1:
Do I have to buy a computer? What computers and printers are available for public use?
A:
While students are not required to have a computer, we strongly recommend that they do. Middlebury has more than 200 PCs and Macs in public computer laboratories, classrooms, and the library. About 50% of students have their own printers. Laser printing is readily available in public labs and the Library as well.
Students are strongly encouraged to purchase one of the designated models; the purchase price typically includes an academic discount, and may include pre-configuration of the system for use on Middlebury's network, as well as licensing and installation of standard software packages used at Middlebury.
2:
Can I get upgrades on the Middlebury recommended systems?
A:
Upgrades are available from both Dell and Apple at the time of purchase over and above the Middlebury recommended systems. These include modems, CD / CD-R / CD-RW / DVD/ DVD-R, scanners, printers, additional memory and disc storage, digital cameras and so on. These options are listed on the order pages of the Middlebury recommended systems. Please note that the LIS helpdesk strives to support the academic mission of the college, and that setting up and troubleshooting of extra devices is not our priority.
3:
Do the computers come with any software?
A:
Middlebury College makes several applications available to students who may wish to install them on their computers. These include Microsoft Office, WinZip, and Symantec AntiVirus, just to name a few. Middlebury College licensed software is available to full-time Middlebury College faculty and staff (Language Schools are not included). These programs are made available on the College server or on discs available in the Library. They are licensed for academic use only.
4:
What is a standard disc image and is there one available?
A:
Yes, we do provide a disc image that contains all the device drivers and application programs that are necessary for your Middlebury-specific Dell computer to function optimally. This Custom Factory Intergration (CFI) disc image is available only for Middlebury College recommended Dell computers.
The CFI image discs provided with these Dell computers will allow you to quickly and easily restore your computer to full working order if your computer's software is damaged due to a virus attack, user error, etc. Since all the software you need is in compressed form in the image, restoration can be done quickly. The contents of the CFI MIddlebury image include:
Microsoft Windows XP Professional. This is the operating system we recommend owing to its enhanced stability and security.Microsoft Office XP Standard Edition.This application suite includes Microsoft Word (word processing), Microsoft Excel (spreadsheets and data analysis), Microsoft Powerpoint (presentations) and Outlook (email, contacts, calendars).Symantec Antivirus Corporate Edition. This protects your computer from viruses and is updated automatically when your computer is logged into the campus network.Other programs including WinZip (file compression) & WS-FTP (file transfer)The image includes all the network settings that make the computer compatible with the Middlebury College network.
Microsoft Office and Symantec AntiVirus applications included with the CFI image are licensed to Middlebury College. Licensing restrictions may apply to their use.
5:
How should I go about buying my computer? Are the prices discounted?
A:
You may order online or via toll-free phone numbers directly from our vendors. This will allow you to customize your machine and add extras if you like (some Dell upgrades may be limited at the time of sale, however, due to preloaded software). Dell and Apple have special 'Middlebury Microcenters' on their websites where you can place your order. To do so, go to the Dell and Apple's information pages where you'll find order information as well as telephone numbers for phone orders and links for on-line ordering. If login information is required for a vendor website, please contact us.
Sales agreements with our vendors mean that computers bought through the College are discounted. This academic discount is significant considering that your Dell computer will come pre-configured for our network, will have software installed on it, including Microsoft Office, Norton Antivirus and a host of shareware programs. Installers for these programs are available on campus for Macintosh computers (as well as for Windows).
6:
Are the computers under warranty? What protection plans are available?
A:
Both Dell and Apple computers are sold under warranty. They do not cover software problems, and do not cover consumables such as printer cartridges. Additionally, standard warranties do not cover damage due to dropping, spills or other accidents. Upgrades are available from both vendors.
Our recommended Dell-branded hardware products come with a three-year, next business day, on-site warranty (laptop batteries are warrantied for one year). In addition to the standard coverage, optional support services are available at a fee from Dell. For a full list of options, visit Dell's Website. A special coverage plan is available for laptops. The Dell International Service Program provides service and support for your Dell portable computer while you are traveling with it outside of the country in which you purchased your computer. To learn more, visit Dell's Website.
For Macintosh computers, the standard warranty is one-year (with 90 days of phone support). The AppleCare Protection Plan, which provides three years of service and support for your new iMac, iBook, Power Mac, or PowerBook at one economical price, is a recommended upgrade. Full details of this and other AppleCare products are available at http://www.apple.com/support/products/overview.html
On-site warranty service can be arranged by contacting Dell according to the terms of the warranty; our Help Desk acts as a service contact for students unable to meet with technicians. Services for other computers vary by manufacturer.
Accidental Damage and Theft insurance (such as offered by Safeware) may benefit many consumers, particularly those with portable computers.
7:
What network services are available at Middlebury?
A:
Network access is available to all students from their residence hall rooms and from public computing locations via a direct connection to the campus ethernet network (dial-up access is not available from Middlebury College). Limited wireless networking is available in several academic buildings on campus. Middlebury provides full Internet access, including electronic mail, world wide web, and file transfer. Many courses use the web for information access and research. Electronic conferencing systems and file servers to facilitate discussion and exchange of papers outside the classroom. Course registration is performed online.
8:
What is the speed of the Middlebury College network?
A:
The College residence halls are currently wired with category 5 twisted pair (one active jack per student) , providing switched 10/100 Megabit ethernet. Wireless networking (where present) uses the 802.11b networking protocol
.
9:
What type of computer should I buy? What computers do most students use?
A:
Cheaper or more expensive?
The type of computer you select is a personal choice. Students use their computers primarily for word processing, electronic mail, and Internet connectivity, tasks for which any of the basic, less expensive models currently sold by Dell or Apple are more than adequate. More expensive models may be useful for those with more intensive computer needs (statistical, mathematical, or scientific data analysis; graphics, video, art, or music applications) and may provide greater longevity before needing an upgrade or replacement. Laptops of good quality are more expensive than similarly configured desktops, but prove a worthwhile investment for most students.
Laptop or desktop? Laptop computers have been popular on campus for a number of years, accounting for over 90% of students' computers. In making a decision, a number of factors may be considered. Many students find the portability and convenience of laptop computers best fits their needs, although desktop computer systems offer more computing power than equivalently priced laptops. Either laptops or desktops can be connected to the campus network in dorm rooms. Laptops may be used around campus; the library and other locations provide network jacks to connect laptops to the campus network and the Internet. Laptops are easy to take home on vacations and are especially suitable for students who travel frequently (with sports teams, for instance) or who plan to study abroad. With the increased use of technology in the classroom and Middlebury's flexible networking environment, we recommend the purchase of a laptop.
PC or Mac? Middlebury supports both Windows-based PCs and Macintosh computers. Software is typically available for both platforms (some specialized applications are not developed for the Mac). Nearly all administrative staff and the majority of faculty on campus use PCs. Approximately 55% of student computers on campus run Windows, with the most of the remainder running Mac OS.
10:
Is theft a problem with laptop computers?
A:
Laptop theft at Middlebury College is not common, but is a real concern nonetheless. Statistics on crime at Middlebury are available from Public Safety. Some computers have been stolen when students left them unattended in public areas such as dining halls, libraries, or lounges. Most thefts can be prevented by keeping rooms locked and / or using locking kits. Homeowner insurance policies can often be extended to cover a student's computer while at College; we recommend this when possible. Check with your insurance company for details.
11:
How long will it take to get my computer?
A:
Many manufacturers build all machines to order. You should allow one to three weeks for orders to be filled.
12:
What help can I get connecting my computer to Middlebury's network?
A:
If you purchase a Dell computer from Middlebury College's Dell Premier Page (or 800 number), it will be configured for network access. Assistance for most makes/models of computers is available the new library and using documentation from the LIS Helpdesk website. If you bring your own computer, we urge you make sure that it is equipped with an Ethernet card and either a professional version of Windows operating systems or Macintosh OS X version 10.2 or higher. Documentation about configuring your computer for network access is available from the Help Desk in the Library or online.
13:
Where will I get help with my computer?
A:
Help documents are available and assistance can be requested from the Help Desk website. If you need personalized assistance, you can contact the Help Desk via
emailor by calling (802) 443-2200. In some cases, we are available to assist with hardware troubleshooting and diagnosis, but we remind you that you may want to contact the manufacturer of your computer for assistance. Additionally, there are a variety of Internet-based help resources and manufacturer's help available. Local vendors are available to perform many out of warranty computer equipment repairs.
14:
How do I purchase other computer equipment?
A:
The College Store located in Proctor Hall offers very basic computing accessories, such as ethernet cables, diskettes, blank CD's, Zip disks, and surge protectors.
For other products, one might use the World Wide Web in order to search for the best prices online. Two websites that may prove good resources for computer products are the following:
PriceWatch.com-- an index for pricing individual computing products from ethernet cards to external CD-burners. Companies sign up to be listed and you may query Pricewatch's database of prices.
C-net.com-- an index for prices along with a resource for reviews of equipment. Product range is similar to PriceWatch.com.
Another local resource includes Computer Specialists Inc., located in Middlebury, Vermont. The phone number for this company is 388-1444.
Please note that these are suggestions, and there may exist other means of buying computer equipment. We do not endorse any of these companies, but these suggestions have been made for your convenience.
15:
Does Middlebury College directly sell or resell computers?
A:
Middlebury College does not sell or resell computers.
16:
What software is available to Middlebury College Students?
A:
Microsoft Office:Middlebury College has licensing for all regular year Middlebury College students. Office Standard is the version . You can go to the Library and check the CD out with your student ID Card.
Symantec AntiVirus:Middlebury College has lisencing for all regular year Middlebury College students. It is available for download once students are on campus. It is not available for download for people who are off campus. See the Help Desk webpage for more information.
Other Software:Several simple utilities such as WS FTP and Winzip are available for installation. The installer files for these are only available when connected to our on campus network.
17:
What is Dell's Complete Care warranty option?
A:
CompleteCare covers most non-intentional, accidental damage including electrical surges, drops and liquid spills. Non-intentional damage that is caused by accidents will be repaired. Damage caused by intentional acts, fire, theft or loss, is not covered under CompleteCare.
Please note CompleteCare is currently not available in all states. It is not available for Dell Home Sales customers in CA, FL or NY.
For more information, please see Dell's Website.