SNAP: Questions and Answers
Q: What about wireless? Can I bring an access point?
A: No. Kenyon provides wireless access in all residential buildings. To protect the residential wireless data network that all students use from interference and interruption, personally owned wireless devices that broadcast to create networks are prohibited in all College residences. This does not include computers with properly configured wireless network cards (for details see Don't Broadcast! Turn off Ad-Hoc Wireless.). Wireless network devices are electronic communication devices that broadcast in the 2.4 GHz or 5.0 GHz frequency and can include wireless gateways, routers, wireless printers, cell phones, and even some digital music devices. Not sure what an access point is? See a sample of access points.
Q: How did you determine the specifications on the hardware configuration list?
A: Our suggested minimum hardware configuration list was based on previous student experiences. They are only suggestions, and are not meant to imply that older or slower machines will not be useable here at Kenyon. Systems that are slower or with less memory or smaller hard drives will probably have acceptable performance for e-mail and word processing. More memory intensive applications such as video, audio, and graphics may suffer from slow performance and the system may prove to be inadequate. Operating systems are changing at a rapid rate. A computer that was adequate for all the industry standard applications today may be inadequate in a year.
Q: I have a older computer/I have a Linux machine/I have a Windows 64-Bit computer. Can I use it at Kenyon?
A: LBIS supports Windows XP 32-bit, Vista 32-bit, Mac OS X 10.3 (Panther), Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard). If you wish to bring a computer with a different operating system, you can. However, LBIS will not be able to provide support. You may have web Internet access only.
Q: Why does Kenyon require antivirus software for Windows computers in your recommendations?
A: Do you send or receive e-mail? Do you browse the Internet? Then your data is at risk! Computer viruses are an ever present threat to your data. If your Windows computer is connected to the Internet, then you have a virtual connection to the millions of computers globally connected on the Internet. Even if your computer is not connected, transferring data via DVD or USB device can also transfer viruses. Your machine needs to be protected.
Q: What about Spyware? Do you offer any software for preventing spyware?
A: Spyware, sometimes called malware, will continue to be a problem with Windows computer systems. Spyware can open your computer to individuals that can steal your identity, your credit card information, your good name, and make your computer run slowly See Wikipedia's definition of spyware for a more detailed definition.
While Kenyon does not provide anti-spyware/malware programs, we do strongly suggest that your computer has some preventive software. There are many on the market. Windows Vista comes with Defender which prevents spyware and other malicious software from being installed on your computer without permission. We also recommend Lavasoft's Ad-Aware or Spybot, Search and Destroy. Both of these products are free for private use.