Residential Networking

Helpful Information for New Students

Following is helpful information about room connections, buying a new computer, preparing an older computer, computing resources on campus, and other helpful information.

Room Connections

Pitzer College Residential Networking provides high speed Ethernet connections in all the residence halls on campus. To use the dorm room connections, you will need a computer that is powerful enough to handle the demands of the Internet and everyday use. Whether you are buying a new computer or bringing an older computer, you will want to make sure it is up-to-date and will last you your four years at Pitzer.

Purchasing a New Computer

If you are considering buying a new computer for college, you will want to get a machine that is powerful enough to last up to four years at Pitzer. We have developed a set of recommended minimum specifications to assist you in your purchase.

Note: These specifications are listed here only as a general guideline and are presented for your convenience. Actual needs may vary depending on how the computer is used.

Recommended Minimum Specifications for New Desktops
Device	PCs	Macs
Processor Speed	2.4GHz	1.8GHZ
Hard Drive	80GB	80GB
RAM	2GB	2GB
Ethernet	10/100BaseT	10/100BaseT
CD-Rom	Any	Any
Display	Color, 15"	Color, 15"
Operating System	Win XP or Better	Mac OS X or Better
Recommended Minimum Specifications for New Laptops
Processor Speed	1.8GHz	1.2 GHz
Hard Disk	80GB	80GB
Ethernet	10/100BaseT	10/100BaseT
Ram	2GB	512MB
CD-ROM	Any	Any
Operating System	Win XP or Better	Mac OS X or Better
Wi_Fi	802.11 b/g/n	802.11 b/g/n

These specifications are listed here only as a general guideline and are presented for your convenience. Actual needs may vary depending on how the computer is used.

Bringing an Older Computer

If you already have a computer and plan on using it for school, use the recommended minimum specifications listed below as a guide to determine if your computer is adequate. If it doesn't meet the specifications, consider upgrading or purchasing a new one. Older computers can be frustrating when they are slow and don't respond.

In most cases, computers below the recommended minimum specification will work on our network. However, Residential Networking may encounter difficulties supporting them. It is highly recommended that you upgrade your computer to meet the recommended minimum requirements or take the opportunity to buy a new computer.

Recommended Minimum Specifications for Older Computers
Device	PCs	Macs
Processor Speed	700MHz	G3 400MHz
Hard Drive	20GB	20GB
RAM	512MB	512MB
Ethernet	10/100BaseT	10/100BaseT
CD-Rom	Any	Any
Display	Color, 15"	Color, 15"
Operating System	Win XP or Better	Mac OS X or Better

These specifications are listed here only as a general guideline and are presented for your convenience. Actual needs may vary depending on how the computer is used.

Networking Equipment

To connect your computer to the Pitzer network and get online, your computer must be equipped with a network interface card (NIC). A network interface card, also known as an Ethernet card or Ethernet adapter, allows your computer to communicate with our network and the Internet.

Network Cards

Many new desktop computers come with the NIC card built into the system, but some require that the card be installed in an available PCI slot on the motherboard. Mac desktops without a built-in Ethernet port need a card made specifically for Macs. Instructions for installing your network card should have come with your card upon purchase. It is recommended that you install your card before you arrive on campus, but if you need help Resnet will be here to assist you once you arrive.

Laptops without built-in Ethernet use PC Card (PCMCIA) Ethernet cards. We recommend cards that do not require a separate connector (dongle) between the Ethernet card and the network cable.

We recommend that you purchase a high-quality 10/100BaseT network card. Such adapters support both 10 Mpbs and 100 Mpbs speeds and are supported on our network.

Network Cables

In addition to a NIC card you will also need a Category 6 network cable with RJ-45 Ethernet connections. You will want to purchase a network cable that is long enough to reach from your Ethernet card to the data port on the wall. We recommend a cable 15-25 feet in length so you can place your computer anywhere in the room and still plug into the wall plate if it is located on the far side. 

Campus Computing Facilities

Don't have a computer? No problem! If you would like a quiet place to study online, write papers or use a printer, you can use one of the computing facilities on campus. The Bernard Computer Lab is staffed with student consultants who are available to assist you and help you with installed software.

Questions - Have questions? Visit our frequently asked question section for answers to some of the most often asked questions