ABOUT USING A COMPUTER
AT BATES COLLEGE
The information at this site is current for Fall, 2008.
1. Does Bates College have a required computer
purchase?
2. Should I buy a computer for use at Bates?
3. Does Bates recommend particular computers?
4. Should I purchase a laptop or a desktop
computer?
5. How do I order a computer from Dell?
6. How do I order a computer from Apple?
7. When should I order my computer?
8. If I order a computer from Dell or Apple,
can I have it delivered to Bates?
9. What if I already have a computer or choose
to purchase one from another vendor?
10. How will I connect my computer to the
Bates network?
11. Is virus protection software required?
12. How do I install or update Sophos on my computer before I come to campus?
13. What other software will I need?
14. What operating system should I have on
my computer?
15. Is network file storage available?
16. Does Bates support wireless network access?
17. Is there anything else I should know?
1.
Does Bates College have a required computer purchase?
No. Students use both Mac and Windows machines. Computer
purchases in 2007 from the ILS sales program were approximately 50% Mac and 50% Windows.
[TOP]
2. Should I buy a computer for
use at Bates?
If you can afford to purchase a personal computer, we
strongly recommend that you do so. Bates College has many
public computers
available to students but access to these computers varies,
depending on the location of the computers and the general
demands on them.
[TOP]
3.
Does Bates recommend particular computers?
Yes, Bates recommends Dell and
Apple computers. Information in
the brochure sent to you in June advises you on how to configure
and order a Bates recommended computer directly from Dell
or Apple.
[TOP]
4.
Should I purchase a laptop or a desktop computer?
Basically, this is a choice of personal preference since
there are advantages and disadvantages with each model.
However, we would recommend purchasing a laptop computer,
if possible. In recent years, over 90% of the computers
owned by first year students were laptop computers.
You now can use a laptop at over 450 wired network jacks
on campus. Also, wireless computer access is available in
Ladd Library, Chase Hall, the new dining building, Perry Atrium in Pettengill Hall, in major classroom buildings and in all residence halls. Additionally,
laptops are smaller, can fit better on a dorm desk, can
be easily transported home on vacations and can be taken
on off-campus academic pursuits. We strongly recommend purchasing
a security cable if you have a laptop computer.
[TOP]
5.
How do I order a computer from Dell?
You can either call Dell or you can place an order over
the internet. To place an order on-line, you will need a
valid email address.
To order by phone, call 1-800-695-8133. If you reside outside
the US, you can contact Dell via email at US_International_Student_Purchases@Dell.com.
You should identify yourself as a Bates student and ask
to order one of the Bates computers. You will be able to
modify the configuration, just as you would if you ordered
the computer on-line. If you want to pay for the computer
with a check, you should call, place your order and then
mail a check to Dell.
To place an on-line order, access Dell from the Bates sales
web site at http://abacus.bates.edu/ils/offices/sales/dell.html.
To see the Bates configurations, click on the top, green
'Start Shopping' link. To see the full Dell line, click
on the other green ‘Start Shopping' link. The complete Dell line will provide access to other Latitude and Optiplex
models as well as Inspiron and Dimension models. The Bates ID for Dell is BS10577074.
An order placed on-line must be charged to a credit card.
If you have problems placing an on-line order, you can call
1-800-695-8133. If you want to pay for the computer with a check, you should call Dell, place your order and then mail a check to Dell.
[TOP]
6.
How do I order a computer from Apple?
You can order a computer from Apple either by calling Apple
or by accessing Apple from the Bates
custom Apple Store. Orders can be placed 24 hours a day,
seven days a week. You should remember that you are eligible
to purchase one laptop, one desktop, two monitors and one
printer from Apple per academic year (7/1 through 6/30),
and that all sales are final.
To order by phone, call 1-800-800-2775, and select option
2 and then option 1 for pricing and product information.
You will need to identify yourself as a Bates student and
you may be asked to fax proof of matriculation to Apple. In addition, you will need
to have a United States billing and shipping address. You
can pay by check or credit card.
To place an order on-line, you can access the Bates custom
Apple Store from the Bates sales web site, http://abacus.bates.edu/ils/offices/sales/apple.html
and clicking on the Apple image or by going to www.apple.com/education/store
. If you go directly to the Apple education store, you should
select 'shop for yourself' and then 'higher
education faculty, staff, and students.' After selecting
your school, you will be informed that Bates has a custom
Apple Store and will be able to link to it. Orders
placed on-line require credit card payment. To see the Bates systems, click on the 'Recommended Systems' in the upper right of the page.
You can also purchase an Apple computer at an Apple retail
store. To receive the education discount, you will have
to ask for it, indicate that you are affiliated with Bates
College and provide proof of matriculation at Bates.
[TOP]
7.
When should I order my computer?
We recommend ordering a computer as soon as possible. Manufacturers
can encounter unanticipated shortages or other production
problems and cannot always guarantee delivery by the start of school.
8. If I order a computer from Dell
or Apple, can I have it delivered to Bates?
Yes,
you can have your computer delivered to Bates. However,
we recommend that you have the computer delivered to your
home address so that you can check the computer and load
software before you arrive on campus. If it is not convenient
for the computer to be delivered home, it can be sent to:
Your
Name
C/O Bates College Physical Plant
147 Russell St.
Lewiston, ME 04240
Physical Plant requests that all personal shipments sent to the above address be delivered after August 1.
[TOP]
9.
What if I already have a computer or choose to purchase
one from another vendor?
If you choose to bring a computer, other than one of our
recommended systems, to Bates or purchase one from another
vendor, we cannot guarantee network access or hardware service.
In order for a computer to be attached to the local area
network, it must meet our minimum system requirements.
See Question
14 for information on Operating Systems.
[TOP]
10.
How will I connect my computer to the Bates network?
Before you can connect your computer, you will need your
user name and password. Login information will be mailed to first year students in early August, in the housing packet. If you
do not receive this information, please contact Help Desk
Services at 1.207.786.8222. If you have not memorized your
password, remember to bring it to campus with you. Your
password is unique to you and it is your entry to the Bates
network. Do not share your Bates password
with anyone.
To connect your computer to the Bates network, you will
have to register the computer using CCAA, Cisco's authentication
process. CCAA will check for current updated anti-virus
software and current operating system patches and updates.
If your computer does not meet CCAA's requirements, you
will be directed to internet sites for assistance.
[TOP]
11. Is virus protection software
required?
Yes, virus protection software is required.
Bates provides Sophos Anti-virus, for PC’s and Macs,
at no charge. Information and installation instructions
for Sophos are available at: http://www.bates.edu/back-to-school.xml. Full CCAA support is provided for computers with Sophos.
Limited support is provided for computers with other anti-virus
programs.
[TOP]
12. How do I install or update Sophos on my computer before I come to campus?
Instructions for installing or updating Sophos can be found on the ILS web site, http://www.bates.edu/back-to-school.xml. Help Desk Services can also provide assistance. They can be reached via email at helpdesk@bates.edu or by phone at 1.207.786.8222.
[TOP]
13. What other software will I
need?
You will need word processing software. Bates has standardized
on and supports the Microsoft Office Suite of products.
Bates offers the Microsoft Office Standard Suite Student Select License from an on-line vendor, eAcademy. The software is sent to your home so you can install Office before coming to campus. To order the software you will need your Bates username and password and access to your Bates email. The price for either Office 2007 (Windows) or Office 2008 (Mac) is $79, plus shipping. Be sure to order the correct version because the software cannot be returned, even if it is not opened.
Some computers may include WordPerfect or another word
processor. Information
and Library Services has standardized on the Microsoft Office
Suite of products and other programs are not supported.
[TOP]
14. What operating system should
I have on my computer?
For Windows computers, we require Windows XP or Vista. For Mac users, we require
OS X v10.3 or higher.
If your computer is running Windows Vista Ultimate with Windows Bitlocker Drive Encryption activated, be aware that it will not be possible to recover data from a failed encrypted hard drive.
Current operating system upgrades are required in order
to access the Bates network.
[TOP]
15. Is network file storage available?
Yes, Bates provides temporary network disk storage
space for students.
[TOP]
16. Does Bates support wireless
network access?
Wireless network access is available in Ladd Library, Chase Hall, the new dining building, Perry
Atrium in Pettengill Hall, major classroom buildings and all residence halls. This
installation is based on Cisco's 802.11g access points.
The Bates configured Dell computers include a wireless
miniPCI card that is compatible
with our Cisco equipment. Bates Apple laptop computers also
include a compatible wireless card.
Personal wireless equipment is not permitted
on the Bates network. Students will be asked to remove any
personal wireless equipment that is on the network.
[TOP]
17. Is there anything
else I should know?
Please pay careful attention to the minimum
system requirements.
The Information and Library Service support staff will
attempt to assist all students with networking their computers.
However, we can only guarantee network access for the ‘Bates’
Dell and Apple computers.
Be sure to bring all CD’s that come with a computer
and peripherals. Often the CD’s contain files that may be
necessary during a computer repair.
For wired access, a computer will need an Ethernet cable to connect to the
network jack. Cables are available
for sale at Computer Sales and Service, 110 Russell
St.
Bates College Security recommends that students use a security cable to secure a laptop computer in the dorm room. Security cables can be purchased at most computer and office supply stores
The information in the brochure and on the web site is
current as of May, 2008. We suggest that you check this
web site periodically over the summer to see if any changes
have been made to the Back-to-School program.
We have tried to anticipate your questions. However, if
there is something that we missed, you can call us at 207.786.6376 or email us at computer_sales@bates.edu. All updates and changes will be listed at our web
page, www.bates.edu/ils/offices/sales.
Additional information will be available at the Back-to-School
web site,http://www.bates.edu/back-to-school.xml.
[TOP]
|
