Personal Computers, Phones and Connectivity (last updated August 3, 2011)
Quick FAQ's
Q: Should I bring a laptop or a desktop?
A: Laptops are required of all students.
Q: Will I be expected to carry a laptop around with me throughout the school day?
A: No. Taft is not a "laptop school" but teachers will periodically ask that you bring your laptop
to class for research, writing or testing.
Q: Should I bring a Macintosh or a Windows computer?
A: This is a personal choice. Bring what you will be most comfortable using.
Q: Do I need a wireless card and can I setup a wireless network in my room?
A: Taft is a wireless campus. You can access a wired connection in your dorm room but you will need to use wireless in the classroom. You will not be permitted to setup a wireless access point or router in your room as it would interfere with the Taft wireless network.
Computers and Software
Taft provides and requires that you have our campus anti-virus software solution installed on your computer. This solution includes an agent and the actual software. If there ianother anti-virus software package installed, it will need to be removed before installing the Taft supplied solution to be able to continue using the Taft network. We provide this software freely and we automatically keep your computer updated with the latest virus software and definitions. We take this measure along with automated network registration to insure a safe and secure environment for all students and faculty using the campus network. The Taft IT Department will also supply the latest edition of Microsoft Office to all students, to ensure compatibility of all campus files.
Note: Please make sure you have a copy of your operating system software and drivers with you on campus. Many computers now come with the software stored on the hard disk. This will be sufficient except in the case when your hard drive fails. We strongly suggest that you create a restore CD or DVD as a backup.
You will be required to attend a computer setup and configuration session to make sure your software and resources are configured for dormitory and classroom use. You will receive specific instructions when you arrive on campus.
Telephones
Student telephone numbers are not assigned until rooming assignments are completed. Phone numbers are assigned to rooms, not students. Phone numbers will be available when students arrive at school.
You should bring a standard analog telephone and phone cord similar to what you would use at home. Cordless phones that operate on the 2.4GHz band are not permitted. They can and will interfere with the wireless network in the dorms. I you must bring a cordless phone, make sure it is a 1.9GHz or 5.8GHz model. Voicemail is available as a no-cost option and can be added to a student's phone number. To add this type of service, you can complete a voicemail request form at orientation or by stopping by the IT Office.
Regular phone service to student rooms is deactivated from 10:30pm to 6:00am Sunday-Friday. (911 service is always available.) Cellular phones are permitted at Taft but Taft is a community that values openness and face-to-face communication. To mitigate the impact that cell phone use might have on those personal interactions, the use of cell phones is not permitted in public places. This inclues, but is not limited to, classrooms, school hallways, the walkways and outdoor areas around campus, dormitory common rooms, and the gym. Cell phone use is only permitted in private spaces, such as your room. Cell phone use is bound by the same evening rules and regulations that govern regular phone use.
Taft provides local phone service and 911 emergency service. You will need to use a phone card when making long distance calls from your dormitory phones. Prepaid cards are available for purchase in the Taft bookstore. Specific questions about telephones should be directed to Frank Trosky, 860-945-7906.
Connecting to the Taft Network
Taft provides one physical connection to the campus network and the Internet per student. It is the responsibility of the student to bring a computer equipped with an Ethernet card and a category 5 Ethernet cable to connect their computer to the network. We do not sell Ethernet cards on campus but should a cable become damaged over the course of the year, the Information Technology Office will assist students with the replacement or repair of the cable. If you forget your cable or need a longer one, they are also available for purchase in the school store.
There is a wireless network available on campus. When away from their room, students can access the wireless network with their wireless 802.11 g/n network card. Students are not permitted to operate their own wireless routers or access points on campus.
Student Computer Support
Information Technology staff are available during regular school hours to resolve all connectivity issues. Support is primarily focused on email, connectivity, and academic application issues but we will try to assist students who are having other issues with their computer. In order to assist students with software and hardware problems, we do request that students have all software media (CD or diskette), the super-user or administrator password, and any documentation that came with the computer.
We do not provide direct hardware replacement support but will troubleshoot the hardware problem and assist with contacting vendor support or advise students on how they should proceed.
Please bring software media and documentation along with proof-of-purchase or warranty information, as it will allow us to be more effective in helping resolve problems.
Buying or Bringing a Computer to Taft
Every student at Taft is required to have a laptop. Course materials/resources are delivered through email and the web. See the table below for recommended equipment and software:
| Platform |
Windows |
Macintosh |
| Processor |
Core 2 or higher recommended |
Core 2 or higher recommended |
| Memory |
2GB minimum (suggest 4GB if buying new) |
2GB minimum (suggest 4GB if buying new) |
| Hard Drive |
160 GB or larger |
160 GB or larger |
| Networking |
10/100baseT Ethernet |
10/100baseT Ethernet |
| Wireless |
802.11g/n |
802.11g/n |
| Operating System |
Windows XP (Home or Pro), Windows 7 (Premium or higher) (English Language Only)** |
Mac OS 10.5 or newer (English Language Only)** |
| Office Software |
Microsoft Office provided by Taft |
Microsoft Office provided by Taft |
| Antivirus Software |
McAfee installed by Taft (required) |
McAfee installed by Taft (required) |
| Warranty |
3-4 years onsite if available and accidental damage protection is strongly encouraged |
3-4 years onsite if available and accidental damage protection is strongly encouraged |
Purchasing
Taft does not resell software or hardware on campus. Microsoft and Apple both have information on obtaining educational discounts available on their web sites.
Printing
Laser printers are available in all computer labs and the library. Many students will bring a local printer to be used in their dorm room. The smaller portable inkjet printers seem to work well for that purpose.
Questions?
Please contact Charles Thompson, Director of Information Technology, at 860-945-7989 (cthompson@taftschool.org).
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