*Initiative Option with Dell Computers*
Randolph-Macon has an initiative option with Dell Computers. Dell has provided academic priced computers for your review. We do not require that you purchase from Dell, this is only for your information. Click below to go to the Dell Online Store.
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Dell/Randolph-Macon Student Initiative |
Student Computing: R-MC has thirteen computing laboratories with 185 computers available for students in all disciplines. This translates to one computer for each 6.5 students! However, most students find it desirable to have a computer in their residence hall room or Fraternity or Sorority House. There is a network connection for each pillow (each student can directly connect to the campus data network and the world via an Ethernet card - not a modem). If a student wishes to have their own computer on campus, we have several recommendations.
If you don't own a computer
R-MC strongly recommends that you purchase a Windows system with an Ethernet card, Ethernet cable, a good quality printer and a multiple-year warranty. See section on Recommended Minimum Configurations.
If you currently own a computer
You can purchase an Ethernet/network card from your computer vendor or another outside source. Please Note: when you purchase a computer from any manufacturer and you include a network connection, please let them know that the computer will be connected to an Ethernet based data network.
If you own a computer with an Ethernet card installed....
There will be a Get Connected team of students available in the dorms during the moving-in period. These students will assist in the network software configuration of your pc. In addition, students may call the ITS HelpLine at x8500 for assistance.
Recommended Minimum Configurations
The New Computer recommended below should adequately meet a student's on-campus computing needs for four years (although with the ever-changing innovations in technology, there are no guarantees). The Used Computer suggested below will need to be replaced, probably in a year or two.
Note: Repair services on student owned computers are not a function of the College's Information and Technology Services office. When time is available, limited support is offered to assist students with computer repairs. The age of computer systems impact heavily on the level of repairs required. ITS will not be able to provide service on student owned systems that fail to meet the recommended specifications listed below:
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New Windows Computer |
Used Windows Computer |
| Intel or AMD Duo Core (2.33 GHz or greater) - faster than Pentium 4s (Laptops with Pentium M, Duo Core or Celeron M - 1.6 GHz plus) |
Pentium 4 processor 3.4 GHz or greater (Laptops - 1.6 GHz plus) |
| 2 GB RAM |
512 Mb RAM/ 1 GB RAM preferred |
| 160 GB Hard Disk |
40 GB Hard Disk |
| any Monitor (CRT or LCD) |
any Monitor (CRT or LCD) |
| USB connections |
USB connections |
| Ethernet card (10/100 mbps) and cable |
Ethernet card (10/100 mbps) and cable |
| 16X DVD+/-RW, Sound Card/speakers |
24X CD ROM, Sound Card/speakers |
| Windows XP Home, XP PRO, or Vista |
Windows XP Home, XP Pro, or Vista |
| Microsoft Office 2007 * |
Microsoft Office 2007 * |
| Antivirus Software * |
Antivirus Software * |
| NOTE: Numerous Wireless access points available on campus |
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* * Provided to all students by the College's Information and Technology Services (ITS) staff under a Campus Agreement with Microsoft and installed after the start of the Academic year. This can equal a savings of $300 or more on the initial purchase price for a new PC. Please make sure that you do not select Microsoft Office when ordering a new computer system. Questions: Call ITS at (804) 752-8500.
Macintosh: Although Macintoshes are not our standard platform, if a student already owns a Macintosh system, it may be brought to campus and connected to the computing network. The minimum configuration for a Macintosh is any of the MAC series with at least a 1.6 GHz CPU, 1 GB RAM, 80 Gb Hard Drive, CD-ROM, Mac Operating System 10 (OS 10.. or higher), and ethernet connection.
The College has limited support for Apple/Macintosh systems so students with Macs will need to be more self-sufficient in meeting their computing needs.
Printers: For all systems, we recommend a quality ink-jet or laser printer.
Recommended Warranty & Service Contract
R-MC does not provide hardware maintenance for student owned computers so extended warranty service contracts are advisable.
If a student has hardware problems but doesn't have a warranty on the computer, he or she will need to take their system to a local computer repair facility. The College's Information and Technology Services (ITS) will maintain a list of local area repair sites and provide this information when requested. However, ITS cannot recommend one repair site over another nor do we have any control over the quality and/or cost of their work.