Do I need to bring a computer to campus?
...
We live are living through the Coronavirus pandemic. Many of the facilities listed above may either have limited availability or be altogether closed. For this reason, if you need a computer to do your schoolwork and you don't have one, please contact the Bridget Jacobson (jacobsbk@whitman.edu, 509-527-5158) in the Dean of Students office for assistance.
What if I don't bring other things listed on this web page that are "recommended"?
All of the items listed below (computers, headphones, webcams, etc) are available online and can be shipped to you here at Whitman. If you do not have these items, are unable to acquire them, and need assistance, please contact the Bridget Jacobson (jacobsbk@whitman.edu, 509-527-5158) in the Dean of Students office.
...
▢ Webcam if your computer doesn't have one built-in
▢ Personal printer (
▢ Personal printer (optional)
▢ Other devices... (Gaming, entertainment smart appliances, routers, etc... all optional)
Software/Apps:
...
It's always possible to encounter wi-fi interruptions in particular places/occasions. If this happens, it can be inconvenient or intrusive to your learning. Technology Services is doing everything it possibly can to ensure these interruptions to wi-fi don't happen, but just in casehappen, but just in case, we recommend you bring an ethernet cable (and an ethernet adapter if necessary) so you can use our wired network. (See "How much of the campus is wired?" below.)
To be prepared for plugging in to the Whitman wired network, we recommend you bring:
- an ethernet cable (such as these found on Amazon, but available in many places)
- an ethernet cable
...
To be prepared for plugging in to the Whitman wired network, we recommend you bring:
- an ethernet cable (such as these found on Amazon, but available in many places)
- an ethernet cable adapter if your computer does not have an ethernet port (looks like these on wikipedia) to plug in to. Which adapter you will need depends on the type of computer you have and what ports are on it. We do not explicitly endorse any of the following adapters, but this list will give you an idea of what to look for:
- If you are confused about any of this and need help, feel free to contact Technology Services for assistance.
How much of the campus is wired?
Almost everywhere has wired network capabilities, including residence hall rooms. Just look for the plug in the wall.
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.
...
- adapter if your computer does not have an ethernet port (looks like these on wikipedia) to plug in to. Which adapter you will need depends on the type of computer you have and what ports are on it. We do not explicitly endorse any of the following adapters, but this list will give you an idea of what to look for:
- If you are confused about any of this and need help, feel free to contact Technology Services for assistance.
How much of the campus is wired?
Almost everywhere has wired network capabilities, including residence hall rooms. Just look for the plug in the wall.
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.
Anchor headset headset
Headset (or earphones) with a microphone
| headset | |
| headset |
Your classwork may necessitate connecting to certain interactive online resources/events-- this is especially true during the Coronavirus pandemic. Any headset with a microphone made to be used with a computer will work, though you may wish to consider headsets that are "over the ear" rather than "ear buds" due to their comfort and increased ability to block out surrounding sound. If you own earphones for a smartphone, these may in some instances work with your computer. Try them out!
Anchor webcam webcam
Webcam (if your computer doesn't have one built-in)
| webcam | |
| webcam |
Your classwork may necessitate connecting to certain interactive online resources/events-- this is especially true during the Coronavirus pandemic. Any headset with a microphone made to be used with a computer will work, though you may wish to consider headsets that are "over the ear" rather than "ear buds" due to their comfort and increased ability to block out surrounding sound. If you own earphones for a smartphone, these may in some instances work with your computer. Try them out!
...
Your classwork may necessitate connecting to certain interactive online resources/events-- this is especially true during the Coronavirus pandemic. Many, but not all, computers have built-in webcams. If your computer doesn't have one, we recommend purchasing any webcam made for plugging in to a computer. Do make sure that before purchasing a webcam you find out what kind of plug it has-- the most common one is USB. Make sure your computer has a USB port! If you do not, determine the name of the port that you do have (a prevalent example is USB-C) then google that port name plus the word "adapter." If the results are confusing, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Technology Services for assistance.
...
Whitman has printers available for your use in a wide variety of locations. (Here's how to connect to those printers.) Bringing a small personal inkjet printer for your room is entirely optional. It needs to be connected to your computer via USB, and not wireless, as wireless printers cannot be connected to our network.
But...
We live are living through the Coronavirus pandemic. Campus printers and the facilities that house them may either have limited availability or be altogether closed. At the time of this writing, we are continuing to explore and develop as many capacities for student printing as possible. Keeping this in mind, you may wish to bring a small printer with you to Whitman. Rest assured that even without your own printer, there will be printing open to you at Whitman, even during this pandemic. Many, but not all, computers have built-in webcams. If your computer doesn't have one, we recommend purchasing any webcam made for plugging in to a computer. Do make sure that before purchasing a webcam you find out what kind of plug it has-- the most common one is USB. Make sure your computer has a USB port! If you do not, determine the name of the port that you do have (a prevalent example is USB-C) then google that port name plus the word "adapter." If the results are confusing, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Technology Services for assistance.
Anchor printer printer
Personal printer?
| printer | |
| printer |
Whitman has printers available for your use in a wide variety of locations. (Here's how to connect to those printers.) Bringing a small personal inkjet printer for your room is entirely optional. It needs to be connected to your computer via USB, and not wireless, as wireless printers cannot be connected to our network.
But...
We live are living through the Coronavirus pandemic. Campus printers and the facilities that house them may either have limited availability or be altogether closed. At the time of this writing, we are continuing to explore and develop as many capacities for student printing as possible. Keeping this in mind, you may wish to bring a small printer with you to Whitman. Rest assured that even without your own printer, there will be printing open to you at Whitman, even during this pandemic.
Anchor otherdevices otherdevices
About other devices: Apple TV, Chromecast, Smart TVs, wi-fi routers, Gaming Consoles
| otherdevices | |
| otherdevices |
- Apple TV, Chromecast, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, and other network devices: Most will work and can be registered on the Whitman network if they have a MAC (hardware) address. You'll need to register them on our "Whitman_Devices" wi-fi network. Please be aware that Chromecast sticks will not work.
- Wireless routers and modems: These devices are not allowed on the Whitman network. There are wireless access points all over campus and ethernet ports in every room in the residence halls for student use.
Software/Apps
Anchor software software
What software will I need?
| software | |
| software |
...