The Hotchkiss School
Computer Specifications for Students
As of 3/5/05
This is an overview of The Hotchkiss School's recommendations for computer equipment for students.
For more information, please contact Mr. David Griffin, Novell Netware Administrator, by phone (860-435-3752) or email (dgriffin@hotchkiss.org).
Computers on Campus
Hotchkiss does not require students to purchase their own computer. There are numerous school machines available for student use in the Watson Computing Center and the Edsel Ford Memorial Library. Additionally, the library has laptops available for students to check out overnight or over school breaks.
However, many students do choose to bring their own machines, and each dormitory room is wired to provide students with high-speed access to the campus network and the Internet. Patch cords that connect the computer to the campus network are available for purchase at the school bookstore. Wireless networking is currently not supported by the school, and for security reasons, wireless access points are not allowed in the dorms.
PLEASE NOTE: All student machines connected to the Hotchkiss network must have the school’s version of Symantec Anti-Virus and all Windows or Macintosh security updates installed. This is necessary to provide adequate virus protection to the campus computers and servers. Hotchkiss will provide the anti-virus software and will assist with its installation when students arrive on campus. Students who do not have the school’s version of the anti-virus software will not be given network access from their dormitory rooms.
Both PC and Mac platforms are supported by the school. Additional guidelines for each appear below. For information about the School's student laptop purchase program, please click here.
Software
Students are responsible for providing their own productivity software, as well as any other applications they may wish to use. The School uses and supports the Microsoft Office suite. Other applications may be used successfully, however they are not supported by the School and thus may require additional work and knowledge on the part of the student. Students may purchase Microsoft Office Standard Edition at special academic prices beginning April 2005. For more information, please see our Laptop Purchase page.
Hotchkiss provides each student with an email account and sufficient network file space to store and retrieve academic-related files.
The School also provides each student with an appropriate client to access their email and calendar, as well as Web-based email access for those students who prefer to access their email and calendar from a Web browser. GroupWise is Hotchkiss's official email and calendar software.
Please note: The School will not provide operating system or productivity software for use on individual student computers. Students should bring their own copies of operating system and productivity software, along with appropriate product ID and/or license numbers, for support purposes.
Support
Hotchkiss has two full-time technicians dedicated to supporting the computing needs of the school. Students in need of assistance should either call (x. 3777), email (help@hotchkiss.org), or stop by the Desktop Support Office, located on the second floor of Main Building, across from the Watson Computer Center.
In addition, the Computer Department and other Hotchkiss faculty are present in the computer labs throughout the academic day and during evening study hours. They are happy to provide help in using any supported computer application.