Should I bring a personal computer to Calvin?
Although Calvin does not require that students purchase a computer, having a personal computer is a great convenience. Computers and the Internet have become an important tool in our everyday lives, and this certainly holds true at Calvin College. Calvin students do have access to our computer labs and use of our state-of-the-art campus data network; however, many students enjoy the benefits of owning a computer.
Convenience - Over 80% of Calvin's faculty are currently using online material to enhance their classroom teaching. Students who have a personal computer connected to the internet have unlimited access to these academic resources. Although Calvin does provide over 600 computers across campus for student use, occasionally there is greater demand for computers than the resources available.
Access - Students with personal computers can use them whenever they need, at any time of the day. On-campus students with computers can also use ResNet, Calvin's high-speed internet and network service. All Calvin students have access to Calvin Wireless, our growing wireless internet service.
Study Habits - Students have differing study habits. Some do their best work in a quiet environment while others can be productive surrounded by people. If a student owns a computer, especially a laptop, he/she has more control over the environment in which he/she chooses to work in.
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Does Calvin require that students own a computer?
No. Students can choose not to bring a personal computer to Calvin, opting instead to make use of the public computers available.
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Can I bring a computer I already own?
Many students bring computers from home, and in most cases, these computers are adequate. Using an older computer can be an ideal solution because it gives you the opportunity to delay purchasing a new computer, and it allows you to better determine your long-term needs.
A computer system that meets the minimum standards provides an acceptable level of performance. For general purpose computing (e.g., word processing, email, and internet access) an older computer may be adequate. However, some students may have additional needs that warrant using a computer beyond these minimums. Keep in mind, an older computer may not be useful in a year or two.
If your computer system does not meet or exceed the published minimum standards, we recommend that you upgrade your current computer system or purchase a new one. The Calvin Information Technology (CIT) HelpDesk does not offer technical support for ResNet or Calvin Wireless on computers that do not meet or exceed our minimum standards.
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If I decide to purchase a new computer, what should I buy?
Memory (RAM) - The amount of memory installed in your computer is one of the biggest factors in its performance. The more memory you have, the faster your software will run. With more memory you can run more applications at once and it is easier to switch between them. Adding additional memory is relatively inexpensive.
Preferred: At least 1 GB
Minimum: 512 MB
- Make sure to purchase a computer that allows for more memory to be added.
- If you own a laptop or notebook computer, having additional memory is important. When a system is low on memory, disk activity increases, draining the battery more rapidly.
Hard Disk Space - New computer systems commonly come with hard drives that hold 100 GB (gigabytes) or more. Most systems allow you to add more disk space later.
Minimum: 2 GB or more free space available
Operating System - New computer systems typically come with the operating systems (e.g. Windows Vista) pre-installed. Students must bring the original operating system CDs with them to Calvin.
Minimum: Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista. Mac OS 10.4 or later.
Networking -To connect to Calvin's ResNet service, you need a network interface card (NIC) and a category 5 ethernet cable (not a phone cable).
We recommend that you have the NIC installed prior to arrival at Calvin. In any situation, Calvin reserves the right to suggest a subscriber try a different brand, model or type of NIC or other hardware if a ResNet connection proves unsuccessful.
Monitor - With a desktop computer we recommend you not purchase anything smaller than a 15-inch monitor. Regardless of screen size, your monitor should be capable of display at a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels with at least 16-bit color. As flat panel monitors continue to come down in price, they are becoming a good option since they fit nicely on the desks in the residence halls.
Recommended Minimum Resolution: 1024x768
Printer - Having your own printer can be a great convenience. Calvin does provide laser printing services in all public access computing labs including the dorms and apartments.
back to top Should I get a desktop or a laptop?
In the end, the decision as to whether to purchase a desktop or laptop computer is one of personal preference. Some things to consider:
CalvinWireless - Wireless network access is available in many areas around campus, including all dorms and apartments, Hekman Library, Johnny's, the Fish House and the DeVos Forum. For a current list of hotspots, visit our Calvin Wireless page.
Portability - With a laptop, you can take your computer anywhere, especially if you like to take notes during class, need to work in a quiet location, want to work in a group, or want to use the laptop for a presentation.
Security - Because laptops are portable, they are easier to steal. We recommend you purchase a security cable and lock system.
Cost - Laptop computers tend to cost more than desktops for the same amount of computing power.
Size - You might want to take into consideration the size of your computer. Desktop computers have the tendency to occupy a lot of space. Many monitors are very large. The front of some monitors may stand from 17-20 inches, while the back may stand 13-16 inches. The dimensions of a desk in the residence halls are as follows:
length = 36 inches
width = 22.5 inches
space between the desktop surface and first shelf = 15 inches
Repair and Upgrade - Laptops cost more to repair as spare parts are more expensive. In addition, upgrading a laptop is considerably more difficult than upgrading a desktop computer.
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Where should I buy a computer?
You can order your computer system by mail order, telephone, or via the web. The clarity of the monitor or the comfort of the keyboard are important factors to consider in making your purchase, and testing is only available at a retail outlet. Purchasing a computer through a national retailer or major manufacturer can make getting repairs and/or upgrades easier. Calvin is part of the Dell Education Personal Purchase Program (EPP) that gives Calvin employees and students discounts for Dell purchases. You may also shop online at the Apple Store for Education and click on the Education discounts for discounts on Apple products including iPods.
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What about an extended warranty?
You should consider purchasing an extended warranty. Warranties can be on-site, depot (mail back), or carry-in. The Calvin HelpDesk does not provide hardware repair services. Depot or carry-in service will leave you without your computer while repairs are performed. On-site means the warranty provider will come to you. On-site is common for desktop models, but is rare for laptop/notebook models.
back to top What support does Calvin College offer for personally-owned computers?
Calvin Information Technology assists in installation of supported network cards for ResNet for computers that meet our minimum support standards. We recommend having your network card installed prior to coming to Calvin, to make the connection process easier and to avoid voiding your warranty. We are unable, however, to provide hardware support. There are a number of reliable companies near Calvin's campus that offer these services and may be able to work under your warranty agreement.
We also offer Virus and Spyware Removal Services for a $35 fee. Bring your computer down to the HelpDesk for this service. If you are having other issues with your computer that are not virus or spyware related we offer some diagnostic services free of charge. We will try our best to fix your computer, but if it involves failing hardware or OS reinstallation, we offer recommendations and service shops in the Grand Rapids area that will help you out.
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What software should I have on my computer?
The following software packages are widely used at Calvin College:
Virus Protection - It is very important to utilize and maintain antivirus software. Maintenance of your antivirus software includes regularly updating your antivirus definitions. If your computer comes with a 30-day trial of an antivirus application, that is fine. Do not purchase additional antivirus coverage as Symantec Endpoint is provided and required by Calvin Information Technology.
Desktop Productivity - The standard suite of office productivity software at Calvin is Microsoft Office suite, which includes word processing (Word), spreadsheet (Excel), and presentation software (Power Point). Calvin lab and classroom computers have Office 2007 installed. If you have Office 2003 or earlier installed on your computer, you will need to download a compatibility pack in order to view the new Office 2007 documents properly.
Web Browser - In order to access Calvin's web resources, you need a web browser and either ResNet service or access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The browsers currently used on Calvin's campus are Microsoft Internet Explorer (PC), Mozilla Firefox (PC and Mac) and Safari (Mac). You may also need to install browser plug-ins such as Adobe Acrobat, Shockwave or Flash. Internet browsers and all the listed plug-ins are available free-of-charge from the web.
Email - Your Calvin email is accessible from any standard web browser at https://webmail.calvin.edu. No additional software is necessary.
Academic Software - Many of the software applications used in classes are available for you to purchase from the Calvin Bookstore.
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What about wireless?
We strongly discourage the attachment of any wireless access point to the Calvin network as it is a violation of Calvin's Policy on Responsible Use of Technology. If you would like to connect your computer via your wireless NIC, please connect to Calvin Wireless. It is now available in all dorms and apartments on campus.
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