Your steps for preparation:

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As long as the computer is able to run at least Windows 10 or Mac OS 11 "Big SurmacOS 12 "Monterey", it should be okay. Be sure your computer is up to date with all security patches and running the latest version of the operating system.  Though we don't officially support it, most modern Linux distributions should be fairly compatible with our systems, and will run quite well on older computers.  Further:

• If you have a Windows PC, it should have at least an Intel I3 processor (intel I5 recommended) with 8GB RAM (16GB recommended), running Windows 10 or higher
• If you have an Apple Mac, it should have at least an Intel I3 processor (Apple m1  recommended) with 8GB RAM (16GB recommended), running OS X 11 "Big SurmacOS 12 "Monterey" or higher.

Keep in mind that older computer may not continue to last more than a year or two. And even if it is able to run the necessary software now, that may cease to be the case in a year or two.

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Other technology we recommend

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Wi-

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Fi and network considerations

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.  (Technical note: Whitman's wireless network broadcasts a  Wireless-B (802.11b) signal which any Wireless-G (802.11g), Wireless-N (802.11n)  or higher card can receive. Especially for Windows computers, it's worth confirming before buying that the computer's wifi capabilities support these B, G, or N or higher protocols.)

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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 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.

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About other devices:  Apple TV, Chromecast, Smart TVs, wi-fi routers, Gaming Consoles

• 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, be sure to fill out this form.  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

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What software will I need?

Microsoft Office and a web browser or two should be sufficient for the vast majority of your activities at Whitman.  Beyond the basics, most specialized software that would be required by students depends heavily on specific classes. Anything that cannot be obtained for free will be available in one or more computer lab around campus. In general, the only software students need is an "office/productivity suite" and a modern web browser.

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Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc), LibreOffice, Google apps:  free!

Microsoft Office is installed on most Whitman-owned computers, including both Windows and Mac computers found in our computer labs.

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