SUNY Cobleskill

 

Information Technology Services

Knowledge Base

last modified: 2 April 2007

 

 

Student Computer Information and Specifications Sheet

Fall Semester 2007

Applies To

Prospective Students

Issue

Commonly asked questions and information for prospective students

 

 

Do I really need a computer at SUNY Cobleskill? 

You decide—here are some things to consider:

  • Computers are now standard tools in higher education.  Any class that requires you to write a paper, make a classroom presentation, produce a cost/benefit study, track the progress of an experiment or other project will require that you use a computer.
  • Many Cobleskill faculty use Web-based course tools to provide access to study materials outside scheduled class time.  Nearly every student at Cobleskill is enrolled in some of these courses; depending on your major, you may have a lot.

Over 90% of our students have their own computer, but there are also a limited number of open access computer labs on campus.  Provided you schedule your time and get to a lab when it’s open, you have everything you need to get your work done—software, Internet access, even assistance if you get stuck.

 

If I decide I want a computer, what kind do I need?

A few majors may require that you have a laptop/notebook computer but most do not have a specific computer requirement.  Find out details from your department when you visit the campus.

  • Many students who are not in a required laptop/notebook major still like the portability of a laptop.  It lets you take your computer with you from home or dorm to school—even to class and back if you want—with all your papers, presentations and other files in tact. 
  • Others students prefer a desktop computer.  As computers, there’s not much difference between the two.  The real difference is portability—if that’s useful for you then look for a laptop; if not, then look for a desktop.

The choice is yours, BUT whatever you decide—desktop or laptop—your computer needs to meet some basic hardware specifications if it is going to connect to the campus network and run the campus-standard software.

 

Why do I need to be on the campus network? 

 

The campus network provides your access to the Internet.  This is important for using Web-based class materials, campus e-mail and other shared network resources.  When plugging into any campus network port, your computer automatically gains access to the World Wide Web. 

 

What about software?  What do I need?

 

 2003 Professional (Access/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint/Publisher/Word)

But don’t buy it!!  Your technology fee covers the cost of licensing Office for all enrolled students. AND, it’s yours when you graduate!  PLUS, once you are here, we will help you get it installed on your computer (provided it meets the minimum hardware specs, see above).  If your major plans to use the new MS Office 2007 Professional software suite, you may obtain it on campus at no additional cost.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system (O/S)

Our Microsoft Campus Agreement also entitles you to an upgrade for your Windows operating system (if allowed by your computer’s warranty).

Vista:  ITS is currently evaluating Microsoft Windows Vista, although no plans or timetable have been established to make Vista a fully supported computing environment or to install it on campus-owned computers, including those used in classrooms and labs.  Help Center support for student-owned computers running Vista will focus on helping users connect to the campus network.  Also for the time being, we will not be offering free upgrades to Vista.

 

AntiVirus software is required for all computers connected to the network to protect your computer as well as the campus network from viruses.  Your technology fee covers the cost of McAfee Anti-Virus software if you do not have your own anti-virus software, provided that you install the management agent for remote administration.

 

 

 

 

 

What are the minimum computer configuration to support network connections and campus standard software?

1.     In order to connect to the campus network:

  • On-campus computers need a 10/100 Ethernet card.   Many new laptops now come with them integrated (but be sure to ask); most desktops either have them or will have a slot to install them (but be sure to check). 
  • A category 5 Ethernet cable (10ft or longer for residence halls.)  Wireless connections are also available in limited areas.  To use this connection, you will need to have an 802.11b compatible wireless card.

2.     To support the campus-standard software, your computer needs to have:

  • A valid operating system—Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000 Professional.  Windows 3.x, 95, 98, and ME are not supported by the Help Center (FREE upgrades are available under the Microsoft Campus agreement – check with the Help Center.)
  • Hard drive space

1) A minimum of 20 GB of available hard drive space for the operating system and campus-standard software only. 

2) If your major requires you to use the new Microsoft Office 2007 software suite, then your computer should have at least 40 GB of disk available instead of 20 GB.  

3) If you’re buying new, look for an 80 GB hard drive or larger.

  • Memory

1) A minimum of 512 MB of RAM or higher (More RAM is better, and 1GB or more is recommended.

2) Although not currently being supported at SUNY Cobleskill, to run the new Windows Vista operating system  effectively, you may need 2 GB of memory.  

3) For those who are buying new, 2 GB of memory is recommended)

  • CPU (Central Processing Unit) running at 1 GHz or faster. 
  • CD-ROM drive; CD-RW or DVD-RW is preferred.
  • Monitor—super VGA or higher resolution with 256 colors (minimum); TFT (active matrix) display recommended for laptops.  Flat panel monitors are now very popular and are space savers as well as energy efficient.

 

 

What if I have a Mac instead of a PC?

 

Our campus network is Windows based, but you can still connect your Mac computer for e-mail and Internet access provided it’s Ethernet capable (iMac, iBook, PowerBook, G4 and other recent models work fine).  And, you can get Microsoft Office applications for Mac’s at no cost through our Microsoft Campus Agreement (Mac OS not covered by this agreement).

 

What services are available from ITS and the Help Center?

 

  • Each dormitory room has two network ports – one per student.  ITS technicians maintain the jack in the room and the connectivity from your port to the network.
  • The Help Center is available for walk-in services Monday through Thursday from  8 AM to 9 PM, Friday  8 AM to 4 PM, and Saturday Noon to 5 PM  in Warner Hall, Room 023.  Help Center services are also available in the Information Commons (Library lower level) 9 PM to Midnight, Monday through Thursday.  We can also be contacted for telephone assistance by dialing 5800.  Online service for logging technical support requests are available at http://www.cobleskill.edu/dbits
  • Walk-in and telephone assistance for network configuration and e-mail setup is provided by the Help Center technicians.
  • Distribution of the MSCA software and McAfee Anti-Virus installation is available at the Help Center.
  • Assistance with installation of Ethernet cards is provided by the Help Center technicians.  This service is only available at the Help Center. 
  • Walk-in and telephone assistance with the Campus Standard Software (Windows/Office XP-2003) is provided by the Help Center technicians.

Note:  While the Help Center assists students with campus networking solutions, we are not certified to provide the services of a computer repair center, therefore, assistance with hardware and peripherals is very limited.  We will assist with basic troubleshooting, but it is our goal not to void system warranties and technical support services that may come with the users’ computers.

 

Questions?   Send us e-mail to computing@cobleskill.edu or call us at 518-255-5800

Visit www.cobleskill.edu/its for additional information.

 

 

For additional assistance contact the Help Center at 518/255-5800