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Q: What type of computer should I bring to Warren Wilson?
A: The quick answer is bring what you are comfortable using.
Q: OK, what's the longer answer?
A: We recommend any PC running Windows XP or Vista or a Macintosh running OS 10.3 or newer. They should have at least 512 megabytes of memory and a 40 gigabyte or larger hard drive.
Q: Should I bring a laptop or a desktop computer?
A: We are neutral on this one. Both offer advantages and disadvantages. Laptops offer portability and a small footprint on your desk, but generally speaking you will pay more for less computer. Desktops offer more "bang for the buck," but they take up more space in your room. That said, more students are bringing laptops than desktops these days.
Q: Do you have any special deals with hardware vendors?
A: No, we are not large enough to get special deals for our students. Our best advice is to shop around on the web and in your home town to see what is offered. Some vendors offer educational discounts to students, and you will often see back-to-school specials throughout the summer. Check vendors' web sites to see what deals they have on the computer you want.
Q: Is there wireless on campus?
A: Yes. There are wireless access points in the computer lab and the library, and the three Schafer dorms and the Village dorms are exclusively wireless. We are rolling out wireless in other residence halls as well, so if you are bringing a laptop computer you should consider getting it with a wireless network card, so you can go online in more places.
Q: Can I set up my own wireless network in my room?
A: No, at this time we do not allow access points in rooms due to their potential to disrupt the network. Unauthorized access points will be removed from the network.
Q: Is there anything else I should consider?
A: A printer in your room is a nice thing to have, and you will find a CDRW/DVD useful (many computers come with one installed). A USB flash drive will come in handy as well for moving data around.
Q: Do I have to bring a computer?
A: Most students bring their own computers, but we also have several computer labs on campus, the largest and most used of which is located in the Bannerman Technology Center. In Bannerman we have 30 publicly available computers. The Biology Department has a lab containing 10 iMac computers, each of which also runs Windows XP Professional using Virtual PC. Chemistry has a lab with 10 PCs. In Jensen Building there is an 18-seat PC classroom, and Spidel has a 9-seat PC classroom. Labs other than Bannerman are teaching labs and often used by classes, but Bannerman is always available during open hours and has a help desk staffed by Computing Services crew members any time we are open.
Q: Which would be...?
A: Monday through Thursday 8:00 am until 11:30 pm, Friday 8:00 am until 5:30 pm, Saturday 1:00 pm until 5:30 pm, and Sunday 1:00 pm until 11:30 pm.
Q: Can I have Internet access from my dorm room?
A: Yes. Each dorm room, with the exception of the Schafer dorms, has two network connections. Schafer A, B, and C and the Village dorms have a wireless network. These connections will allow you access to the Internet and to your own personal network drive where you can store files including your mail and a web page if you wish to create one.
Q: How much does that cost?
A: The connection will cost you nothing; your port will already be on when you check in to your room. If you need a network interface card (ethernet card) for your computer you can purchase one at the campus bookstore and at any office or electronic supply store in town. Most new PCs and laptops and all Macintoshes have a built-in ethernet card.
If you are moving into one of the Schafer or Village dorms you need a wireless ethernet card, type 802.11b/g. These are also readily available locally if you need one, but check your computer first, because it might already have one.
Before you put your computer on the network we urge you to contact us for a quick checkup to be sure you have the latest security updates and up-to-date antivirus software. If you need antivirus software for your PC we are licensed to install it for you at no charge. These steps will protect both you and the campus network from downtime. Infected computers that are flooding the network will have their connectivity cut off until such time as they are cleaned.
Q: What about productivity software?
A: Any of the office suites on the market will do the job for you in most cases. Contact us for details on discounts on certain Microsoft Products that are available through an independent college consortium of which we are a member.
Q: I'm on a tight budget. Is there a free office suite available?
A: Yes there is. OpenOffice for Windows and Linux computers and NeoOffice for Mac OS X are freely available for download. Both support the Microsoft Office file formats if that is an issue for you.
Q: Whom do I call with questions?
A: The Computing Services Manager is David Harper and there is a host of talented students on the Computing Services Crew. You can reach Computing Services at extension 3094 or by sending e-mail to helpdesk@warren-wilson.edu.
Computing Services Home Page
Warren Wilson Home Page
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