Cabrini College - Information Technology & Resources
Fall 2007: Computer Q&A
This Guide describes Cabrini College's academic computing programs and provides information on how to select and buy a personal computer for use while at Cabrini. Computers configured for use at college may be different than for basic home use since the needs of higher education are more rigorous.
1. Must I have my own personal computer?
- While Cabrini College provides a number of computers in public access areas, their availability can be limited; they are intended to supplement your computer rather than replace it. The ability to access a computer to complete work at any time of day or night is essential to keeping pace with many of the individual courses and academic programs here at Cabrini College.
2. If I already own a computer, do I need to purchase a second or new one?
- Maybe. Should you already own a computer that meets or exceeds the "Personal Computer" specifications as listed in question 7, you may choose to delay a new purchase at this time. It is likely, however, that you will need a more powerful new machine, comparable to those Cabrini recommends, at some time during your course of study.
3. How will I use my computer while I am at Cabrini?
- You will use your computer as both a labor saving device and a tool for exploring ideas. You will use it to write reports and presentations, to record and analyze data, simulate lecture demonstrations and laboratory experiments, retrieve bibliographic and Internet information, and much, much more.
4. What computer should I buy?
- Students are free to purchase either a Windows- or a Macintosh-based computer, Laptops or Desktops. In most cases the choice is yours, but in some academic disciplines the standard usage of an industry (e.g., graphic design) may indicate a particular choice, so you may want to check with your major department. See below for recommended specifications.
5. Will I be required to bring my computer to class?
- Cabrini College doesn't require students to bring a computer to class. If you need to use a computer during class time, your instructor will schedule your class in a room equipped with computers. However, if you own or decide to purchase a laptop computer you may want to bring it to class to take notes and work on assignments. All classrooms and lecture halls are currently wireless.
6. Would a laptop be a better purchase?
- Laptop or Notebook computers make it easy to work anywhere, and offer benefits not present with a desktop. They save space in your dorm room and are easy to put away. You will also be able to access Cabrini's Wireless Network while on campus if you have a laptop. Keep in mind that because laptops are portable, there are risks associated with owning a laptop that do not exist with desktops.
7. What kind of computer configuration does Cabrini recommend?
- The nature of the computer equipment marketplace is that it changes rapidly. Because of this fact, we have provided below a general range of specifications which can be applied to specific brands and models.
New Laptop Computer
PC - Intel Core Duo with Windows XP or Windows Vista
Memory - 2 GB of RAM
Hard Drive - 160 GB or greater
Wireless - 802.11 B/G Card
Other Drives - DVD/CD-RW
Mac - Mac Book Pro with Mac OS X Leopard (Recommended for Graphic Design students)
**Please note that the Mac Book Air is not supported.
CPU - 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory - 2 GB of RAM
Hard Drive - 120 GB
Other Drives - Super Drive 8x (CD/DVD/RW)
MacBook Pro 15-inch Widescreen Display
Backlit Keyboard
Mac - MacBook with Mac OS X Leopard
CPU - 2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory - 2 GB of RAM
Hard Drive - 120 GB
Other Drives - Super Drive or 8x (CD/DVD/RW)
**Please note that the Mac Book Air is not supported.
New Desktop Computer
PC - 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad with Windows XP or Windows Vista
Memory - 4 GB of RAM
Hard Drive - 500 GB or greater
Other Drives - DVD/CD-RW
Mac (Intel) with Mac OS X Leopard
Memory - 4 GB of RAM
Hard Drive - 500 GB or greater
Other Drives - Super Drive or 8x (CD/DVD/RW)
Existing Laptop Computer
PC - Pentium M (if using Windows XP) or Core 2 Duo (if using Windows Vista)
Memory - 2 GB of RAM
Hard Drive - 80 GB or greater
Wireless - 802.11 B/G Card
Other Drives - DVD/CD-RW
Mac - MacBook (Intel) or MacBook Pro (Intel) with OS X Leopard
Memory - 2 GB of RAM
Hard Drive - 80 GB or greater
Wireless - 802.11 B/G Card
Other Drives - Super Drive or 8x (CD/DVD/RW)
Existing Desktop Computer
PC - 3GHz Pentium 4 (Windows XP) or 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo (Windows Vista)
Memory - 2 GB of RAM
Hard Drive - 160 GB or greater
Other Drives - DVD/CD-RW
MacPro (Intel) with Mac OS X Leopard
Memory - 2 GB of RAM
Hard Drive - 250 GB or greater
Other Drives - Super Drive or 8x (CD/DVD/RW)
Note: All computers also require additional equipment to allow Internet access. Please see below for information about networking equipment.
8. What software will I need; Does Cabrini provide any software to students?
- For the 2007-2008 year ITR, in conjunction with Microsoft, is able to offer students discounted software through a Student Select AICUP (Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania) agreement with JourneyEd. To purchase Microsoft software at an educational discount please go to http://www.selectstudent.com/aicup/. The ONLY free software ITR offers to students is the latest version of Symantec Anti-virus.
9. How will I use the Internet?
- Many Cabrini College courses make extensive use of the Internet to facilitate communication between students and faculty, to register for classes and obtain grades, for research, education and personal use. To aid this, Cabrini College expects that all students will be able to access the Internet. How you do so depends on whether you live on campus in a college-maintained space or off campus. For more information, select the link below that applies to you.
10. What computer brands does Cabrini recommend?
- Dell, IBM and Apple are among the many vendors that sell computers meeting Cabrini College’s requirements. Cabrini prefers that you purchase these brands because you can depend on the quality of the goods and after-sale service that they offer. The higher-education contacts below offer special discounts for back-to-school purchases.
11. I've seen ads for low-priced and nearly free computers. Why should I buy the systems Cabrini recommends?
- The suggested systems have been configured to meet the standard of quality necessary for use throughout the Cabrini campus. Among other things, this means they are fast, have sufficient memory and storage space, and are capable of running the high quality software used on campus. The same basic systems chassis could be configured with less memory and storage space, slower processors, and poorer quality monitors, with a correspondingly lower price. Very often, the prices you see advertised are for machines with fewer features. For the most part, machines with comparable features have comparable prices. You should find that the systems recommended here will have better prices than comparable systems advertised in the newspaper because of discounts that have been made available, where possible, to Cabrini. There are many offers for free computers with the purchase of internet service. While on the surface this seems attractive many of these companies have gone bankrupt and offer substandard, non-supported computer systems.
12 .Do I have to buy my computer from one of these vendors?
- No, you do not. You may purchase your computer from any vendor. Those brands listed above are only recommendations.
13. Should I get an extended repair warranty for my new computer?
- Yes, most computers sold today have the option to extend the manufacturer's hardware warranty. It is best to purchase this extended warranty when you are buying the computer system. Some computer vendors will not allow you to purchase an extended repair warranty after you have purchased the equipment. Some extended warranties offered are "on site" coverage and some are "carry in" hardware repair warranties. Before you buy the extended repair service contract check to make sure that there are computer repair companies near your residence that will honor the service contract once purchased. Cabrini College recommends The Computer Fixer computer repair or service. The Computer Fixer's phone number is (215) 629-5700. For more information, call The Computer Fixer at the number provided.
14. Shall I buy a computer now so I can get used to it before classes begin?
- We encourage all students to familiarize themselves with their computers prior to the start of classes. Buying the computer system early will give you a head start on your academic studies.
15. Do I need a printer?
- The college provides a limited number of printers, which you may use on campus. However, Cabrini College recommends that students purchase their own printers to ensure access at any time. A good-quality printer can be purchased for about $100. Cabrini College's best experience has been printers from Lexmark, Hewlett-Packard, Canon, and Epson. Dell, Gateway and Apple can sell you a printer when you buy your computer. Please seen Cabrini College's Printing Policy for more information.
16. Is there anything else that I will need to purchase?
- Maybe. You may need additional hardware and/or services to connect to the internet. Make note of the list below.
Desktops
- From home - You will need a modem and an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- From Campus - You will need a 10/100 MB Ethernet adapter
Laptops
- From home - You will need a modem and an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
- From Campus - You will need an Ethernet adapter. If you want to make use of Cabrini's wireless network you will need a wireless card.
Note: Before you purchase hardware, verify that it is not included as part of your system. Some computers come with
integrated modems and ethernet adapters.
|
