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Minimum Computer Standards

Here are system recommendations for those wishing to connect to the Otterbein network (typically through residence hall connections) as well as for people wishing to connect to Otterbein systems from off-campus locations.

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If you're shopping for a computer, please refer to the Academic Discount web pages.

The table below contains three recommendations. The column labeled Windows Minimum reflects a minimum system configuration. Given the processing speed, memory and hard drive requirements of many computer applications, the Windows Better column is a more realistic configuration - and is highly encouraged for both on-campus and off-campus use. The Windows Best column reflects a typical high powered machine and will be more than adequate for four or five years of academic use.

Important Note:

If you are bringing a computer to campus, it is vital that you bring all original software installation discs (not copies) as well as all license certificates and installation documentation. The ITS Department cannot "loan" you any software. If you bring this material to campus with you, it will save you the headache of having to buy new software or retrieving it from home if your machine needs service. What follows is a recommendation only. That does not mean that slightly older machines or variations will not function. Generally, a brand new purchased machine meets our recommendation and will be reliable for the full four years here at Otterbein. Laptops are encouraged for their portability, ease of wireless use and ease of use of the walk-in service at the Student Help Desk if needed!

¹ If you are taking courses that involve recording and/or editing digital audio or composing graphics, you should have at least 120 GB of hard drive space as a minimum. If you are taking courses that involve recording and/or editing digital video, you should have at least 200 GB of hard drive space as a minimum.

² All Operating Systems should have all critical updates and security patches installed, current virus protection and a spyware remover. Residents should bring the original installation disks to campus. Important Notes: Installations made with pirated copies of Windows (or unauthorized duplicate use of legitimate CDs) may not be able to install the latest critical updates and patches - in those cases users should reinstall Windows with a legitimate licensed copy. Information Technology will not support an operating system that is no longer supported by its manufacturer.(e.g. Windows 2000)

³MS Works is not supported. MS Office and other software can be bought at discounted academic prices from the bookstore and other academic discounters. See http://www.journeyed.com/students. Office 2010 can be bought at the best deal called The Ultimate Steal for $99.95. See: http://www.microsoft.com/student/discounts/theultimatesteal-us/. Windows Office 2007 and Mac Office 2008 use new file formats for its Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. These new file formats are not compatible with older versions of Office. (e.g. someone sends you an Office 2007 file and you have an older version of Office - you cannot open the file) In order for students to share assignments with professors and other students, Windows Users of Office 2007 should save files as 97-2003 formats. Macintosh users of Office 2008 should save files as 97-2004 formats. Converter, training and more information. Office 2010 and Office 2011 seemed to have corrected the backwards compatibility problem.

⁴ ITS does not provide Ethernet cables. If you are living on campus, bring a cable that is long enough to go from your computer port to your computer. These cables can be bought at most computer and office supply stores - as well as the Otterbein bookstore. In most cases, a 20 foot cable will be long enough. Students in residence halls have the option for wireless use in place of wired connections.

⁵ Safari is not compatible with all Blackboard’s features. All Blackboard users including Windows users should use the free Firefox browser instead at www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox

⁶ Acrobat is available at www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/.

⁷ All resident students with Windows operating systems connecting to the Otterbein network must have a virus protection program installed and current. We recommend installing the free Microsoft Securtiy Essentials at http://microsoft.com/security-essentials. All prior versions of any virus protection need to be removed prior to installation of another virus protection program or you risk corrupting your operating system.

⁸ Some employers block certain types of Internet traffic. If you're having trouble connecting to Otterbein computer networks while at work, check with your employer's IT department.

⁹ Wireless networking is available at all academic buildings,the Campus Center, Library, Cowen Hall/Fritsche Theatre and residence halls. IT is deploying wireless service to the residence halls Summer 2010. Students may not set up wireless routers or access points for security reasons. Wireless networking is an option and not a requirement.

Please send comments and suggestions to Help Desk.
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