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What hardware and software standards, if any, does the campus require, recommend and/or support?

In order to connect to our network and run our network-related software and other standard software used on campus, Wellesley College recommends minimum computer specifications for both Windows and Macintosh computers. Computing information especially for First Year students is available on our http://www.wellesley.edu/Computing/ResNet/ web site. These recommendations are updated each spring.

What kinds of services (help desk, training, trouble-shooting) are provided by the campus and when are they available?

Residential Computing Consultants live in the residence halls and assist students with network connection and basic operating system and software troubleshooting. Students can report a problem to them by filling out an online Student Computing Help Form. Students can expect a response within 24 business hours of submitting the form.

ResNet Computing First Aid consultants are also available on a drop-in basis Sunday through Thursday evenings as a resource for tutoring help with notebook computer connection issues, and for immediate answers to questions about basic computing topics. In addition, students can post questions to the Computing Questions electronic conference at any time, or get immediate answers to questions by using the Computing First Aid online chat during Computing First Aid open hours. Wellesley College provides each student with licensed access to Element K online software training on many topics including popular software titles.

Does the campus have a plan for keeping its hardware and software current and if so, what is the replacement cycle?

Yes, college-owned computers are replaced every 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 years. We continue to upgrade network bandwidth regularly to support campus needs. Information Services constantly reviews college-supported software for PCs and Macs documenting and upgrading as necessary.

If you bring your own computer to school, what kind of technical support can you expect from the campus?

During orientation, new students receive information and software needed to connect their computers to the Wellesley College network.

Residential Computing Consultants live in the residence halls and assist students with network connection and basic operating system and software troubleshooting. Wellesley College does not provide hardware support for computers that are not owned by the college. However, there are several computer stores accessible by bus that provide hardware support .