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What Will I Need for Computing at Penn?

Penn is a computing- and networking-intensive environment. Many components of coursework are handled electronically, and e-mail is the preferred medium for communication on campus. To take advantage of all that is available electronically, it is critical to own or have access to a computer capable of communicating via PennNet, the campus-wide network that links members of the Penn community to one another and to the Internet.

The University computing model is highly decentralized, giving Schools and Centers the opportunity to select the products that best meet their respective needs. As a result, there is no single, universally correct configuration of hardware and software for all desktop systems on campus. There are, however, important guidelines to follow in order to select the most appropriate products for your personal use:

1. Use the Information Systems & Computing division's annually updated product recommendations as a baseline for your general computing needs.
   
   Hardware guidelines can be found in the Desktop Computing Recommendations, while software guidelines are detailed in the Supported Products table. By adhering to the most recent guidelines, undergraduates are guaranteed ongoing, in-residence troubleshooting and support. By using supported products, students can also be assured that their desktop systems will enable them to access key campus services online, such as course registration and curriculum planning. Exchanging documents, engaging in teamwork, and electronically connecting with others on campus run most smoothly when using the same recommended products as the bulk of the University community.
   

2. Consult with your School to determine if you must meet additional School-specific technical requirements.

   Some Schools have standardized on a specific operating platform, or have requirements above and beyond the standards mentioned above. It is critical that you meet the requirements of your particular School. If a product or service required for coursework falls outside the scope of ISC's general recommendations, you can expect support from the School mandating its usage, or expect in-residence support for the use of specialized items required across Schools.

The University's decentralized computing model also means there is no single computer center at Penn. This translates into a unique benefit for students: IT support for undergraduates concentrates on assisting students directly in their residential surroundings. Provided you are using supported products, you can rely on the expertise of Penn's specially-trained IT support teams to help resolve your computing issues. To learn more about the support for personal computing at Penn, see "What type of IT support will I receive at Penn?" in the Requirements section of this site.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about personal computing on campus:

Do I need to have my own personal computer?

No. Students have access to a large number of computer labs in both academic buildings and residence halls, equipped with up-to-date hardware, software, and network connections. Even with the many resources available in campus labs, in a recent survey over 95% of students residing on campus reported owning a personal computer.

Will my current computer meet my needs?

The annual Desktop Computing Recommendations specify new systems that will meet the needs of most users at Penn, and also include information about which older systems are still supported. Keep in mind that support for older systems is almost certain to expire in less than four years. Reviewing the history of recent annual desktop recommendations can help you determine whether, and for how long, your system is likely to meet your needs at Penn. Students who bring their Windows or Mac computers to campus can expect excellent support, provided the system meets Penn's annually updated minimum standards for desktop computers.

If I purchase a new computer, what guidelines should I follow?

Each June, the University's central IT division, Information Systems & Computing, updates its annual Desktop Computing Recommendations for the coming academic year. Penn provides a four-year guarantee of support for new desktop systems that meet these specifications, so following them ensures continued support during your stay. During the annual Back-To-School sale, the Computer Connection (the University's campus computer store) offers systems that will be supported and compatible with Penn's computing infrastructure at significantly discounted prices. For more detailed information and advice on purchasing a new computer system, see "How Does Penn Help Me Get Started?" in the Requirements section of this site.

What about software?

Information Systems & Computing, in conjunction with IT staff in schools and centers, evaluates and adopts software applications as supported products to ensure that students have access to the systems and network resources they need. Many of these products, such as anti-virus and e-mail applications, are site-licensed and available for free to Penn students. They can be downloaded from the Supported Products web page or installed from the custom-built PennConnect CD. Other supported products, such as Microsoft Office, can be purchased from the Penn Computer Connection at discounted academic prices. Student versions of specialized academic software such as MAPLE, SAS, and SPSS can also be purchased there.

How about connecting to campus networks and the Internet?

Penn's College Houses, Sansom Place East and West, and all Penn-owned fraternities and sororities are wired for Ethernet, which enables high-speed data communications through wallplates found in every room. Penn's Fast Internet service provides access at rates up to 100 times the speed of a 56K modem connection. Computers must be equipped with an Ethernet card in order to connect to the network and to use this service.

Those living in other residences or off-campus locations must sign up with a commercial Internet Service Provider (ISP) to obtain PennNet and Internet connectivity. The Remote Access Page provides additional information and links to vendors with whom Penn has negotiated preferred pricing.

Can I connect from non-residential campus locations as well?

Some University libraries and many public spaces, such as computer labs and student lounges, contain public ports where you can connect your own laptop to the campus network and the Internet. As with connections in students' rooms, a computer must be equipped with an Ethernet card in order to take advantage of this convenient service.

The number of wireless network access points on the Penn campus is growing rapidly, guided by the University's wireless strategy and its commitment to providing secure, reliable, high-speed performance. Students using laptops or personal digital assistants (PDAs) equipped with compatible wireless network cards can now establish wireless network connections in several locations across campus, including the Engineering Library, the Fischer Fine Arts Library, and several common areas located in the Wharton School. Your School can instruct you on how to best prepare for its particular wireless network offerings.