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Overview
As an Ithaca College faculty, staff or student you qualify for special educational prices from a number of computer hardware and software manufacturers for your personal computer hardware and software needs. Generally, all you need to do is identify yourself as a college student or employee to receive special academic pricing.

Ithaca College primarily uses Windows computers from Dell, and Macintosh Computers from Apple. Both offer special pricing to college students and employees. Apple Computer can be reached at 1-800-MY-APPLE and Dell Computer at 888-987-3355. You can also order online by clicking on the above icons, which will take you to the college’s Apple and Dell Web stores.

If you are a student and you will be connecting your computer to Apogee ResNet, the residence hall computer network, it must have a 10/100 RJ45 network adapter and driver software installed, as well as a network cable. Network cables are available for purchase at the Ithaca College Bookstore.

New Computer Recommendations for Students
Almost any new computer purchased today from one of the leading computer manufacturers should be more than adequate for basic student use on campus (Microsoft Office, basic Internet access, etc.). If your specific needs are more demanding (for example, if you use computer graphics development software, video capture, and the like), then you'll want to make sure that you purchase a faster system that has more memory and storage space. You can also check with your academic advisor or department to find out what they recommend.

Windows Computers
We currently use Windows XP operating system and Microsoft Office 2007 products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) on campus. New PCs for personal purchase will probably come with Windows Vista operating system. Because of the complexities associated with new operating systems, Microsoft Vista is not yet being deployed on campus. As a result, support from ITS for Vista is minimal, but will increase in the future.

Macintosh Computers
We currently use OS X operating system and both Microsoft Office 2004 and 2008 products (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). We recommend, if possible, using compatible software. If something happens to your personal computer, there are many lab computers avilable to use.

Park School of Communications
The Park School of Communications requires all incoming first-year students to purchase a laptop equipped with a uniform software suite. For information and details about the laptop program please visit the Roy H. Park School of Communications Laptop Program site.

School of Business
The School of Business requires all incoming first-year students to purchase a laptop equipped with a uniform software suite. For information and details about the laptop program please visit the School of Business Laptop Program site.

Software Recommendations
Before purchasing specific software, you may want to consider which applications ITS is able to support. ITS can answer some questions and provide some help on supported applications; for those programs that ITS does not support, seek the help of your hardware or software vendor. For a list of ITS supported software, see the Software and Systems site.

Software can be purchased at educational prices from many retailers and mail order companies. Again, all you need to do is identify yourself as a college student or employee to receive special academic pricing for your personal purchase.

Anti-Virus Software Information
If you are using ResNet, you must have anti-virus software installed on your computer. We recommend that you set your anti-virus software to automatically update at least once a week, if not daily. McAfee Anti-virus software is available for free download. For more information on protecting your personal computer, please go to www.ithaca.edu/computing/resnet/.

Microsoft Office Purchase Programs

• Faculty and Staff - Microsoft offers the Home Use Program (HUP), which provides an opportunity for faculty and staff to work at home with the same Microsoft products they use at the office.
• Students - IC students can purchase Office 2007 for Windows (Mac versions are not available at this time) at a significant discount through Microsoft's Ultimate Steal promotion.

Repairing Your Personal Computer
You are responsible for maintaining and fixing your personal computer. If something happens to your computer and you are using ResNet, our residential network service provider, Apogee, can help you troubleshoot the problem.Contact Apogee at 1-877-478-8893. If the problem seems to be with your computer and not Apogee's network, you can contact the Student Computer Repair Center for assistance.

If you are a Park School first year student and have purchased a laptop in accordance with their laptop initiative, an on campus support center is available to help you if you have problems. Please visit the Laptop Support page for more information about what support is offered to Park students.