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Hardware

Most new students who are bringing a computer to school want to know what kind of computer to pack. Here are some suggestions to help you make the right investment.

First, Otterbein University has minimum computing standards recommendations that describe what students need for both residential computing and distance learning. If you are assembling a computer package, make sure it meets or exceeds Otterbein's recommendations.

If you are buying a new computer, keep in mind that you don't have to buy the most expensive computer in the showroom. Most computer salespeople work on commission and they will probably try and sell you every bell and whistle. It is our experience that most of the added features aren't necessary. Even the most basic computers from most of the major manufacturers (Dell, eMachines, Gateway, HP, IBM, Toshiba and Sony) meet or exceed Otterbein's minimum computing standards.

Click here to learn more about academic discounts.

What to Bring

If you're bringing a computer to campus, here is a checklist of items you should bring:

	The software you purchased and installed on your computer
	All of your computer's documentation
	CAT-5 or better Ethernet cable (12-20 foot length recommended)
	Power cables and AC adapters for all of your hardware
	Surge protector or you risk computer damage during a storm
	Technical support telephone numbers for your hardware manufacturers
	Jump Drive (optional but recommended)
	Blank CD-Rs or DVD-Rs (optional)
	CD burner, DVD burner, or other mass storage devices (optional)
	USB and Firewire cables (optional)
	Printer (optional)
	Printer cable (if you're bringing a printer)
	Extra paper, toner or ink for your printer (if you're bringing a printer)
	Scanner or digital camera (optional)
	Notebook lock (recommended)

What NOT to Bring

The following hardware is not allowed to be connected to the Otterbein network - so please leave these items at home.

	Servers
	Wireless access points
	Switches and routers
	Print servers
	Networked hard drives
	Any computer running the Windows 2000 or Macintosh 10.3 prior operating systems. If you are using one of these operating systems, you must upgrade before connecting to the Otterbein network
	A modem (Otterbein residence halls have high speed Internet connections)

Wireless Connectivity

Otterbein has wireless across campus. Currently, wireless access is available in the Campus Center, the Library, all the classrooms and the Cowan/Fritsche Theatre.

Otterbein supports the 802.11B, 802.11G and 802.11N wireless technologies.

Residence halls are deploying wireless coverage Summer 2010!! For security reasons, students are not permitted to set up wireless networks anywhere on campus.

May I Bring a Mac?

Yes!

Macintosh computers can connect to the Internet through the Otterbein network; They have access to the same resources as Windows machines. However, they will not be able to access all of the Blackboard features with the Safari browser. (Blackboard is our online learning management server) The workaround is to download and use the free Mozilla Firefox browser when using Blackboard. Click here for the location for the free Firefox browser. www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox

Desktop vs. Notebook?

This is a personal preference. Notebooks on campus are nicer for their portability and use for our wireless network.

	Desktop Systems	Notebook Systems
Cost	Generally the same	Generally the same
Processing Power	Higher	Lower
Graphics, audio and video processing	Better choice	Not a good choice
Memory	Tend to have more memory	Tend to have less memory
Hard Drive	Tend to have larger hard drives	Tend to have smaller hard drives
Expandability	Internal and external	External only
Portability	No	Yes
Theft factor	Low	High - consider using a notebook lock

Park It and Lock It

If you are bringing a notebook computer to campus, consider using a notebook lock to secure it when you're away from your room.

Locks are available at most computer retailers as well as Belkin, Innovative Security Products, Kensington, Targus and others.

Academic Pricing

As a member of the Otterbein community, you will qualify for academic discounts for hardware, software and peripheral devices from many vendors. Click here for more details.

Please send comments and suggestions to Help Desk.
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