<p>Can someone recommend a good laptop to be used at GWU?</p>
<p>get a mac. you won't have any problems with compatibility or anything. they're very common on campus.</p>
<p>you're right get a mac</p>
<p>Just don't try to use it to do the freshman housing survey! Has to be done on a PC using Internet Explorer apparently.</p>
<p>The school's programs are compatible with either though, right? I really dislike macs.</p>
<p>Yes, the school is compatible with both, although there are some laptops that the IT's have no problem in repairing if something did not work right.
I would call the IT deps and ask wich PCs are most compatible. I called them about mine, a Lenovo (former IBM) and they said that one would work fine.
I am not sure of others. at this point I can't buy a new one, maybe next year, an it probably would be a mac though, since people rave about it.</p>
<p>I just forund this article in "Colonial Message Board Index" I thought it would be useful to you all and I pasted it:</p>
<p>Re: computer requirements?
by Admissions1 on Tue Apr 29, 2008 10:51 am </p>
<p>Many students choose to bring a desktop or laptop computer with them to GW. Students living in GW-wired residence halls have individual high-speed Internet connections called “ResNet.” Additionally, students can connect to “GWireless,” GW’s secure, wireless internet connection that is available in many public spaces on campus.</p>
<p>If you were considering the purchase of a new computer, you may want to learn more about the Student Technology Initiative (STI). STI computers come "GW-ready" with a pre-loaded image, helpful software and links to GW services. For more information about the STI, visit the Academic Technologies web site at Student</a> Technology Initiative.</p>
<p>It is also important to be aware of the University’s minimum configurations for new hardware purchases:</p>
<p>PC: Modern Intel or AMD Processor, 1.0GB RAM, 40GB hard disk, CD or DVD-ROM, 10/100Base T Ethernet card, Windows XP Service Pack 2 (Professional version is recommended, but not required) or Windows Vista operating system. Users will be required to install all critical operating system updates, GW-provided Symantec Antivirus software, and anti-spyware software.</p>
<p>Mac: Modern IBM PowerPC G4 or newer processor, 1.0GB RAM, 40 GB hard disk, CD or DVD-ROM, 10/100 Base T Ethernet card, Mac OS X operating system</p>
<p>*Please note that regardless of platform, a 10/100 Base T Ethernet card is required to connect to the campus network. To use GWireless, you will need a wireless Ethernet card (802.11 B or G) as well.</p>
<p>Many students also find it helpful to purchase a memory key/memory stick (a small, portable USB flash drive) in order to transport their files from computer to computer.</p>
<p>Once you arrive on campus, students must sign out ResNet equipment to connect to ResNet. ISS Student Technology Services (STS) hosts the ResNet Connection Fair in the Marvin Center at the beginning of the fall semester. Dates for the Connection Fair will be available during Colonial Inauguration (CI). Posters containing information about the Connection Fair will also be visible in your residence hall during move-in.</p>
<p>For more information about technology at GW, please visit the STS web site at STS:</a> ISS Student Technology Services.</p>
<p>During CI, we encourage you to attend the technology information session and visit the ISS STS service tables at the University Services Fair.</p>
<p>Thank you!Admissions1 </p>
<p>I hope it helps
Multitasker</p>
<p>Thanks Multitasker, that was really helpful</p>
<p>Also, you should get a program like ourTunes, which will allow you to download music off of other people's iTunes. Whether using the Ethernet at your dorm, or using the VPN wireless in the library, you can download a good amount of music.</p>
<p>Any Computer will work!!!! Never fear. And check out GW Blogspot for more GW news and info!!! [url=<a href="http://gwblogspot.blogspot.com/%5DGWblogspot.com%5B/url">http://gwblogspot.blogspot.com/]GWblogspot.com[/url</a>]</p>