Suggested Minimum Specifications for New Computers
Buying a computer with the following specifications will protect you from obsolescence for three to five years. If your needs do not dramatically increase, you may even be able to keep using your computer for even longer.
The most common question we are asked is: “Should I buy a Mac or a PC?” There is no clear-cut answer. The choice of PC vs. Mac is mostly a personal one; Windows XP and Mac OS X are both stable, mature, and full-featured. Besides personal preference, however, there are a number of other factors to consider in your choice of computer. Read more about Macs vs. PCs.
Below are the suggested minimum specifications for new computer purchases.
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Topic(s):faculty, learn, recommendations, staff, student
Academic Computing is pleased to offer educational discounts on Dell and Apple equipment to members of the SLC community. Review the Acceptable Use Policy and then use the links below to purchase desktop and notebook computers, software, and peripherals.
http://www.slc.edu/dell
http://www.slc.edu/apple
Topic(s):discounts, faculty, learn, recommendations, staff, student
Your data is not secure if it only exists in one place. Hard drives, CDs, DVDs, flash drives, etc., will all fail eventually. To ensure the safety of your data, you must back up.
Backing up is simple: make a copy of the file(s) on another medium. If you store documents on your computer hard drive, copy them to a USB flash drive or burn a CD or DVD on a regular basis. Important school documents should be copied to your network drive.
If you back up monthly, you will never lose more than one month's work. Critical work should be backed up at least daily!
Topic(s):faculty, h drive, learn, network storage, recommendations, staff, student
“Sarah Lawrence extends loans to employees for the purchase of computer equipment and peripherals. Employees may borrow up to $2000 once every five (5) years during their employment with the college. Repayment is through payroll deduction and may be over a period of no more than 24 consecutive months or two academic years (for employees paid over 10 months), interest free. Borrowers must show proof of purchase and must repay the loan in full immediately if employment is terminated. Detailed information, payroll deduction forms and repayment notes are available in the Controller’s office.” — Human Resources
Topic(s):discounts, faculty, learn, recommendations, staff, student
Some recommendations for free software:
Topic(s):faculty, learn, recommendations, staff, student
As of June 1, 2007, Sarah Lawrence will no longer provide Dial-up access to the college community. Here is a list of companies to consider when looking for an internet service provider. Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $56 per month.
High Speed Internet Options
Time Warner Road Runner
1-866-520-5983
Optimum Online
1-888-467-8468
EarthLink
(Cable, DSL, and Dial-Up)
1-800-327-8454
Verizon DSL
1-877-483-5898
Verizon Fios
(Verizon Fios is fiber-optic run cable to your home for faster connection)
1-888-933-3331
Dial-up Conection
MetConnect Free Dial-up Connection
MetConnect Access Numbers:
212-359-2000, 347-562-0000, 516-630-2000, 631-236-0000, 646-496-0000, 845-727-9001, 914-595-8001
Topic(s):faculty, help desk, learn, recommendations, staff, student
Mac or PC?
Besides the aesthetic “feel” of each platform, there are a number of important practical differences between Macs and PCs that should be taken into account when deciding which one is right for you.
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Topic(s):faculty, learn, recommendations, staff, student
Brain Candy