Desktop Services: Computer Hardware/Software Requirements for ResNet and CalvinStudents (Fall 2009 - Summer 2010)

We support both Windows and Mac computers for student use for 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 software: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Access. Professors expect electronically submitted files to be in a Microsoft Office readable format.

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

System Requirements for ResNet and CalvinStudents Support

If you are purchasing a new computer for the 2009-2010 school year and wish to use ResNet and/or CalvinStudents, we recommend the following:

	Mac Compatible	Windows Compatible
CPU	Any Intel branded processor	Vista Premium ready processor
Operating system	Mac OS X 10.4 or later	Windows XP SP3 or Windows Vista SP1
RAM	512 MB RAM (minimum) 1 GB RAM or higher (preferred)	512 MB RAM (minimum) 1 GB RAM or higher (preferred)
**Network Interface Card (NIC)	ResNet: Apple Built-in Ethernet CalvinStudents: Apple Built-in Airport	ResNet: Built-in Ethernet CalvinStudents: WPA2 Enterprise compatible with a, b, g or n capability
*Antivirus Software	Symantec Endpoint 11 or higher (Calvin provided)	Symantec Endpoint 11 or higher (Calvin provided)

*Antivirus Software

In order to connect to ResNet or Calvin Wireless it is required that you have Symantec Endpoint 11 or higher installed, up-to-date and that you regularly update the virus definitions. Calvin provides Symantec Endpoint to all Calvin students free of charge.
Download Symantec Endpoint

**Network Interface Cards (NICs)

We recommend that you come to Calvin with your Network Interface Card (NIC) already installed in your computer. This allows you to connect to ResNet and/or Calvin Wireless with greater ease and avoid the possibility of invalidating your computer's warranty. Note: A wireless NIC is necessary to connect to Calvin Wireless (see Requirements above).

Additional Information

Computer Purchasing FAQ