Guidelines for Bringing a Computer to Campus

HWS has partnered with our preferred vendors to offer some configurations that meet our recommended configuration. Please visit the links below to get more information regarding your platform of choice:

It is our expectation that if you bring a computer to campus, you are responsible for:

  1. Reading and understanding all manuals provided by the manufacturer.
  2. Performing a basic computer setup
  3. Providing all system restoration media and keeping them in a safe place.
  4. Meeting minimum campus standards for connection to our network (see below)

NOTE: If you do not meet the minimum campus standards, you will not be allowed to connect to our network.

We provide:

  • Network Setup (instructions are available). If you are unsuccessful and meet the above criteria, you can bring your computer to the help desk and a technician will evaluate and fix the problem. If it is a hardware-related problem, you are responsible for all repairs.
  • Anti-virus software

Recommended Hardware Configuration

Processor
Pentium Dual Core, Core Duo processor equivalent (PC or Apple)

Memory
2GB RAM or higher

Hard drive (storage)
80 GB or higher

Disc drive
CD-RW / DVD-ROM or CD-RW / DVD-RW

Wireless
built-in

Warranty
3 or 4 year part and labor

Insurance
Safeware accidental damage protection (see http://www.safeware.com/hobartwilliamsmith)

Recommended Software Configuration

Operating system
Windows 7, Vista, or XP Professional
Apple Macintosh OS X 10.6, 10.5, or 10.4
(Windows 7, Vista, and XP Professional, as well as Apple Macintosh 10.6, are available for sale at the Help Desk)

Productivity
Microsoft Office Enterprise 2007 (PC) or Microsoft Office 2008 (Apple)

Antivirus
NOD32 Antivirus (PC) or Sophos (for Macs) (Required, provided free on campus)

Wireless

We support the following 802.11 a/b/g wireless cards:

  • Enterasys RoamAbout
  • Apple AirPort
  • Centrino Technology

Related Information:

A list of prices for various software and other IT services is available.

For information regarding student computer requirements or recommendations at HWS please contact the help desk at helpdesk@hws.edu.