 Software
If you are bringing a computer to campus, you'll need to
make sure it has the following software:
- For the operating systems: Windows XP or newer. For Macintosh,
Mac OS X (10.3.9 or newer) Windows 2000 will not
longer be allowed access to the network due to falling out
of Microsoft support.
- Microsoft Office XP/2003/2007/2010. If your computer does
not have this suite, be sure to check out the academic pricing
for software (below).
- Adobe
Acrobat Reader and Players. These are free from Adobe.
Install the reader and players if you do not already have
them installed.
- Internet Explorer 6.5 or newer
- For more information, please consult Otterbein's hardware
and software recommendations before making any decisions
regarding software acquisition.
 Windows
Automatic Updates
All Windows-based computers connected to the Otterbein network
must be configured to automatically receive and install updates
from Microsoft. Click
here for instructions on how to configure your computer.
Virus Protection and Spyware/Adware Remover
Students connecting to the wired/wireless resident hall network
will need to meet three criteria for safe computing:
- Current Windows Updates
- A virus protection program installed and current. See
below.
- A spyware/adware remover installed and current. See below.
 Clean
and Disinfect
Before you leave home, perform the following
on your computer:
- Verify that your computer is running a current operating
system. For Windows computers, use Windows XP Home or
XP Professional or newer. For Macintosh computers, run
10.3.x or newer.
- 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 malware and spyware from your computer using
free products such as Malwarebytes,
Defender
(for Windows XP only - comes with Vista and Windows7),
AdAware.
- Run Stinger
to remove most common viruses.
- Using your antivirus software, run a complete virus
scan on your computer and remove any found viruses. If
you do not have a virus protection program installed,
install ONLY ONE. You may buy your own
or use a free one. Try a free one: Microsoft
Security Essentials (has both virus protection and
spyware protection inclusive), AVG
OR Panda
Cloud.
Otterbein University does not in any way endorse these
companies, products or services. These listings are provided
as a resource only.
 What
to Bring
If you're bringing a computer to campus, here is a checklist
of items you should bring:
| |
All
of your software's ORIGINAL installation discs. Pirated
copies are not acceptable. |
| |
All
of your software's ORIGINAL documentation. |
| |
All
of your software's ORIGINAL license information. Photocopies
are not acceptable. |
| |
Technical
support telephone numbers for your hardware manufacturers. |
If you add new hardware to your computer or if it crashes,
you may need to run software on your installation discs using
the software keys (serial numbers) that came with the software.
The Department of Information Technology cannot loan you copies
of software or let you use their keys. If you borrow a friend's
discs or keys you may not be able to download critical updates.
If you are not able to download updates, you will be disconnected
from the Otterbein network. So, bring the discs, documentation
and license keys with you - it will be so much better than
asking someone at home to overnight mail them to you!
 What
NOT to Bring
Students are advised not to bring illegal (pirated)
copies of 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 information on academic discounts. A current
discount is from Microsoft for Office 2010. It is called the
Ultimate
Steal. If you have an Otterbein email address, you can
download Office 2010 for $79.95! (Visit the site for details
and other offers. Otterbein offers this as an information
resource only and does not have a software agreement specifically
for this deal.)
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