Computers play a central role in helping students complete their academic work. An important Vassar goal is that students acquire the skills and an understanding of information-technology. Students need computers for word-processing in most courses; for many others, students need computers for Web and database access, e-mail, online discussion groups and advanced computation. If at all possible, we recommend that you bring a laptop to campus.
No. Students can purchase a used computer or bring one from home. Please refer to the minimum recommended configurations when considering the use of an existing computer. Also, again please note that we recommend and encourage you to bring a laptop and a printer to campus, if possible.
What if I don’t have an Ethernet card in my otherwise usable computer?
If your computer does not already have an Ethernet card installed, we recommend that you purchase an external adapter from a vendor such as 3com.
Check the minimum recommended configurations for each platform to help you make your decision. The campus, in general, does not strongly prefer one computer platform over another. The campus does, however, strongly encourage students to adopt the Microsoft Office or OpenOffice suites for word-processing and spreadsheet applications because the document types produced by both suites are the campus-wide standard.
Computer software and hardware can be purchased at the on-campus Computer Store (Located above the Campus Bookstore in the college center), as well as at off-campus stores such as BestBuy and Circuit City.
Vassar strives for a four-year replacement cycle for all faculty, staff and public lab computers. Most students can get by with using the same computer for four years. Most computers are upgradeable to a certain extent. Such upgrades can increase the average lifespan of the computer.
Vassar does not insure student computers in the residence halls because the College's insurance does not cover students' personal property. You may want to check with your or your parents' homeowner's insurance policy as it may provide coverage for your computer.
Some students enjoy the portability of laptops.
We are beginning to implement wireless technology on campus.
Laptops due pose a higher risk for Repetitive Strain Injury. Contact the Help Desk for more information on ergonomics.
Laptops are more delicate than desktops.
You run a risk of forgetting a laptop somewhere.
Not necessarily.
You can copy your files from your computer desktop on to removable media, take it to a CIS or Residential hall computer lab, and print to one of the lab printers.
You can take the removable media to the campus' copy center or a private, off-campus printing and copying center.
You can also print over the network.
Many companies sell cables with locks on them to secure computers to heavy, immobile objects. Also, some companies provide insurance.
It is. A maximum of five (5) color pages may be printed at the color printer per use. The printer is located behind the Helpdesk at CIS.
CIS provides free anti-virus software to all registered students and faculty.
This software, combined with regular updates to your operating system, is
an ideal way to keep your computer free of viruses. Contact the Helpdesk
for more information.
This page was last updated on 4/28/08.
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