<p>Rather than hijack the existing thread on notebooks, I thought I would ask a relatively simple question about notebooks. Assuming for the sake of discussion that D will be bringing a Dell notebook using Microsoft XP as an OS, and also assuming she will not be taking science or engineering courses (other than as may be required for a religious studies or psych major), is the any special software or are there any special peripherals that she will need to be able to access whatever wired or wireless networks she may need as an CAS student? Is an out of the box Dell notebook with XP sufficient?</p>
<p>Nope, all new Dells should come with a wireless card, and they usually use Intel ProSET/Wireless which is more or less automatic and instantaneous wireless internet.</p>
<p>For wired access she just needs to plug the ethernet cable in, plus software the school provides, and she's set.</p>
<p>Thanks. That's what I thought. The notebook can be configured before she even goes to school with additional virus protection software and she's off an running.</p>
<p>she will need to download some secure certificates to connect to the UVA network when she gets here.
Once she does that then she can access the ITC download page and download the required UVA software. You also get Norton AV Corp edition for free. </p>
<p>Make certain that she also brings ALL of the recovery CDs/DVDs so in case she has problems that she can get back up and working. If her hard drive dies, dell will send you a drive that only has a basic setup on it, she will have to reinstall every thing from the multiple Cds/DVDs.</p>
<p>If she is accessing bank account info I seriously suggest using wire, not wireless. It is not as secure as everyone claims it to be. You will need a 40' 10/100 cat5 cable in the dorms. You wont know what side of the room you are on, and you cant take the cord under the carpets, it has to wrap around the room. CavComp will have cables in stock and will be seriously less than any other place you look. Any questions you can call the Help desk (434)924-3731 or CavComp (800-759-4667 option 2)</p>