Computer Purchasing

Connecticut College has partnered with Dell and Apple to offer excellent discounts on selected models of Dell Latitude and Apple Macintosh portable computers.

Link for book store.

Questions and Answers about Personal Computers at CC

How Do I Place My Order?

The special computer purchase plan is open to incoming students and any other Connecticut College student currently enrolled in a degree program. Students may order computers by clicking on the Dell or Apple ordering tabs above. Please contact Ruth Seeley, Desktop Support Manager, if you have any questions. Her toll free telephone number is 877-679-6654 and she will be available Monday through Friday. Her e-mail address is resee@conncoll.edu.

What Computer System Should I Select?

Connecticut College supports both Apple Macintosh and Windows personal computers. The College is predominantly a Windows computer campus as approximately 75% of the computers use the Windows operating system. You should select the system that you are the most comfortable with.

What Options Should I Select When Purchasing?

Apple Macintosh offers optional printers. We recommend that you purchase a printer for your convenience. Dell, and Apple Macintosh offer additional memory and hard drive capacity as options. While 2.0Gb of RAM is adequate for most students, "power users" can add more memory when the order is placed. Apple computers do not come with a carrying case and you will need to purchase one.

What Software Do I Need?

Dell computers come preloaded with all the College recommended software included in the price of the computer. The college standard software package is Microsoft Office. Apple Macintosh computers will be shipped with the OS X operating system. You will need to purchase Microsoft Office. You can purchase it when you place your computer order or you can purchase it from the bookstore at an educational discount. You will be able to download a free copy of Norton Antivirus software after you arrive on campus.

How Do I Connect to the Internet ?

Computers require an Ethernet card and an Ethernet cable to connect to the College computer network and the Internet. Dell computers come with the cable, Apple computer users will need to provide their own cable. Directions about configuring your computer to the College network are posted on the College Help Desk web page. Help Desk student assistants will also provide technical support if you need it. (The Help Desk is located in the lower level of the Shain Library.)

When Do I Receive My Computer?
The computer will be delivered to the address that you specify. Delivery depends on Dell, and Apple inventory. Please contact the company that you ordered from to obtain delivery status or for more information.

What if I Have More Questions About Ordering?

Ruth Seeley, the Desktop Support Manager, will be available to answer your questions by telephone at 860-439-2090 or at the toll free number, 877-679-6654 or by e-mail resee@conncoll.edu. Please leave a detailed telephone message in her voice mailbox if you cannot reach her directly.

What if I Already Own a Computer?

Many Windows and Macintosh Apple computers will work on our network. The following specifications are the current minimum requirements for support at Connecticut College. Windows Compatible Computers: Minimum Specifications for Windows Computers: WINDOWS XP Pro, 1 GB Ram, 80.0GB Hard Drive Installed and configured, 10/100 Ethernet card or PCMCIA Ethernet card for laptops. Software: Microsoft Office XP, Internet Explorer and up-to-date Virus Protection (Virus Protection Software can be downloaded when you arrive on campus). Minimum Specifications for Macintosh Apple Computers: OS X, 1 GB RAM, 80 GB Hard Drive Installed and configured, 10/100 Ethernet card. Software: Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer and up-to-date Virus Protection (can be downloaded when you arrive on campus).

last updated: April 2008