Technology
Our Technology Services Office has put together the following
information as you prepare to attend Houghton. If you have further
questions, please contact the Technology Services Office at 585-567-9349
or via e-mail: helpdesk@houghton.edu
Expand all
New Student Questions
Certain programs (music, math, science and science honors) do require students to bring a laptop. While other programs do not require that you bring a computer, studies have shown that more than 95% of students will bring a computer to college. It is a significant advantage for students to have their own computer on campus.
Music Majors
Music majors must have a laptop.
Math & Science majors and Science Honors Program participants
All students who plan to major in math or sciences or participate in the Science Honors Program need a laptop. This requirement is due to the need for data collection and software operation in class.
PC laptop requirements: Windows operating system (XP, Vista or Windows 7); MS Office Suite (2003 or later); and multiple USB ports.
Mac laptop requirements*: MS Office Suite (2003 or later); multiple USB ports; for Science Honors and Physics, it must also run a Windows operating system.
Microsoft Office can be purchased at the Campus Bookstore for $10.
*New Macs come with a utility called Bootcamp that creates a space for the Windows operating system and allows you to choose between operating systems on start up. Of course, one must buy the Windows operating system if you wish to use a Mac in this way.
We recommend a laptop. Most students will probably desire the portability and flexibility of a laptop. Laptops can be taken to class (with professor’s approval), to the library, and across campus, allowing you to work anywhere. However, the portable nature of laptops makes them very susceptible to damage, loss, and theft. For this reason, we strongly recommend insurance and at least a three year warranty.
This is mostly an issue of personal preference. Some are more comfortable with Mac, and some are more comfortable with Windows. Certain departments may be more Mac- or Windows-oriented; you may wish to discuss this with your advisor.
We have prepared some basic specifications that will assist you while shopping for a computer. For the most part, any new computer that you purchase would probably serve you for most, if not all, of your college career. While there is a myriad of choices available, here are some basic specifications that should help you get started. Note – You do not need to purchase Microsoft Office with your computer. Houghton College will provide this software to you at a minimal cost.
Windows-based PC recommendations:
- Intel Core 2 Duo Processor – 2.0GHz or higher
- 2GB or more of RAM
- 160GB or more hard drive space
- DVD-/+RW Drive (DVD Burner)
- Ethernet network interface card
- Laptops should have a wireless network card (802.11b/g is currently available on campus)
- Windows XP Professional or higher (We recommend the Professional Versions of Microsoft Operating Systems)
- At least a three year warranty
Mac OS-based PC recommendations:
- Intel based processor
- 2GB or more of RAM
- 160GB or more of hard drive space
- DVD-/+RW Drive (DVD Burner)
- Ethernet network interface card
- Laptops should have a wireless network card (802.11b/g is currently available on campus)
- OS X 10.4 or higher
- At least a three year AppleCare Protection
We have partnered with Lenovo and Apple to provide discounts to students attending Houghton. If you are interested in a PC,
you can visit Lenovo's web site. If you are interested in purchasing a Mac, you can visit Apple's web site.
Yes! Houghton College has an extensive wired network that includes a data jack for every person in their dorm room. Network jacks can also be found all over campus. An Ethernet cable is required to plug your computer into the campus network. 25-foot Ethernet cables can be purchased in the Bookstore when you arrive or at any office and computer supply store prior to arrival. This length should be sufficient for any room on campus.
In addition to the wired network, we also have a campus-wide wireless network. Our network is available in all buildings with a few exceptions (for example, the Chapel). There are also several locations outside where you can receive a wireless signal.
Houghton College will provide Norton Antivirus software. It will be available for download once you arrive.
Houghton has a Microsoft Campus Agreement which allows students to load a copy of Microsoft Office Suite on their computers. A DVD to install Office will be available in the Bookstore for $10.
No. Please leave any wireless access points, and routers home. There have been several occasions where a personal access point or device, configured incorrectly, has disrupted service to a number of students.
We currently have several public kiosks in the Campus Center basement, in addition to the Student Print Center. The majority of these computers are in the hallway adjacent to the Helpdesk entrance, and there are additional machines located outside the Student Government Association, Boulder, and STAR offices. The library houses several public kiosks on the first floor, and there is a small general-purpose lab that is located on the second floor.
Discipline-specific labs are also available for communication (Chamberlain Center), art (Stevens Art Studio) and computer science (Paine Science Center).
Some students will find their own printer to be beneficial so they can print in their room at any time. Houghton College has nine print stations in various buildings on campus. These print stations consist of a desktop computer and a printer that will let you login to your email, network drive or use a thumb drive and print to the attached printer. The only thing that the college does not supply is paper to print on; you will need to supply this.
You can contact the Helpdesk in several ways. Feel free to stop by the Helpdesk; our hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m on weekdays. (We are closed during chapel.) You can email us at helpdesk@houghton.edu or call us during our open hours at 585-567-9349. For more information on the services provide by the Helpdesk, please visit our website.
