Desktop Services: Computer Hardware/Software Requirements for ResNet and CalvinStudents (Fall 2012 - Summer 2013)

We support both Windows and Mac computers for student use when connecting to ResNet (wired) and CalvinStudents (wireless). Most of Calvin's resident students bring their own computers to campus each year.

Calvin uses the Microsoft Office suite of productivity software: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access. Professors expect electronically submitted files to be in the latest Microsoft Office readable format.

We do not currently support the Linux, Windows Server, or any non-English operating systems. Students are able to connect to the Calvin network (ResNet or CalvinStudents) with these operating systems, but CIT does not offer any support for these connections.

Dual-boot operating systems and virtual machines will work on ResNet and CalvinStudents, but the Windows operating system must be registered and meet the requirements listed below.

System Requirements for ResNet and CalvinStudents Support

If you are purchasing a new computer for the 2012-2013 school year and wish to use ResNet and/or CalvinStudents wireless, we recommend the following:

	Mac Compatible	Windows Compatible
Hardware	Desktop, Laptop	Desktop, Laptop
Operating system	Mac OS X 10.5.8 or later Mac OS X 10.7.4 (preferred)	Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista SP2 or Windows 7 SP1 (preferred)
RAM	1 GB RAM minimum (or the minimum required to smoothly run the operating system and antivirus software) 2 GB or higher preferred
Wireless network card	WPA2 encryption and AES compatible. 802.11g or 802.11n capability (802.11a is only supported in some areas and 802.11b is no longer supported)
Antivirus Software	Accepted applications include the latest versions of AVG, Avast, Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft Security Essentials, Norton, Sophos, Trend Micro, and Windows Defender (built in to Windows 8).

Antivirus Software

In order to connect to ResNet or CalvinStudents, you are required to have up-to-date antivirus software installed. Calvin recommends some free antivirus programs, but most popular antivirus programs are also accepted.

Antivirus Software Information

Additional Information

Computer Purchasing FAQ