Hardware

The Dynamic Menu displays expanding submenus. When the Dynamic Menu option is on, you will see a right pointing triangle (). When you put the mouse over the menu item, the menu will expand to the right.

If you like this feature, check the Checkbox to the left; otherwise, make sure it is unchecked.

If you use the same computer every time you visit the ITS web pages, we'll be able to remember your menu preferences!

ITS Home Page

Report a Problem

Info for New Students

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Viruses, Spyware & Adware

Residence Halls Info

Classroom Support

Wireless Resources

PC Replacement

Administrative Computing

Responsible Use Policy

Minimum Computer Standards

ITS Admin (ITS use only)

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 College has a feature list that describes 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 whistle and bell under the sun. 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.

Do I Need a PDA?

Personal Digital Assistants (such as Palms and Pocket PCs) are not required.

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 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
	Speakers
	Mouse pad
	Technical support telephone numbers for your hardware manufacturers
	Blank CD-Rs (optional)
	CD burner, DVD burner, Zip drive 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)
	PDA (optional)
	Notebook lock (optional but 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
	Hubs, switches and routers
	Print servers
	Networked hard drives
	Any computer running the Windows 2000 or prior oprerating 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, Roush Hall, Towers Hall, Battelle Fine Arts Center, Cowan Hall, Shear-McFadden Science Hall, and the common area of the Art/Communication Building at 33 Collegeview.

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

At this time Residence halls do not have wireless coverage. 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 hotly debated topic and we cannot give you a definitive answer. We can, however, give you some things to consider when making a decision.

	Desktop Systems	Notebook Systems
Cost	Less expensive	More expensive
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, PC Guardian, Targus and others.

Clean and Disinfect

Before you leave home, perform the following on your computer:

Verify that your computer is running Windows XP Home or XP Professional - if it is running any other operating system, upgrade it to XP.
Configure your computer so that it has automatic Windows updates enabled.
If you have shared folders on your computer, make sure they contain no copyrighted material (such as songs, pictures or movies).
Remove all adware and spyware from your computer using AdAware or Spybot S&D.
Run Stinger to remove most common viruses.
Using your antivirus software run a complete virus scan on your computer and remove any found viruses. Click here to learn more about anti-virus software.

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.

Faculty & Staff Help Desk

For Faculty & Staff