Should I bring a Laptop to Campus?
Many students choose to bring a personal computer or other mobile device to campus. Information technology (IT) supports your Windows and Mac personal computers as well as your mobile devices. Registered students can access University computers, which are equipped with University-licensed software in computer labs, classrooms, and the Centennial Library.
Apple, Dell, and Hewlett-Packard computer manufacturers offer attractive discounts on new computer purchases for registered Cedarville University students. Please visit our new computers page for details. IT recommends you look for the following features when shopping for a computer: at least 16GB of memory, at least 250GB - ITB or (+) disk space for a laptop (750GB for a desktop), equipped with a DVD drive (optimal - most laptops don't have them anymore). Older computers should meet the above requirements and be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.
How Can I Connect My Computer to the Network?
Most personal computers and devices can easily connect to the Cedarville University network (CedarNet) as long as they are equipped with a working network card and/or wireless capabilities. Your Ethernet cable should be Category 5e or newer. The University bookstore and most technology stores carry Ethernet cables. For additional wireless information, please visit our wireless page.
IT Service Center technicians can help with CedarNet connectivity and system diagnostics at no cost. Fee-based personal computer support entails replacement part installation. For your protection, IT Service Center technicians will avoid repairs that might invalidate the computer warranty.
What Type of Software Do I need?
Microsoft Windows: 10 or later is supported (Microsoft Windows 10 is recommended).
Mac OS X: Snow Leopard 10.8 or later is supported (Mac OS version 10.9 Maverick or later is recommended).
All personal computers are expected to be updated regularly (update.microsoft.com for Windows-based systems).
You are also expected to maintain up-to-date virus protection on your computer. You are responsible for network activity to and from your personal computer and your CedarNet account. For malware protection, Information Technology recommends Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows 7, and Windows Defender is included in Windows 8-10. Please visit our technology resources page for download instructions.
Although not required, most students use Microsoft Office or a compatible office suite for creating papers, presentations, spreadsheets, etc. Microsoft Office 2016 is provided on all University computers. As of Fall 2016, Cedarville offers Office 365 free for all current students, faculty and staff. See the article, "Microsoft: Install Office 365" for more information.
Cedarville University uses Google Apps for Education for University email. The Google Chrome Internet browser is recommended for accessing your Google email. Once your University email account has been created, you may access your email at cedarville.edu/google on your laptop, smartphone, or at one of the university computer labs around campus.
What Else Might I Need?
You may want to bring the following additional items to campus with your computer:
- Surge protector or un-interruptable power supply (UPS)
- System-restore software (including operating system disk and license information)
- Device drivers (software disk that accompanies your network card, etc.)
- Installation disks for any additional software you have installed on your computer
Note: The final three items in the list above only apply directly if your laptop contains a CD drive. If your laptop does not have a CD drive but you still want to use some of the items listed above, contact our Technical Services team (937-766-7905) about potentially using an external CD drive.
Do I Need to Bring a Printer?
Black and white laser printing is available in the open-access computer labs and from several wireless printing stations (CedarPrint). Each student is given a generous print allowance each semester.
Warning! For security and compatibility purposes, Information Technology no longer supports personal wireless printers here on campus. If you plan to bring a printer to campus, you will need to have a hard-wire connection.