Revision 3, May 25, 2007
What hardware does Geneva College Technology Services approve for use on campus?
Although most all brands of PCs and laptops will work if managed and used properly, we have found that some brands are more reliable than others. Based on our experience of loading, installing, fixing, and supporting hardware, Technology Services recommends DakTech brand computers. Whereas many brands of computers are acceptable and will work with the college network, Geneva uses DakTech computers for all their computing needs and has found them to be most reliable.
DakTech will be on campus during Summer Preview to demonstrate their PCs and accept orders if you wish to purchase a computer. (www.daktech.com)
What processing speed and memory size is needed on my PC/laptop?
Currently, Geneva’s computer labs and classrooms have PCs with speeds ranging up to 3.00 GHz. Those processing speeds are very adequate for most all applications except maybe very advanced Computer-Aided Design work.
Tech Services has found that 256MB of memory should be considered the bare minimum when it comes to buying a new PC or laptop. This is the minimum that Microsoft recommends for Windows XP system requirements. Tech Services recommends that if purchasing a new computer that 512MB of memory or above would be best in order for Windows XP (and Vista) to operate effectively. Currently Geneva computer lab computers operate on 512MB – 2GB of memory.
What operating system does Geneva Tech Services recommended?
Geneva is currently installing Windows XP Professional on all new campus installations or reloads of existing PCs and laptops. Windows XP Professional is the recommended operating system of Geneva Tech Services. Geneva Tech Services has found that Windows 2000 is also an acceptable Operating Systems as well as MAC OS-10. Geneva Tech Services cannot recommend Windows ME or Windows XP Home. If you are buying a new PC or laptop, you should definitely pay the extra to get XP Pro over XP Home. Windows Vista is also an acceptable operating system for use on campus.
What wireless cards will work on the Geneva College network?
Overall, tech services have had the fewest problems with Linksys and D-Link brand wireless adapters. Acceptable brands include Hawking, Netgear and Belkin. When shopping for a wireless adapter, look for one that is 802.11B/G compatible, meaning that it will work on wireless networks that are 802.11B (up to 11Mbps) and 802.11G (up to 54Mbps). Wireless routers are not permitted on campus as they pose a security risk to the campus network.
