| 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
students to use.
Q:
Macintosh vs. Windows
A:
Both
the Mac and Windows platforms are supported on campus, however
for optimal performance, we suggest a Windows-based computer.
Currently, over 90% of our students use Windows-based computers.
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 (7:00 a.m.)
for printing purposes. The entire lab opens at 7:55 a.m.
|
| 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 each week that reports students
that have used over 1GB of bandwidth during 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 purchase 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 fee of
$5.00.
|
|
Minimum
Computer Specifications
|
Q:
What computer specifications are optimum for connecting to
the academy network?
A:
We
suggest that you use the computer
specifications page as a guide to the optimum
experience while using the academy network. On this page we
have provided computer purchase recommendations and information
about what we purchase for academy purposes.
Q:
What does the academy's standard software consist of?
A: Microsoft Office2003 (Office 2004 for Mac), latest
Web browser, and Norton Antivirus (Macintosh computers) and
Trend Anti-Virus software (Windows computers) are the standards
used on campus.
|
