2003 - 2004: Computer Recommendations for RU Students
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Introduction
Radford University enthusiastically embraces the age of technology, and is committed to encouraging student use of computers. This is facilitated through the availability of general use computer labs, specialized computer labs and, for those who wish to purchase them, privately owned personal computers. RU does not at this time require students to purchase computers. RU recognizes, however, that owning and using a personal computer aids in the development of strong technology skills, which in turn, enhances the value of a student’s education. About 75% of RU students choose to bring their own computer to campus, and we would recommend that all students seriously consider the advantages of purchasing a personal computer. Students who use their own personal computers may still, at times, need to avail themselves of some of the specialized campus computer labs, where high-cost specialized hardware and software is available to them.
Hardware Recommendations
If you choose to purchase a computer, we suggest you carefully consider the many choices of desktop and laptop computers that are available in an ever-changing market. Radford University’s computer recommendations are intended to guide you through the purchase of a computer that will accommodate your needs during your college years. This does not mean that you need to buy a top of the line model, but you do need to purchase a model capable of meeting your needs for the next several years. Computers that fall below these recommendations may be sufficient for your needs now, but unable to meet your needs after two or three years. The “Minimum Supported Configuration” is intended only for those users that are considering bringing a computer they already own to campus. Recommended minimum specifications are provided elsewhere in this material.
Since your computer is a substantial investment for you and/or your family, we also recommend that you consider including this purchase in an addendum to a personal or family insurance plan.
Some discount machines with proprietary configurations are difficult to upgrade, maintain, and connect to networks. We recommend that you purchase your computer from a reputable manufacturer, catalog store or computer store that will provide you with an on-site service contract for timely repair of any hardware failures. This will insure that any hardware related failures you might have throughout your college career could be easily repaired.
NOTE DEPARTMENTAL VARIATIONS: Most departments use Windows based computers, but a few may recommend that you purchase a Macintosh. If you already have selected a major, be sure to check your department’s computer homepage, and with your departmental advisor, for any special hardware or software recommendations before purchasing a computer.
Software Recommendations
The University recommends the purchase of Microsoft Office XP (Office 2001 for Macintosh computers). The University Bookstore sells Microsoft Office XP Professional for $219.99 and Office XP for $189.99. As software companies issue improvements to their products, you may want to plan for upgrading the software on your computer at least once while attending the University. Email attachments, network downloading and exchange of floppy disks exposes your computer to viruses, so we recommend that McAfee or another anti-virus software be installed to provide protection from viruses.
RADFORD UNIVERSITY USERNAME
All RU students are assigned a unique network account that provides access to email, student records, server directories, campus computers, and other network resources. The username/login for this account is typically the first letter of your first name followed by the first eight letters of your last name and should be included on the label that was placed on the front of this guide. If you have access to an Internet connection you can begin using this account after June 10th via the RU Webmail login page (https://www.portal.radford.edu). You will need to select the “Account Activation” link to set a password and start using this account. Campus departments will use your RU email account as a point of contact throughout your career at Radford University. If you choose to continue using some other email service it will be important for you to use the “Forward Email” link on the RU Webmail site to forward all of your RU email to that account.
CAMPUS NETWORK CONNECTIONS
It is essential that students be able to connect to the Internet wherever she or he works and lives.
ON CAMPUS STUDENTS - Radford University provides Ethernet network connections for on-campus students and recommends that all students with personal computers living in residence halls purchase Ethernet cards for Internet access. Students living on campus may wish to obtain both a network card and a modem. As an on-campus student, this would allow you to have network connectivity in the summer while away from the campus, and to smoothly transition your connectivity if later you should decide to move off campus.
OFF CAMPUS STUDENTS - For students who live off-campus, the University provides, at no charge, high-speed (56Kb/s) modems connections for dial-up Internet access.
The following information describes the difference between modem and network access to the Internet.
What is a modem connection?
A modem is a device that allows you to use your telephone line to connect to the campus network and the Internet. For off-campus students, this is the only method of access to the Internet. Modems currently operate at a maximum speed of 56Kbps, and allow access to the World Wide Web, e-mail, and other Internet resources. A modem connection ties up a phone line; therefore, you cannot make or receive telephone calls on the same phone line while connected to the Internet. Modem connection to University servers is currently set at a maximum of 10 hours of modem usage per day.
What is an Ethernet network connection?
An Ethernet network connection is a dedicated connection to the Internet that does not require the use of a phone line. To effect this direct connection, at least four things are required—a computer containing an Ethernet network adapter, a network cable, software to manage the communication linkages, and a room in a residence hall equipped with an Ethernet Connection. These direct network connections operate at 150 – 200 times the speed of a modem connection and do not have daily time restrictions. You can use this type of connection to access the World Wide Web, E-mail, and other Internet resources just as with a modem connection, but at a much higher speed. For your computer to be ready to connect to the Ethernet network, you should purchase a network adapter and 20-30 foot cable for use in your computer. This will cost between $60 -$100. For Windows computers, we recommend and provide technical support for a 3Com Ethernet Adapters, which should be purchased and installed before you arrive on campus.