatbed scanning, CD-Rs and video editing equipment. Several academic departments, including music, math, geology, and physics provide specialized computer facilities for their students as well.
Return to top
If I'm planning on buying a computer, what do I need so I can connect to the network?
While the majority of new computers that are available from the major manufacturers will meet your basic college needs, we suggest the following as a minimum configuration:
A Pentium IV with 512MB RAM, 40 gigabyte (GB) hard drive, running Windows XP Professional. Windows XP Professional is preferable to XP Home because of its networking features. "Home" is fine too, but will not provide quite as many advanced networking capabilities as will "Professional." You will also need a 10BaseT compatible ethernet network card installed and a RJ-45 network cable. Also, and this is important,, make sure to bring along your Windows CD-ROM(s). It is not uncommon for your computer to ask you to insert your Windows CD when you are configuring your network settings for connection to the Whitman network.
A Power Macintosh G4 (iBook) or G5 (iMac, Powerbook) with 512MB RAM, 30+ GB hard drive running Mac OS X. This would include any new Apple computer. Also, all new Apple Macintosh computers come equipped with a compatible ethernet network card.
Return to top
Whitman does not sell computers on campus, but you can receive educational discounts from many major manufacturers. For your convenience links to both the Apple and Dell educational sites have been provided below.
For Apple products, visit the Apple Store for Education.
For Dell products, visit the Dell Online Store. Locate the Higher Education heading, and follow the link labeled Faculty, Students, & Staff Personal Purchases. You do not need a special ID number, just follow the link provided for entering the Dell Store without an ID number.
Return to top
If I'm bringing a not-so new computer, what's the minimum I can bring and be ok?
If you are bringing a PC, you'll want to have at least a Pentium III, 800MHz with 256 MB RAM, running Windows 2000, ME, or XP.
If you're bringing a Macintosh, you'll want at least a Power Mac G3 with 256MB RAM, running OS X (between version 10 and 10.4). Remember though with this hardware setup your computer will be sluggish.
Return to top
For more information, please contact WCTS.