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▢ Acquire an ethernet cable and adaptor adapter if you don't own them (see Wi-fi and Network Considerations below)
▢ Acquire a headset with microphone if you don't own one
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Mac or Windows... this is entirely your preference. 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 60/40 (Mac/Windows). The decision comes down to personal preference, so research which will best suit your needs. If there are particular Major areas of study you are interested in at Whitman, you may wish to consult with those departments to see if they have any advice in this matter, but this is entirely optional. No Major at Whitman will require you to own a particular type of computer.
A word about Chromebooks: These wonderful, low cost computers will work in many cases at Whitman, but not all. If you bring one of these, be prepared to encounter difficulties in properly formatting documents for class assignments. You will also not be able to install software used in your classes (often free of charge) because Chromebooks will not allow software that runs outside of the Chrome web browser to be installed on the computer.
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Before you 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.
Wi-fi and network considerations
Wi-fi is everywhere at Whitman
Whitman's wi-fi network is available throughout the campus You can connect to the wireless Internet when you are working in the library, the campus center, Ankeny field, or any academic buildings, and more.
Whitman's wireless network broadcasts a Wireless-B (802.11b) signal which any Wireless-G (802.11g) or higher card can receive as well. 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!
How much of the campus is wired?
Almost everything is wired.
When in a residence hall or campus house, we strongly recommend plugging into the wired network. A wired connection will be faster, more secure, more stable, and more robust than a wireless connection. It will also help keep the load on our wireless network down, which helps balance the network's overall performance.
What
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Whitman's wireless network broadcasts a Wireless-B (802.11b) signal which any Wireless-G (802.11g) or higher card can receive as well. You can connect to the wireless Internet 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!do I need to
What about wireless?
If I don't bring a computer, are there ones for me to use?
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