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It isn't necessary to have your own computer in your room, although over 94% of students choose to do so. Other students find that the computers available for general use meet their needs. Lab computers are abundant, there is virtually no wait for lab computers, and lab hardware and software are kept up to date.Bringing your own computer to campus is an optional convenience, not a necessity.
Should it be a laptop or a desktop?
It really depends on your personal work style and preferences, but the vast majority of the students who bring their own computers choose to purchase laptops.
Students say they find a laptop easier to bring home during term breaks and summers, and they also appreciate the ability to take their laptop to the library or other locations to work. If you do consider a laptop, make it a good one -- laptops tend to misbehave more and have shorter life-spans than desktop machines, so if you buy a cheapie, you'll probably have trouble. Laptop Laptop portability is a major factor in the selection process, make sure that the weight and dimensions will work for both you and any accessories you might have already purchased or are in the process of purchasing.
Many major manufacturers, such as Dell or Apple, offer educational discounts to students. Some students find they dislike using a laptop keyboard for extended periods, or they don't like the smaller screen. These students tend to equip their laptops with external monitors and keyboards/mice that they use in their rooms.Also, make absolutely certain that you budget for an external hard drivePurchasing an extended warranty is advisable and bringing any warranty information, discs, etc that came with your computer to campus is recommended in case service work is needed.
Before you even arrive on-campus, put together a backup plan. Options include: an external hard drive and online services like Google Drive, Office 365, or Box. There are few things worse than losing years worth of data when your computer's main drive misbehaves. Before you even arrive on-campus, put together a backup plan .
Mac or PC?
Many incoming students wonder whether they should purchase a Mac or a Windows PC. Both platforms are fully supported by Whitman and have full access to the college’s resources, including printers and networks. We estimate that student computers are split about 50/50. The decision comes down to personal preference, so research which will best suit your needs. An additional option is to buy a Mac and install Windows, which will allow you to boot in either operating system.
How much of the campus is wired?
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Whitman's wireless network broadcasts a Wireless-B (802.11b) signal which any any Wireless-G (802.11g) or higher card can receive as well. We still recommend you have a regular wired ethernet port for the fastest connection (see the info below about connecting to the network in your room), but all residence halls do have wireless as well. You can connect to the wireless Internet wirelessly when you are working in the library, the campus center, Ankeny field, or any academic buildings. You can access your email, surf the Web, or use other network-based resources while sitting in a study room or even a comfy overstuffed chair!
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Students have access to computers in the general computing labs in Maxey Hall, the Hall of Science, Olin Hall, Reid Campus Center (PC computers only), and Penrose Library. These facilities house Windows 7 PCs, Macs, black & white Laserjet printers, color printers, scanners, and even large-format color plotter printing (available in the Maxey and Science Computer Labs by appointment). Laptops are also available for checkout and use within the Library, offered on a first come first served basis for a four-hour checkout period (PC, Mac, & Chromebook). The Multimedia Development lab in Hunter Conservatory offers high-end multimedia Intel Mac Pro's, multimedia software, slide scanning, slide recording, flatbed scanning, DVD-Rs and video editing equipment. Several academic departments, including art, music, math, geology, and physics provide specialized computer facilities for their students as well.
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