Personal Computers, Phones and Connectivity (last updated August 26, 2008)
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 occasionally 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. It doesn't matter. 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 use a wired connection in your dorm room but you will need a wireless
card in your laptop for use 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 network. Look for the Wi-Fi Certified logo on
your computer to ensure you can securely connect to the Taft wireless network.
Q: What is the best cell phone service to purchase for use at Taft?
A: Results of a 2007 survey of faculty, staff and students about their cell phone performance shows which services they had chosen: ATT(Cingular) - 43%, Verizon - 39%, Sprint/Nextel - 9%, T-Mobile - 9%.
Of those, Verizon, ATT and Sprint service was rated good in the area, and fair to good on campus. T-Mobile was rated good to excellent in the area, but has the worst rating for campus service at that time.
Computers, Networking, and Software
- Students are required to bring a wireless laptop of their choice. (Macintosh or Windows - English Language only)
- We will install Microsoft Office on your computer if you do not already own the software
- We will install Citrix Client software to run programs, use library resources, and access files while off-campus.
- Anti-virus Solution: If you connect to our network you are required to use the Taft campus anti-virus software on your computer. If there is another antivirus software installed, it will be removed before installing the Taft solution.
- We provide one physical network connection in your room and a wireless connection anywhere on campus. Students should bring their own CAT5 Ethernet cable and make sure their 802.11b/g wireless card is operational.
- Students will use an automated network registration to insure a safe and secure environment for all students and faculty using the campus network. Students will receive instructions upon their arrival.
- Monthly PRINT credits will be issued to students for the use of black and white and network color printers but they may choose to bring their own personal printer to use in their room.
- Students are 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.
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.
Telephones
- Phone numbers are assigned to rooms and will be available when students arrive at school.
- Bring a standard analog telephone and phone cord similar to what you would use at home. Do not bring a 2.4GHz cordless phone as it will interfere with your wireless computer signal.
- Voicemail is available but you must request activation using a form in the IT Office. We will need the student to have a phone connected so it can be tested and setup properly.
- Long distance calls can be made from your dorm phone but you will need a phone card to do so. Prepaid cards are available in the school store.
- Phone service to student rooms is deactivated from 10:30pm to 6:00am Sunday-Friday. (911 is available 24/7).
- Cell phones are permitted but student use is restricted to dorm rooms and areas designated in the handbook.
- For telephone questions please contact 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.
There is also a wireless network available on campus. When away from their room,
students can access the wireless network if they have a computer equipped with
an 802.11b/g wireless 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. We will also assist students who are having other issues with their computer. In the event a student has a software or hardware problem, we do request that they have all software media (CD or DVD), 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 the vendor or advice the student 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 |
| Memory |
2GB minimum |
2GB minimum |
| Hard Drive |
80 GB or larger |
80 GB or larger |
| Networking |
10/100baseT Ethernet |
10/100baseT Ethernet |
| Wireless |
802.11b/g |
802.11b/g |
| Operating System |
Windows XP or Vista, any version (English Language Only)** |
Mac OS 10.4 or newer (English Language Only)** |
| Office Software |
Microsoft Office provided by Taft |
Microsoft Office provided by Taft |
| Antivirus Software |
McAffe 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 Mark Bodnar, Director of Technology 860-945-7989 (mbodnar@TaftSchool.org).
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