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Computers that are brought from home often have network compatibility problems. Specifically, most of the problems can be traced to hardware components such as wireless or Ethernet cards or with system-level software configurations. In some cases, these problems cannot be resolved, and as a result, these systems won’t work on our network and do not meet the computer ownership requirement. Sometimes software will be out of date and cause problems too. For example, last year some students came to Dartmouth with a version of the Vista operating system that didn’t work with our network and they had to purchase an upgrade and update their computers in order to connect.
You should not assume that because you are bringing a relatively new brand name computer that it will work properly on our network. Additionally, if you experience a problem with a computer that is not one of our supported models, you won’t be able to get on-campus warranty service on it and will likely be referred off campus for support. Resolving the problem may require time and money – and leave you without a computer in the meantime.
If you bring a computer from home, it must have antivirus protection installed and active. Computers that contract viruses will be denied access to the network until all viruses have been removed.
That said, if you plan to bring a computer from home, or if you purchase a used computer, come by and talk to us to make sure you can use it here. You can purchase or order the commercial software, cables, and accessories from Dartmouth’s Computer Sales and Service. On many items, Computer Sales and Service is able to obtain academic pricing that can save you money.
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