Your steps for preparation:

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Whitman highly recommends that you have a computer of your own for your education.  Having your own computer is NOT a requirement however. You may find that your needs are met by computers available for general use on the Whitman campus (in general use computer labs and in Penrose library, see more details below).  As has been the case during the Covid19 pandemic, there There may very likely be cases where having a computer (possibly substituted by a tablet or smartphone) may become critical.  In such cases, if you do not have access to a computer, please contact the Dean of StudentTechnology Service's office Help Desk for assistance.

If I don't bring a computer, are there ones for me to use? 

Yes!  Students have access to computers in the general computing labs in Maxey Hall, Reid Campus Center, and Penrose Library. These facilities house Windows PCs, Macs, black & white Laserjet printers, color printer (library only), scanners, and even large-format color plotter printing (available in the Maxey and Science Computer Labs by appointment).  Laptops 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 (Windows, Mac, & Chromebook). The Multimedia Development lab in Hunter Conservatory houses Macs with multimedia software (Adobe apps, Apple apps), image scanning, and more. Several academic departments, including art, music, math, geology, and physics provide specialized computer facilities for their students as well.

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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!

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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.

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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?

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