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Student Technology Collaborative recommendations
Recommended computer systems
The computing demands of most Yale students are simple, and their needs can be met by many different machines. We encourage you to choose the type of system you feel most comfortable purchasing. We recommend that any new student computer meet or exceed the following the specifications:
One of the following:
| Laptop | Desktop | Operating System | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows | Intel Core 2 Duo or Solo | Intel Core 2 Duo |
|
| Apple | Intel Core 2 Duo | Mac OS X (10.4 or later) | |
* We recommend Windows XP Professional over Home, as Professional has advanced networking and file options that are not easily accessible in Home. However, both XP Home and Pro will work on the Yale network.
** We recommend Windows Vista Business over Home Premium or Ultimate because Business has advanced network and file features over Home Premium without the added media features of Ultimate. Business, Home Premium, and Ultimate will all work on the Yale network.
- 1 GB of RAM
- built-in wired and wireless Ethernet
- a category 5 Ethernet patch cable (25 feet is adequate for most Yale rooms)
- on-site warranty support, for three or four years (four years recommended for all students)
- writeable CD/DVD drive
We strongly recommend the following upgrades for laptop computers:
- security cable (eg. Kensington Microsaver Notebook Lock, Belkin Notebook Security Lock)
- These warranty upgrades, if available from your computer vendor:
| Description | Pros | |
|---|---|---|
| CompuTrace LoJack | Computer location tracking device that is activated if your computer is stolen | Recovery of your lost or stolen computer is much more likely |
| On-site warranty support | Technician comes to your room and repairs your computer hardware | More convenient and faster than shipping or driving your computer to an authorized repair center |
| Accident protection | Protects against damage from common accidents that are not usually covered under standard warranties | Covers damage from dropping your computer, spilling liquids on the keyboard, cracking your display panel |
Older computers
If you do not plan to purchase a new computer and you have one less than two years old that can run Microsoft Word and browse the Internet, you can likely use it at Yale. We recommend that old computers have at least 512 MB of RAM and come equipped with a recommended Ethernet adapter (see above). Be aware that older computers are more prone to failure and increased downtime.
Wireless access
You can access the Yale network from the convenience of your own computer. Wired Ethernet connections are provided in dorm rooms, classrooms, and libraries for quick and convenient access to the electronic resources that Yale and the Internet have to offer. You can plug your computer into any live jack and get instant network access. In addition, wireless network access is available in most public areas on campus, including dining halls, college courtyards, and libraries. For more information about wireless access at Yale, please click here.
Currently there are three main wireless Ethernet standards: 802.11a, 802.11b (also known as Wifi, for wireless fidelity), and 802.11g. Both 802.11a and 802.11g support high transfer rates of 54 Megabits per second (Mbps),while 802.11b has a slower transfer rate of 11 Mbps. Although 802.11b operates at a slower speed, it is currently the most popular standard. Cards and routers that function on the 802.11g standard are backwards compatible with the 802.11b standard. That is, 802.11g cards can connect to 802.11b routers and vice-versa.
Our wireless Ethernet network operates on the 802.11b standard, so students who want to purchase wireless Ethernet adapters for use on our network need to purchase an 802.11b or 802.11g compatible notebook or add-on card.
For students purchasing a new computer, we recommend that you purchase a computer with an internal wireless card. Students who purchase a recommended notebookwill receive an integrated Intel 802.11b or g wireless card. Students purchasing notebooks equipped with 802.11g cards will still be able to use their cards on our 802.11b network, but will have a notebook that is more "future-ready".
Some students purchase personal wireless devices to connect to the network instead of using the wired Ethernet jacks provided in their rooms. However, improperly connected devices cause network issues, which prevent other students from using the Yale network. In these situations, we will turn off network access to the devices and try to contact their owners. If you would like to use a wireless device in your room, please ask a Student Tech (formerly Computing Assistant) for assistance. STs will be available in Linsley-Chittenden Hall (LC) during Freshman Move-In days and can assist you with connecting to the Yale network.
Wireless routers
All new computers from major vendors, i.e. Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, include built-in wired Ethernet and wireless network adapters (with the exception of the Macbook Air, which requires a separate adapter for wired Ethernet). If you already have Ethernet functionality, you do not need to buy an additional network card.
Wireless routers are available from GovConnection (note: to purchase at GovConnection with a Yale discount, you must go through the Yale E-portal, which requires a NetID) or any local electronics store.
Student Technology Collaborative recommends the following wireless routers (all available through GovConnection):
- Linksys Wireless G Broadband Router (WRT54G) (Most recommended)
- Belkin Wireless DSL Cable Gateway Router 802.11g
- Apple AirPort Express Base Station
- Buffalo AirStation WHR-HP-G54
- SMC SMC2804WBR Barricade 54Mbps wireless router
For other routers, Yale strongly recommends only routers that support WPA security protocols. Yale does not recommend wireless access points over routers.
