What Computer Should I Bring?

Central College recommends that all students bring a computer to campus. While Central provides many computer labs for student use, your academic work will be enhanced if you have a computer of your own. Central provides Microsoft Office software free of charge for students, which is needed so you can complete academic assignments on your personally owned computer.

Hardware

If you bring a used computer to campus for 2007-08, at a minimum it should have 512MB of memory and a CD drive. It should run Windows XP or Mac OS X. We do not recommend older versions of Mac OS, Windows 98, Window ME or Windows 2000.

If you buy a new computer for 2007-08, we recommend the following configuration:

	Recommended	Alternatives to Consider
Type	notebook (laptop) computer	desktop computer, Tablet PC
Operating System	Windows Vista or Mac OS X	Windows XP, Linux
Base Memory	1 GB	512 MB, 2 GB
Optical Drive	CD burner/DVD	DVD+/-RW
Network / Wireless	Ethernet jack (RJ-45) and network cable, plus 802.11b wireless built in	RJ-45, plus 802.11a or 802.11g wireless built in
Where to Buy	No specific recommendation

If you elect to purchase a Dell or Apple computer, visit http://www.central.edu/ITServices/vendors.htm and determine if the academic pricing available through that link is beneficial. Prices will vary from time to time, and you may find better pricing elsewhere. An extra discount is applied by Dell if you purchase an additional warranty beyond the first year.

Software

Central College provides Microsoft Office Professional software for all students. This software package includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. and you may use it freely on your computer while you are a Central student and after you graduate. If you are buying a new computer, have it configured without Microsoft Office or Word software, which will save $100 or more. New students will receive the installation media for Microsoft Office during their June orientation visit to campus.

Central College also provides anti-virus software to students, and requires that each student computer be protected before it connects to the network. You may either use the college provided software (McAfee VirusScan) free of charge, or use your own anti-virus software. If you use your own anti-virus software, you must purchase the subscription service for it so you will receive anti-virus updates daily or weekly.

Printing

Many students will find it convenient to have a small ink jet or laser printer in their room. It is also possible to print to network printers from the computer in your room. Many faculty members accept assignments electronically, so printing may not be necessary for some projects.

Support

If you have difficulty connecting your computer to the network or getting software installed when you arrive on campus, Central’s Computer Help Center, located in the Maytag Student Center, provides expert help to overcome these hurdles. We want every student to have a pleasurable computing experience, with full access to the software and information you need to succeed. Stop in the Computer Help Center for assistance or call ext. 7010 to make an appointment.

Feb. 15, 2007