Frequently
Asked Questions About Computers
at Haverford
2008/2009
Do
I need to make a decision
about a computer now?
No. You are
not required to bring a
computer to campus. Students
have access to public computing
labs on campus and can
always purchase a computer
at a later date. However,
most students like to have
their computer set up and
ready to use before classes
start.
I understand
you support only Apple
and Dell computers. Why?
I really like XYZ brand
computers.
We
provide full support
to those students
who bring a recommended
Apple or Dell system
to campus. We have
extensive
experience with both
Apple and Dell and
have Apple
certified technicians
on staff. Furthermore,
we have found our security
software incompatible
with
some other computer brands
and we require this
software
for any computer on
our network.
Which
system should I buy, Apple
or Dell?
Both Macintosh and Dell make
fine computers. We have
been using Apple and Dell systems
for years and they consistently
work well on our campus.
Both
platforms have equal access
to the Internet, run a similar
set of supported software packages
(Microsoft Office, Mozilla FireFox,
Adobe Acrobat, etc.) and have access
to the same servers on the campus
network. Assignments can generally
be done on either a Macintosh
or a Dell computer, and you
can move back and forth fairly
easily between platforms. In
those rare cases when you need
special academic software that
will not work on your personal
computer, computers are available
in our public labs.
If you have a physical or a
learning disability, you should
factor that into your platform
decision. There are many helpful
adaptive technologies, but they
are not necessarily available
on both Windows and Macintosh
computers. Before making a computer
decision see "I
have a physical or learning
disability. What technological
help is available to me?"
If you don't already have a
preference for either platform,
consider other factors like
features, design, and price.
Feel free to call ACC for additional
help with this choice.
If you are considering a Windows-based
brand other than Dell, please
see the question, “How
will it affect me if
I have an unsupported
or partially supported
computer model?”
Should I buy a laptop or
a desktop computer?
Most people, especially students, get laptops. They work
well with for those with a mobile lifestyle or
limited desk space. Should you have questions about a laptop, you can easily carry it to the Help Desk for inspection. Laptops also give you the flexibility to work around campus using your own system.
Nevertheless, some people prefer working on the larger
monitor and keyboard that desktops typically offer. You can add an external monitor, keyboard, or mouse to a laptop system, but desktops have a better price/performance ratio, are often less expensive to repair, and generally allow you to add or change features more easily.
What
hardware specifications
do you recommend?
Check
our Apple
and Dell web
pages for current hardware
recommendations.
Why do you recommend
the LaCie Rugged Drive?
We recommend
getting an external hard drive
so you can easily backup
your work. Computer users tend to have several gigabytes
of valuable data. You need a practical method for restoring your hard work in the event of a hardware failure or other mishap.
We recommend the LaCie rugged
drives because they include
easy to use backup software
for both Macintosh and Windows
computers. We use the LaCie
drives in our department and
have had good experience with
them. However, if you prefer
a different external drive that
is fine. Our primary concern
is that you have a device which
will help you backup your work
quickly and easily on a regular
basis.
How will
it affect me if I have
an unsupported or partially
supported computer model?
Although
your computer may run
needed software and
work fine
on our network, a Dell
or Macintosh is still
advantageous. File
damage, component
repairs, viruses and
other security breaches
(yes,
even with security software),
and various other
mishaps often require
a level of service
that our Helpdesk/RCC
staff
can
only provide to those
with
fully supported systems.
They are trained on Dell
and Macintosh equipment
and have tools and components
available for only these
systems. Unfortunately,
problems often occur
during academic crunch
times when
students rely on their
computers the most. This
is frustrating to both
students needing their
equipment and to our
staff who very much
want to help
them.
If you are
committed to a different
computer brand, read the Computer
Support Policy for Students so
you fully understand the
limited level of service
available to you.
Do you
recommend that I buy a
new computer if I already
own one?
If
your current computer
is a Macintosh
or Dell, and is close
to the specifications
of our
recommended models, it
will be fine. If you
have another brand,
you are
comfortable troubleshooting
your own computer problems,
and your system meets
at least the minimum
requirements
posted on our web site
(www.haverford.edu/acc/helpdesk/minreqs.html),
your
current computer should
work in our environment--at
least for this year. However,
we cannot guarantee this.
As explained in the question
above, a Macintosh or Dell
is preferred.
If
you have concerns over
whether your
current computer is
adequate, please call
or email
us with your computer's
specifications.
Can I really
get Microsoft Office for
around $80? I have seen it advertised
for much more.
Yes, you can
get Microsoft Office
Standard 2007 for Windows (SKU:
87011473LARS) for
$74.98 or Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac (SKU:
87181471LARS) for
$84.98, plus shipping. As a Haverford student
you are eligible for this special
educational pricing through
the Journey
Educational Marketing web
site, http://www.selectstudent.com/aicup.
Alternately, you can call Journey
Education
at 1-800-874-9001 and
give Priority
Code: MSIN015.
Although
we support any of the
Microsoft
Office variations that includes Microsoft
Word, Microsoft Excel,
and Microsoft PowerPoint,
the versions sold by
Journey Ed
offers the best
value. They are less expensive
than the academically priced
Student/Teacher Editions offered
from Dell
or Apple.
You
mentioned Office
2007/2008 compatibility issues in
your overview letter. What are
the issues?
Microsoft Office
2007 and 2008 use the relatively new "Office
Open XML" format. This format cannot be opened
by older version of Microsoft
Office in their default configuration.
Microsoft has released updates
for the earlier Windows versions
of Office (versions 2003, 2002,
or 2000). Once the updates
are installed, these older versions
can open documents created
with 2007. Microsoft is working
on a converter for Office 2004
on the Macintosh, but has not yet released a final version.
Read more about Microsoft Office Compatibility Issues, to assure others can open your documents.
Why should
I get Microsoft Office 2007/2008
if it is not compatible with
other versions of Office?
In spite of
the compatibility issues explained
above, we still recommend Office
2007 for those getting new Vista
systems and 2008 for new Macintosh computers. If you are used to
an older version of Office, you may have a bit of
a learning curve as you start
using either of these products. However,
once people get used to the
new versions they tend to prefer
them. Also, as more people
adopt 2007 and 2008, these compatibility issues will become less important.
If you already
have your own older version Microsoft
Office, you may continue to
use it at Haverford. However,
you will still need to apply
the updates which allow you
to share documents with those using a new version.
Do I need to buy anti-virus
software for my system?
No. In fact,
you should not buy anti-virus
software for your system. When
you arrive on-campus you will
be instructed on how to install
our site licensed anti-virus
software. This software has been
specially configured for use
on our network, and it is required
for all students who will connect
to the network through the dorms.
Often other anti-virus software,
if already installed, must be
uninstalled for our software
to run properly.
I tried to buy the
software where you suggested,
but the web site could not
verify my student status. What
should I do?
Journey Education
provides a tool (for a small service fee) which
instantly checks your information against
information in a database at the National
Student Clearinghouse. Haverford participates
in this service, but sends new student data in
September. Most likely, your information is not
yet available.
Journey Education
provides an alternate method (for which there is
no fee) for confirming student status. Through
their "Standard Verification Method"
you may submit proof of your academic status via
fax or email. If you select this as your
verification method, your order confirmation will
explain exactly what you need to do.
If you are a
Haverford student and you have problems using the
"Standard Verification Method" let us
know. We will be happy to contact the vendor on
your behalf.
Do
I
need
to buy a network
cable from Haverford,
or can
I get one somewhere else?
We recommend
buying a cable from us
because it is easy to
do and we guarantee
our cables. If your cable
becomes damaged in any
way during your time
at Haverford, we
will
simply
replace it as part of
our network troubleshooting
process. This is a considerable
convenience, since faulty
cables are a common source
of network problems.
Also, if you need
25' long
cable to accommodate
your room setup, you
can easily
exchange your standard
14'
cable for a 25' cable
at no additional cost. We will exchange your cable at any point during your time as student here.
Thus,
while any CAT5 ethernet
cable will work, many
students prefer to buy
a cable from ACC
when they arrive on-campus.
Why
do you recommend Vista Business
over Vista Home and Vista Premium?
There
are more than 5 versions of the
Windows Vista operating system.
We've evaluated the
different versions and the features
included in each for both value
and performance. Haverford College
recommends Windows Vista Business.
Windows Vista Business
provides a great variety of tools,
including scheduled backups, image
backups (for restoring the entire
contents of your hard drive should
there be a failure) and superior
networking and security enhancements.
While Vista Home Basic costs notably
less and will function fine, it
lacks many of the usability and
security features people look
for in Vista. Windows Vista Home
Premium has most of the same
usability features as Vista Business,
plus the Windows
Media Center. However, it lacks
some of the networking and security
features in Vista Business.
The
Media Center edition is often described
as a television or
digital video recorder (DVR) replacement
system. However, it also provides other
multimedia functionality such
as the ability to create and edit
high definition videos on your
computer. Unless you have a special
need or desire for the Media Center,
we feel the added cost of Windows
Vista Premium, in addition to
its decreased networking and security
features, makes Windows Vista
Business a better choice for most
student and faculty machines on
Haverford's campus.
Microsoft's web
site provides product descriptions
and a quick
comparison of features available
in Vista Home Basic, Vista Home
Premium and Vista Business.
Although we think that Vista Business
is the best value for most, Vista
Home Basic and Vista Home Premium
are also supported.
Can I get Windows XP instead of Vista? I have heard that Vista has problems.
Yes, you can get Windows XP. However, the campus has over a year of experience with Vista and students have been using it without significant problems. Our recommended hardware and software is Vista compatible and students using Vista have connected to the internet successfully in their dorm rooms as well as our wireless system. Most students who purchase new PCs these days are getting Vista.
Although we support XP now and will continue to do so for the next couple of years, we cannot commit to long term support for that operating system. We will support Vista for at least the next four years. Unless you have specific concerns about Vista, we recommend it.
Should
I buy a printer?
We provide public printing
in our labs but some students enjoy the convenience of having their own printer. There
is currently no charge
for printing to our black
and white laser printers,
but we may implement
a charge in the future.
In
addition to black and
white printing in our
student
labs, students can get
color laser printouts
for a per page fee
at our Help Desk.
ACC
does not have a specific
recommendation. Both
Apple and Dell offer
printer options with
their systems, often
at promotional pricing.
If you wish to look
at some options before
buying, you may prefer
to get your printer
at a local office supply
or computer store.
Almost any printer
on the market now
will work with
a Dell system.
Macintosh users should
check the printer
specifications
to make sure it
will
work with your version of OS X. New
Macintosh computers ship with OS X version
10.5.
If
you buy a printer, you
may need to order a
cable with your printer!
Ask your printer vendor which cable
you need. There are several different
types and they are not interchangeable.
Beware,
printers have their
own warranty and are
not included with
the either Apple's
or Dell's warranty.
I
have a physical or learning
disability. What technological
help is available to me?
Computer
technology provides some wonderful
tools to help those with various
disabilities.
In many cases, our standard computer
recommendations can be outfitted
with software or
peripheral devices which accommodate
your special needs. However, any
particular assistive technologies
which may be able to help you,
and their base hardware requirements,
will depend upon your unique situation.
Before
buying new equipment you should
talk with the Office
of Disability Services (ODS) Coordinator,
Rick Webb. You can reach him
by email (rwebb@haverford.edu),
phone (610-896-1290), or fax
(610-896-2969). Rick Webb will
work with the Academic
Computing staff to advise you
on the equipment which is right
for you. Although we are a small
college, and do not have extensive
experience in this area, we
will work with you to try to
find appropriate accommodations.
Of course, you
can get non-technical help through
the Office of Disability Services
as well.
I need
to ship my computer to
campus. How can I do that?
Although most students like
to get their system over the
summer, you can have your system
shipped directly to campus. We
generally recommend placing your order
mid-August if you ship it to Haverford. That
should get it here in time for classes, but not much
before you arrive on campus. However, delivery times do vary and occasionally there are longer delays. Check with your vendor for estimated ship dates and plan accordingly.
Use your regular Haverford
mailing address:
Your
name
Haverford College
370 Lancaster
Ave
Haverford, PA 19041
Your
system will be delivered
to the mail center
in the Whitehead Campus
Center.
Can I get
financing for my computer
purchase?
Both Apple
and Dell have financing
programs. Check their web
sites or talk to a sales
consultant for information.
Should
I get the extended warranty?
Yes.
We include extended
warranties with
our recommended systems.
How
do I get my computer
repaired
when I'm on campus?
The Computer
Support Policy for Students explains
how to get help when
you have a problem.
Should
I get insurance for my
computer?
This
is up to you. While
computer
theft has not been
widespread at Haverford,
it has happened.
Some homeowners' insurance
policies may cover
your computer at school,
or
allow an inexpensive
rider to cover the
computer.
Contact your insurance
agent for more information.
Also, remember you
need to protect the
files on
your computer, as well
the computer itself.
Some of the best insurance
is
to keep current backups
of important files, and store them in
a location away from where you keep your
computer.
Will I
need anything else in addition
to my computer?
Yes.
You need Microsoft Office,
available for about
$80. You also need a network cable, available for
$10 when you arrive on campus.
Additionally
you should get a power
strip with surge protection
(strongly recommended for
everyone), a pack of DVD-R
discs, USB flash drive (a.k.a.
memory key, flash drive, JumpDrive),
laptop bag, printer ink cartridges,
and printer paper. These items
are available at Haverford's
Bookstore or your favorite office
supply store.
Can I use
wireless networking on
campus?
Haverford provides wireless networking
in many locations around
campus. To use the wireless network, your computer must support the 802.11b/g wireless protocol. All our recommended laptops support 802.11b/g. You will often see the term "Wi-Fi enabled" when a system supports the 802.11b/g protocol.
In addition to this
hardware, you must configure your system with special VPN
software. This software, available through the ACC web site, can be run on Windows XP, Vista and Mac OS X systems.
You may not extend the college network through your own wireless access points, switches or routers. Equipment such as Apple’s Base
Station and other wireless routers can interfere with
the campus wireless equipment and
compromise the security of the campus
network.
Can I return
my computer if I am unhappy
with my purchase?
If you purchase
a new Dell computer, you
may return it to Dell up
to 21 days from the ship
date for a complete refund.
Reconditioned Dell products
must be returned within
14 days. Apple allows returns
on standard build computers
up to 14 days from the
date of delivery. However,
Apple will not refund or
exchange custom built systems,
except in the case of hardware
failure. We do sometimes include custom builds as recommended systems.
I'll
be on campus before
August 27. Can I connect to
the network early?
We
work steadily all summer
to get ready
for the fall. In the weeks before you get to campus we upgrade network
equipment, perform
network maintenance
and testing, and verify
that instruction
guides are accurate. We
cannot distribute
connection instructions
or guarantee dorm network
access prior to August 27.
Why do I need to take the Technology
Orientation and Blackboard
Quiz. What is this?
Because you will use
technology extensively
at Haverford, we created
an orientation assignment which
uses our Blackboard course management
software. It provides an overview
of important computing resources,
rules, and skills that will
help you as a student here.
After reading
an overview
of technology at Haverford (http://www.haverford.edu/docs/general/orientation)
follow our instructions to log
onto the Blackboard system and
take the short quiz.
We recommend
completing this over
the summer. If you
don't take the quiz
over the summer, you must
complete this
assignment when you
arrive on campus.
Will
the Blackboard Quiz
affect my grade point
average?
No. There is no reason
to be nervous about
the quiz.
The quiz is
a short and
simple
exercise to familiarize
you
with
the tools you
need to do well
in your Haverford courses.
It should take about
ten
minutes
to answer the questions.
You must take the
quiz
as often
as
needed to get all
the questions right,
but most students
get a perfect
score
on the first attempt.
