Penn Gets IT> Reqs > How does Penn help me get started?




		penn gets it: home academic administrative social requirements			How does Penn help me get started? Penn provides a wide range of special discounts on technology purchases. Annual Back-to-School Sale. Each summer, Penn makes Macintosh^(TM) and Microsoft^(TM) Windows-compatible computer products available to the University community at special prices through the Penn Computer Connection, the University's computer store. As an incoming student, you will receive information in June that tells you how you can take advantage of the special offers available through the Back-to-School Sale each year. You have the option of purchasing your Back-to-School equipment online; all Back-to-School desktop equipment is conveniently distributed on campus when students return each fall. Students who purchase laptop computers may either pick them up on campus or request direct shipment to any location across the country. The systems and software offered through the annual Back-to-School Sale each summer are carefully selected in consultation with Penn's Schools and computing division to meet the needs of Penn students. Academic and volume purchase agreements enable the Penn Computer Connection to offer premium systems at prices competitive with deals advertised by the national superstores. If you decide to comparison shop, be sure that you match Penn's Desktop Computing Recommendations and the specific features offered on systems within the Back-to-School Sale to get a system that will meet your needs. No matter where you decide to purchase, keep in mind the following tips from the University's Information Systems & Computing (ISC) division: First, you must decide between a Macintosh^(TM) or a Microsoft^(TM) Windows-compatible computer system. Some Schools have effectively standardized on one or the other, although many support both. ISC recommends that students first consult the recommendations of their School. Whatever system you choose, be sure it meets or exceeds Penn's Desktop Computing Recommendations. Because of their portability, laptop computers are increasingly popular. Desktop computers, though not as portable, are often more durable and more expandable than laptops. More powerful models which exceed current minimum hardware requirements, while somewhat higher priced, have the processing power to take advantage of software advances. If you can afford it, buy for the long term. To establish a wired connection to PennNet and the Internet, your system requires an Ethernet card (for on-campus residences and public spaces equipped with network ports), a modem (to dial in from off campus), or both. The number of wireless access point on campus continues to grow. To establish a wireless connection, your device requires a wireless network card; be sure to consult your School to learn about wireless network availabilty and about which wireless specifications apply. Ongoing equipment discounts. The Penn Computer Connection offers discounts year-round on select product bundles from Dell, Gateway, and Apple. Students can also purchase built-to-order products from these manufacturers, customized to meet their individual needs. The Computer Connection also carries a wide range of peripheral computing equipment at discounted prices, along with personal electronics such as digital cameras, MP3 players, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Academic software pricing. Students may purchase a wide range of popular, general-use software applications at substantially discounted academic prices through the Computer Connection. Thanks to site licensing and volume purchasing, discounts also apply to many specialized, coursework-related applications such as MAPLE and SPSS. Additional University-related discounts. Students living off-campus should sign up with a commercial Internet service provider (ISP) for remote access to PennNet, the campus computing network, from their homes. Penn students are eligible for discounted rates at several regional ISPs. *Penn gets students connected to the campus network and the Internet.* Provided their systems meet minimum desktop standards, students residing on campus can seek assistance in setting up their computers and physically connecting them to the campus network from their rooms. Each student's room on campus is wired for connecting via Fast Ethernet, which allows data transfer at speeds up to 100 times faster than a 56K modem. Penn distributes the software necessary for network connectivity to all students, free of charge. Each fall, Information Systems and Computing releases the PennConnect CD-ROM, which contains the recommended networking and anti-virus software for both on- and off-campus students. The CD-ROM includes the recommended Web browsers and other Internet applications. Students may also download individual networking and anti-virus applications through the Supported Products web page. *Penn provides a host of services to all its students.* Every Penn student is given an e-mail account, as well as 8-25 megabytes of server space to host a personal web page. Students also have access to numerous computer labs in residence halls and academic buildings, equipped with up-to-date hardware, software, and network connections. Once students have established a network identity at Penn, they are granted online access to services ranging from class registration and personalized curriculum advising. To ensure that students can make the most of their technology-rich surroundings, free basic computer training is also offered in residential settings throughout campus. To learn more about how students benefit from other services such as around-the-clock, residentially- based support and advanced technical training opportunities, see "What type of support will I receive at Penn?" in the Requirements section of this site.