Technology
For Students
What to Buy
Computer
Technology suggests that you purchase a computer that meets our recommended specifications. As a Simmons student you have access to special pricing from Apple and Dell on computers that Technology recommends, or you may purchase other computers and products from either company at academic prices, which are generally well below retail. Most students also purchase an ink jet printer; Technology does not recommend one over any other. For a description of the support Technology can provide for your personally-owned hardware, please see Technology services for you: Your computer.
Storage device
We strongly encourage you to buy a USB flash storage device to use instead of floppy or zip discs (see Alternatives to floppies). These devices are small enough to put on a key ring and hold between 16MB and 2GB of data (compared to 1.44MB on a floppy). All Simmons general access computers (e.g. Information Commons and labs), are equipped with USB ports that will accept these devices. Apple, Dell and Academic Superstore, as well as office supply stores sell USB flash storage devices.
Residence Campus: what to bring
If you are bringing a computer, be sure to also bring:
- all of your original software disks and CDs, including for your operating system (i.e. Windows XP or Macintosh OS X). Please note, this may require that you create the CDs yourself as some manufacturers have stopped providing them with new computers. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- surge protector
- Ethernet (a.k.a. RJ45 or Category 6) cable to attach your computer to the Internet jack in your room
If you want to use a telephone from your room, bring your own telephone (analog, not ISDN)
If you want to watch television in your room, bring a television and a coaxial cable to connect your TV to the cable jack. Simmons provides each resident with cable services.