<p>IvyH2O,</p>
<p>Dartmouth does not support Dell Inspiron or Dimension models or any non-Dell Windows computers.</p>
<p>I don't know how much a software package cost because we just purchased the new PC through Dartmouth and it came fully loaded. I know that if you have Windows XP home, you must change to Windows XP Professional so you cna have access to the network, you have to get a wireless card, and all ot this has to be configured. They will explain all of this over the summer.</p>
<p>Dartmouth's link to personal computer ownership requirements:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.dartmouth.edu/comp/support/library/start/using-pc/ownership-req.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.dartmouth.edu/comp/support/library/start/using-pc/ownership-req.html</a></p>
<p>Following are some frequently asked questions regarding the computer ownership requirement.</p>
<p>Do I Have to Buy a Personal Computer?</p>
<p>Dartmouth requires all incoming undergraduate students to own a personal computer. To assist with this, the College sells computers to students at academically discounted prices. If you already own a computer that you plan to bring, you may not need to purchase another one; however, there are many advantages to having a new computer, especially one purchased through Dartmouth. First, a computer purchased through Dartmouth will already have much of the software needed by students installed on it. Second, Dartmouth can provide on-site service and support for the products that we sell. If you have a problem with a computer that is not one of the models recommended by Dartmouth or you are running an unsupported operating system, you will need to go off campus for help.</p>
<p>You will use your personal computer for electronic mail, to register for classes, review course materials, submit assignments, search library catalogs, surf the World Wide Web, and more. Any computer you use should be new enough to take full advantage of all of these resources.</p>
<p>When Will I Receive Additional Information About the Computer Ownership Requirement?</p>
<p>In late May, you will receive a flyer reminding you that you will be receiving a computer information packet in late June. We strongly encourage you to postpone the purchase of a computer until you receive this packet.</p>
<p>The packet will include a newsletter describing the computer ownership requirement, our recommended Apple and Dell computers, and ordering instructions. The newsletter will include sections on "Choosing a Computer Package: What to Buy, Whats Included," "Learning About Computing at Dartmouth," "Buy from Us, Or Bring Your Own?," and "The Fine Print: What You Need to Know When Placing Your Order." Also included in the packet will be an order form, a letter from Financial Aid, and a sheet describing the computer packages.</p>
<p>Finally, in late July or early August, you will receive a letter explaining computer orientation activities. Computers ordered through Dartmouth are made available during orientation. These computers are available at special educational prices. The letter will explain the computer education activities planned during Orientation Week for all incoming undergraduate students, and will tell you when we will distribute the pre-ordered personal computers and computer materials.</p>
<p>Why Should I Purchase My Computer from Dartmouth?</p>
<p>The system you purchase from Dartmouth will be competitively priced, preconfigured for our network, and preloaded with operating system software, Microsoft Office, Symantec AntiVirus, Dartmouths electronic mail program, Sygate Personal Firewall, an FTP client, and a Web browser.</p>
<p>Students who buy their computers from Dartmouth say they have far fewer problems getting started on our network. They also have the essential suite of software tools properly installed and ready to use.</p>
<p>Most of the support issues we see with computers that are brought from home have to do with network compatibility. Specifically, most of the problems can be traced to hardware components such as wireless or Ethernet cards or with system level software configurations. In some cases, these problems cannot be resolved, and as a result, these systems do not meet the computer ownership requirement. You should not assume that because you are bringing a relatively new brand name computer that it will work properly on our network or meet the ownership requirement.</p>
<p>Additionally, if you experience a problem with a computer that is not one of our supported models, you will be referred off campus for support. Resolving the problem may require time and money and leave you without a computer in the meantime.</p>
<p>Any computer on the Dartmouth network must be properly configured and have antivirus protection installed and active. Computers that contract viruses will be denied access to the network until all viruses have been removed.</p>
<p>If you plan to bring a computer from home, or if you purchase a used computer, you can purchase or order the commercial software, cables, and accessories from Dartmouths Computer Sales and Service. On many items, Computer Sales and Service is able to obtain academic pricing that can save you money.</p>
<p>What Computers Are Being Recommended to Incoming Students?</p>
<p>Dartmouth offers a number of computer packages to incoming students. At this time, we have not finalized our decision on the recommended packages. To keep up to date on the most current information, we suggest you monitor the Class of 2009 Web site (<a href="http://2009.dartmouth.edu/)%5B/url%5D">http://2009.dartmouth.edu/)</a>. We will post information as it becomes available.</p>
<p>Should I Purchase a Laptop or Desktop Computer?</p>
<p>Dartmouth recommends that students purchase laptop computers. Laptop computers take advantage of our extensive wireless network and allow students to work on their computers from anywhere on campus.</p>
<p>Are There Any Types of Computers Not Recommended?</p>
<p>You can choose to purchase a new or used system from a source other than Dartmouth. However, we can only support the specific computer packages we recommend. When your computer packet arrives in late June, please read it carefully before purchasing any computer so you will know which system will best fit your needs.</p>
<p>Dartmouth Peter Kiewit Computing Services supports only Macintosh computers and the Dell Latitude laptop and OptiPlex desktop lines of computers running Mac OS X or Windows XP Professional. If you bring a personal computer other than one of the recommended models, you will need to take your computer off campus for repair. We do not support Dell Dimension and Inspiron computers. Students who bring computers other than those recommended sometimes have problems getting their computers connected to the Dartmouth network, even though the computer appears to meet our specifications.</p>
<p>If you plan to bring a new computer that matches the specifications of the packages recommended, you will be asked to call the incoming student computer hotline (that number will be activated in late June) to discuss your options and to find out about the standards for network interface cards and other key components.</p>