No. However, Cedar Crest strongly recommends that you bring a computer with you. More than 80% of incoming students arrive on Cedar Crest’s campus with a computer. You will use e-mail to communicate with faculty, staff and classmates. You will use a browser to access campus curricular and administrative resources and to perform course research. Word processing will be used for writing assignments and to organize notes. Some courses require the use of a spreadsheet program, powerpoint, or database software (all these are components of Microsoft Office). Your computer will be an essential tool in learning and communicating! Many students immediately begin to accumulate an electronic portfolio of their work. Your computer can also be your stereo and your TV for watching movies. If you are not able to bring your own computer, or if you choose not to, there are 6 student-accessible computer labs accross campus, as well as several public-accessible computers in the Cressman Library. Additionally, each Residence Hall has its own computer lab.
Laptops are small and light enough to carry to classes for notes, the library for research, elsewhere on campus, or home to work on assignments. Unlike the desktop, portables require less space to use – important in residence halls. Consider where you will want to use your computer when deciding between a desktop and a laptop. Note that there are wireless hotspots on campus, and those spots are certain to expand. Be certain you are comfortable with the video display, keyboard and mouse. Type at least one page of text as a test drive.Desktop computers are larger and weigh more than a portable, but are generally less expensive. They have more computing power for a given price.Please note: Information Technology only provides drop-off service for student computers. Therefore students are required to carry their computers to the Information Technology office if they require service.
The computing environment at Cedar Crest College is Windows based. The majority of our students choose a PC. However, if you prefer a Mac, it is imperative that you have OS X and Microsoft Office 2004 for Macintosh. No matter what your decision, College provided computers will be available in a lab environment for you to complete assignments that may require the other platform.
Buying brand name is highly recommend. Manufacturers of brand name computers, such as Dell or Gateway, absorb the costs of testing computer components for compatibility, performance, and reliability. The manufacturer is then able to sell computers built with standardized high-quality components and provide service and support for their systems worldwide.
The Office of Information Technology provides detailed computer specification guidelines for both desktops and laptops, which can be downloaded below. These guidelines take into account the life-cycle of computers, which is typically three years, and have been increased slightly to help ensure that your computer will still perform well in your fourth year at Cedar Crest College. Recommended Computer Specifications
Yes. Any computer used at Cedar Crest College should have a service contract that includes on-site (in your residence hall room) service for at least the first year. A service contract with a minimum of a 2-year extended warranty is highly recommended.
Yes, however, it should meet the minimum specifications and recommendations discussed throughout this FAQ. If these specifications and recommendations are not met, your computer may work but it may not perform as robustly as a newer computer. If you have specific questions about whether your current computer will be adequate, please contact the Information Technology Help Desk at 610-606-4635 or helpdesk@cedarcrest.edu.
Minimum Supported Configuration for Older Windows-Based Computers
You need the following to connect to the campus local area network (LAN):
The campus network will support the following Windows versions: Windows ME Pro, Windows 2000, Windows XP Pro, and Mac OS X (10.2.8 minimum, 10.4 recommended).
In addition to the operating system, you will need one of the following office productivity suites:
Each version of the office productivity suite includes software for word processing, spreadsheet modeling, and presentation graphics.
Anti-Virus Software:
Cedar Crest College provides Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition to all students, faculty, and staff free of charge. Students can pick up their free copy in the Information Technology Office located in Curtis Hall, room 136.Course Specific Software: The College provides access to course-specific software in the computer labs. However, if a student wishes to purchase their own copy, several companies offer discounts to Cedar Crest Students for Microsoft Office as well as other course-specific software. More information about these companies can be found under the Technology Discounts link in the left column.
All web-based services, including the Cedar Crest College web site, WebAccess Mail, CampusWeb, and Online Classes are available to off-campus users. To access these resources, you will need to contract with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) of your choice. Two local vendors that provide discounts to the Cedar Crest community are USLEC(FastNet) and Hybeam. More information about these companies can be found under the Technology Discounts link in the left column. There is no installation support available for off-campus users.
No. Students living off-campus must contract individually with an Internet Service Provider (ISP) for a connection to the Internet. Once connected to the Internet, you can access all of Cedar Crest College's online resources. Two local vendors that provide discounts to the Cedar Crest community are USLEC(FastNet) and Hybeam. More information about these companies can be found under the Technology Discounts link in the left column. There is no installation support available for off-campus users.
Yes, although only in certain locations across campus. Wireless connectivity is currently provided in the Cressman Library, the TCC Cafe, the Miller 20 Lab, the Oberkotter Center, the Hamilton Boulevard Building and the Commuter Lounge located in the basement of Tompkins College Center. Additionally, all floor lounges in each Residence Hall will have wireless access points. You will need a 802.11b/g wireless card to access our wireless network.
No. It could prevent other students in your residence hall from accessing the LAN from their computers. Only wireless access points provided by the college may be used. Information Technology reserves the right to take down any wireless access point if it causes interference with campus wireless or any other officially sanctioned college service operating in the 2.4 GHz spectrum.
Yes. Students can purchase through Dell, Lenovo, or Mac and receive a discounted rate on new computers. More information about these companies can be found under the IT tab in My CedarCrest.. Many computer vendors offer educational discounts to students. If you prefer a different brand, we recommend you check the vendor’s Web site and inquire about discounts available to you.
No. Internet connection is only available via ethernet connections, due to the campus' digital phone system. Connecting a modem to the phone ports in the residence hall rooms can severely damage the computer.
A small inkjet printer for your room is the most convenient option for most students. Network laser printers are available in the public labs for better quality printing while in the lab. Students also have the option of connecting to the black and white laser printers in their Residence Hall computer lab from their rooms, via a TCP/IP connection. Instructions for connecting to printers can be found here.
Support is provided, on a limited basis, for viruses and networking by contacting the Information Technology Help Desk at x3348 or helpdesk@cedarcrest.edu to make an appointment. You will be required to bring your computer to the Information Technology office located in the lower level of Curtis Hall in Room 136. You should rely on your warranty and service contract obtained at the time the computer was purchased. In the event that the service contract has expired, there are several local computer stores that provide general computer support.
Information Technology will provide you with as much information as possible in diagnosing and repairing computer problems. If the problem is network-related, or your computer is infected with a virus, we will walk you through each step of the repair and cleaning process. For other problems, we may be able to offer an opinion as to the cause of the problem and recommend a course of action. In some cases, we may recommend you contact the manufacturer of your computer or an outside repair shop. Click on "Student-owned computers", then "Repairs" in the left-hand sidebar of this page for more information.
Information Technology does not provide support or supplies for student-owned peripherals such as printers. We will be happy to help you connect your computer to one of the networked public printers. We may also be able to recommend a course of action if one of your peripherals is in need of repair.