Ouachita Baptist University

IT Services> Students> Computer Requirements and FAQ

Computers at OBU | Software at OBU | Network and Internet | IT Services

Do I need to have a computer at Ouachita Baptist University?

Although many OBU students have personal computers, various labs on campus have Windows and Macintosh computers publicly available for word processing, e-mail and web surfing, data analysis, programming, graphic design, etc. Lab hours and details

Should I get a PC or a Mac?
OBU supports both Windows and Macintosh computers, and you can get your basic academic work done on either. If you bring a Windows computer to campus, you must learn to use it securely and to keep it free from viruses and spyware. If you bring a Mac, there may be times when you will have to use a Windows computer (available in the public labs) to complete a specific assignment that requires Windows-only software.

Do you recommend desktops or laptops?
It's up to you. You can take a laptop to study anywhere you like, they travel with you during breaks, and they take up less desk space. Many buildings at OBU — including all residences — have wireless networking available, which allows you to connect your laptop to the Internet without any cables (see the OBU Network and the Internet, below). However, desktop computers are generally less expensive, faster, and more expandable, and many people prefer a full-sized keyboard and monitor. Make sure to try using a laptop before you buy one — most computer stores have demonstration models on display.

Do you recommend buying a computer locally, online, or where?
There are many options these days where you can buy your new computer. You may want to inquire into what offers you might find locally but also online. Most of our students have Dells, HP/Compaq, Sony and Toshiba. Of course Dells can only be purchased either through their website or by phone. HP/Compaq, Sony and Toshibas can be found at just about any large Computer Retail store. Remember to ask questions such as:

How long is my new computer's warranty?

Where do I have to get service if my computer has a hardware problem?

Does it cost any extra for someone to come out to my house/dorm room to fix my computer?

How long are the average hold times on the phone?

In the end, no one manufacturer is going to be without its problems. Check out reviews on computers such as CNET's website. Make an informed decision. Its always best to know what to expect when investing in something such as a computer.

What specifications will my computer need?
Computers come in many different shapes and sizes. No one computer is right for every person. The following is a guide to what we recommend.

Processor
Desktops: Intel® Pentium® 4 or Pentium® D Dual Core - 3.0 GHz or higher
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Laptops: Intel® Core™ Duo or Core™ Solo processor - 1.6 GHz or higher
Memory
1 GB of memory (RAM) or higher
Hard Drive
80 GB of Hard Drive space or larger
Network Card (For reliability, a wired network card is a good option to fall back on)
10/100/1000 Network Card w/ 20 - 25 foot patch cable or
802.11b/g Wireless Card
Operating System
Windows Vista or
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 or
Windows XP Home Service Pack 3
Antivirus software
IT Services provides a free version of Symantec Antivirus. Most new computers will come with an Antivirus program but will only include about 3 months of free updates after which you will have to renew your subscription. If you choose to use our Symantec Antivirus you will receive free updates for the entire period in which you are a student at OBU. See more information on downloading and installing Symantec Antivirus.
Warranty
A 3 year warranty is highly recommended. If you choose a laptop, get Dell's complete care to cover accidental damages such as dropping it on the floor. Other manufacturers offer similar plans.

What do I need to connect to the Internet?
The OBU network will provide you with Internet access. To connect you'll need a computer with an Ethernet card or built-in Ethernet (which almost all new computers have), as well as an Ethernet cable to connect it to a network port. Modems cannot connect to the campus network. If your computer is not currently Ethernet-ready, we strongly urge you to purchase and install an Ethernet card before coming to campus. All residence halls will also have wireless networking, but many buildings on campus won't, and we can't guarantee complete coverage in every room, so bring that Ethernet cord along!

Should I go with wireless or wired?
There are 5 main points to stress here.

Regardless of choice, wireless or wired, you will receive all the same services that OBU's network offers.
Wireless network technology is similar to other wireless technology such as cell phones. Occasionally you will find spots with no service. If you are experiencing a problem with signal strength, you may need to move your computer to other locations to find a better signal.
There are public labs around campus in which you can check your email. Most students find it easier to drop into one of these labs to do such things instead of carrying a laptop with them wherever they go. Plus, wireless is not yet available in all buildings and so having a laptop with wireless does not guarantee being able to check your email anywhere.
Each dorm room has 2 network jacks and has wireless available. In most cases, laptops have both a wired port and wireless technology. You can always hook up to the network jack in your room and when you are needing to study, say in the library, you can take your laptop with you and get connected through the wireless technology.
Remember that your wireless card should be compatible with 802.11b. Most all 802.11"g" cards are backwards compatible to do 802.11b.

How can I back up and move my documents from place to place?
You have several options. We recommend you get a USB flashdrive (also known as a thumb drive or a memory key) to move files from one computer to another. If you have a CD-RW or DVD+/-R drive, you can back up your documents onto CDs or DVDs.

What if my computer breaks?
OBU will not fix your computer hardware. We recommend you buy a computer with a manufacturer's warranty of up to four years. For best service, you'll probably want an on-site warranty with desktop computers; a depot/off-site warranty is fine for laptops. When computers break (and sometimes they do), a warranty is invaluable. If you do not have coverage, there are several repair shops in the area for both Windows computers and Macintoshes that the IT Services Department can recommend.