Non-Mount Purchased Notebook Guidelines

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Non-Mount Purchased Notebook Guidelines

Mount students have the option to use their personally owned notebook computers (not purchased through the Mount) on the Mount’s wireless network.

Please Note: Notebook computers purchased through the Mount's web link to the recommended vendor’s web page are configured to meet current manufacturer recommended hardware specifications to support all current Mount licensed software.

Non-Mount Purchased Notebook Computer Specifications for the 2008-2009 Academic Year

Click here to view the Microsoft webpage for current computer system requirements for MS - Vista

Minimum requirements - Windows based (Intel & AMD Processor) Notebook Computers
Acceptable MS Operating systems	Microsoft Windows XP Operating Systems including Home Edition, Professional Edition or Media Center edition or MS Vista – all versions (with all current service packs, security and critical updates installed).
Removable drive/storage	CD-RW or CD-RW/DVD
Wireless radio card	Minimum internal or external IEEE 802.11N or B/G/N.
Internet connection options	Built-in V90 56K Modem and/or high-speed Ethernet ports are also recommended for off-campus connection to the Internet.
AntiVirus software	Anti-virus (A/V) software is required to be installed with up-to-date virus definitions. MacAfee or Symantec A/V software are two very good programs. If you don’t have an anti-virus program installed on your notebook computer, freeware anti-virus can be obtained by browsing to http://free.grisoft.com.
Warranty and ADP Insurance Recommendations	Recommend an extended warranty and accidental damage protection Insurance. National Student Services, Inc is one insurance company that we have found that offers a very good damage, fire and theft insurance on computers and other electronics that you may want to protect while you are here at the Mount.
Recommended applications software	Microsoft Office 2007 with all current services packs, security and critical updates. (Student may purchase a student version from the Mount’s MS Campus agreement from the ISS Helpdesk. Call for current pricing and media availability 513 244-HELP (4357)

Minimum Requirements - Apple Notebook Computers Click here to visit the Apple Web page for College of Mount St. Joseph educational purchase options.
Operating system	Minimum OS X 10.4.X "Tiger" with all current service packs, security updates installed.
System memory*	2 GB memory minimum
Removable drive/storage	CD-RW or CD-RW/DVD
Wireless radio card	Minimum Apple AirPort card IEEE 802.11 N or G/N
Recommended screen size	15” or 17” screen size recommended for new purchase (Graphic Design Majors)
Internet connection options	Built-in V90 56K modem and/or high-speed Ethernet ports are recommended for off-campus communications.
Recommended application software	MS Office Suite 2008 for MAC with all current services packs, security and critical updates. (Student may purchase a student version from the Mount’s MS Campus agreement from the ISS Helpdesk. Call for current pricing and availability.
AntiVirus software	Anti-virus (A/V) software is required to be installed with up-to-date virus definitions. MacAfee or Symantec A/V software are two very good programs. If you don’t have an anti-virus program installed on your notebook computer, freeware anti-virus can be obtained by browsing to http://free.grisoft.com

* Denotes recommendations for Graphic Design majors who are making a new notebook purchase.

Anti-Virus software is required on all computers connecting to the MSJ Wireless Network.
Below is the link that lists all the Anti-Virus software compliant with the Mount's network security software (Cisco Clean Access). The Mount’s security software will be automatically downloaded to your personally owned notebook computer the first time you connect to the MSJ Hotspot wireless network. Anti-virus software that is compatible with Cisco Clean Access can be found by visiting Cisco Systems' page.

Portable external storage recommendations
Flash Drives (also known as Thumb Drives or Memory Keys) that plug-in through the notebook computer’s USB port are a quick and reliable solution for immediate data back-up. We highly recommend the use of USB-type portable external storage devices for back-up and storage of your critical projects and course assignments.

CD-R, CD-RW along with DVD-R and DVD-RW disks are also a good portable storage medium to use for back-up and storage of critical projects and course assignments. Caution: CD and DVD media can be damaged by heat. We recommend that CD/DVDs are not left in cars on warm days or placed on any appliance that generates heat.

First time procedure for part-time, adult learners and graduate students connecting to the MSJ Hotspot Wireless Network:

With the correctly configured notebook computer outlined above, complete the following steps. (A one-time process for the first connection to the MSJ Hotspot network)

Select the Start button.
Select connect to, in the Start window.
Select the wireless network connection.
Select Wireless Networks.
Select MSJ Hotspot.
Select Connect to in the lower right hand corner of window.

A connection window will come up as the notebook computer attempts to connect to the MSJ Hotspot network. If successful, the process will indicted the connection is complete. If you are having connection problems contact the ISS Helpdesk at 244-HELP (4557).