Technology FAQs
What type of computer should I bring to campus?
Q. Do I need a computer?
A. At this time, the school does not require that students bring a computer, although last year over 98% of our students did. There are over 200 computers available on campus for the students to use.
Q. Macintosh vs. Windows
A. Both the Mac and Windows platforms are supported on campus.
Q. Laptop vs. Desktop
A. This decision is entirely up to your family. Currently, however most students are bringing laptops, since they are easier to travel to and from home with instead of shipping a desktop and monitor home and take up less precious dorm room space.
Printing on Campus
Q. Can my son/daughter print from their room to a public printer?
A. No, not from the dorm, but the PACC (Phillips Academy Computer Center) lobby is open early (7:00am) for printing purposes. The entire lab opens at 7:55am.
Wireless Connectivity
Q. Is wireless connectivity available?
A. Wireless networking is available in multiple buildings across campus.
Internet Access
Q. Does anyone oversee what kind of Web sites my son/daughter visits?
A. There are no organized supervision or firewall restrictions for student Internet activities. However, a bandwidth report is given to the Dean of Students office each week that reports the top 20 student's use of bandwidth in a particular week.
Computer Safety
Q. Should I buy a lock for my son's/daughter's computer?
A. Students are provided with a key to their dorm building, as well as their dorm room. If you do not feel comfortable with their computer being left unattended during school hours, it is your choice to purchase a locking kit. Be aware that there are many types of locking kits (many require bolting to a surface), so you may want to investigate the location for the computer before you purhase a kit.
Network Cable
Q. Where do I purchase a network cable?
A. Students will find a network cable attached to the live port in their dormitory room. Cables are also provided in the PACC (Phillips Academy Computer Center) for a small fee.
Purchasing Computers and Computer Specifications
Q. Do you have any recommendations on where to purchase a computer?
A. We have developed a relationship with Dell Computers and GovConnection to provide a laptop program for community members. You can find out more about these programs and other options on the Purchase Programs page.
Q. What computer specifications are optimum for connecting to the academy network?
A. We suggest that you use the Computer Standards page as a guide to the optimum experience while using the academy network. On this page we have provided computer purchase minimums, as well as what we purchase for academy purposes.
Q. What does the academy's standard software consist of?
A. Microsoft Office, latest Web browser, and anti-virus software are the standards used on campus. Symantec Anti-virus for Macintosh and Trend Anti-virus for Windows is available to students and faculty free of charge, during their career at Phillips Academy. The Microsoft Office suite is also available to students at an educational discount, which students can purchase in the PACC (Phillips Academy Computer Center).
Computer Repair and Support
Q. What type of support do you have for personally owned equipment?
A. We have a student organization called the Techmasters who support students' personally owned computers with software related issues. We also have an outside company on campus for hardware support and repairs. Find out more about these services on the Repair Services page.