Bringing a Computer to SSU

Students studying in ResHall room

Buying a new computer?
Print this page for your salesperson!

What computer should I bring?

Be sure the computer you bring meets SSU's Computer Standards.

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Should I purchase a new computer? What if I already have a computer?

SSU is committed to ensuring compatibility for four years for computers that meet the Current Year Purchase Recommendations. Other computers may not be compatible, or may not be compatible for the duration of your stay at SSU.

To ensure that your computer is compatible with the computer-based materials and services offered at Sonoma State University, it should meet the SSU Minimum Computer Configuration. These recommendations are updated annually to reflect the evolving minimum requirements of computers in a modern university. It is not unusual that each year, the lower-end configurations become incompatible, and are removed from the SSU Computer Configuration Recommendations. If your computer does not meet the Current Year Purchase Recommendations, it may be necessary to upgrade the memory or even replace the computer in future years. However, SSU is committed to providing compatibility for four years for any of the Current Year Purchase Recommendations.

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Where should I purchase a new computer?

You may purchase your computer from any dealer. It is recommended that you understand how you will have repairs made on your computer. SSU will not repair or configure your computer for you.

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Should I purchase a notebook/laptop computer?

Today it is possible to have all the power of a desktop computer in a notebook computer. You can take notes in class, carry it to your classmate's house, and even sit under a tree at the lake while you do school work. A notebook computer will also allow you to use the campus wireless network in classrooms and the Library. While a notebook computer gives you freedom to work anywhere, notebook systems are usually more expensive. Notebook computers are also more susceptible to theft and are more fragile in construction.

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2007-2008 SSU Current Year Purchase Recommendations For Incoming Students

The following recommendations are made for the computers of incoming students, anticipating that they may want to use the computer for the duration of their stay at SSU. While computers of lower power are usable, they are not recommended.

Recommended Macintosh System:
Macintosh with an Intel Core Duo 1.83GHz or faster

Recommended Windows System:
Intel Pentium D 2.8 GHz or Intel Core 2 Duo 2.13 GHz or faster

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SSU Computer Minimum Configuration Recommendations

If you cannot purchase a new computer that meets the current year purchase recommendations, SSU will ensure compatibility this year with campus services for the following computers:

Minimum Macintosh System
G4 running at 400 MHz or higher

Minimum Windows System
Pentium 4 2.8 GHz or higher

Linux or other UNIX workstations

Linux and some other UNIX-based computers may prove less helpful to students because most UNIX software is incompatible with commonly used software on campus. Please be aware that if you choose to bring a Linux machine to SSU, the Information Technology staff may require you to demonstrate proficiency in Linux system administration and that your machine will be periodically audited to comply with SSU security standards. Improperly operated Linux-based computers present a substantial security hazard for the entire community. See IT Unix Support form more information.

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Will I need a printer or modem?

If you live in a residence hall, you will NOT need a modem, but you may find one useful if you intend to send and receive faxes from your computer. You will need a modem to connect to the internet and SSU online services only if you are living off-campus. We recommend a 56 Kbps modem or broadband with a suitable ISP service.

You may want to purchase a printer to make your work easier. While you can copy your work to a USB flash drive or CD-R and print for 10¢ per page in the 24-Hour Lab or Library Information Commons, most people find it more convenient to print while they are doing their work.

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How can I protect my computer?

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Obtain and Install a 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Adapter

If you will be living in the Residence Halls, a working Ethernet network adapter installed in your computer is required to connect to the SSU network. Many computers today come with Ethernet adaptors built into the computer. In some cases it may still be necessary to add a network card to the computer. If you do need to add a Ethernet network card to your computer be sure it is one of the recommended adapters for your computer, and have the card, as well as the associated support software, installed when you purchase it. SSU will not install or remove your Ethernet adapter. Make sure you obtain a record of your adapter Ethernet address, also known as the "Hardware", "Physical" or "MAC" address. SSU highly recommends 10/100 Base-T Ethernet Network Interface Cards (NICs) from manufacturers such as 3Com, Intel, and Broadcom.

Please be sure to bring CDs of your computer's Operating System (OS), the software drivers for your Ethernet adapter, and any instruction manuals.

If you need to install a network adaptor, watch the Network Card Installation movie.

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Additional Required Hardware

You will also need to have an Ethernet cable to be able to connect to the campus network. If you wish to purchase one before arriving, you should buy a Category 5 (Cat5), 8-wire cable, with RJ-45 plugs (looks like an oversized telephone plug) on both ends and not less than 25 feet long. Otherwise you may buy your cable from the campus bookstore once you arrive. Some Ethernet card vendors include a cable with the card. If this is the case, please be sure that it meets the above specifications. Also, some Ethernet cards for laptops include a cable with one end that plugs directly into the card. Be aware that you may need to buy an adapter and additional cable as the included cable may not be long enough to reach the network jack from your desk. Again, these will be available from the campus bookstore.

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Wireless Networking

SSU has deployed a wireless network on campus, available in many classrooms, the Library and other areas (see Wireless Network Locations). If you are buying a laptop, you might consider purchasing an additional wireless network card to access our wireless network. Cards should be compliant with the Standards for Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi). Any network card bearing the Wi-Fi logo should be compatible with SSU's wireless network. The critical technologies to look for when purchasing a card are:

Note: Wireless networking is not available in the Residence Halls. See User Installed Network Equipment for more information.

Wi-Fi Certified Cards that have been tested on SSU's wireless network include:

For Windows-based machines:

For Macintosh machines:

Note: Wireless networking is not available in the Residence Halls. See User Installed Network Equipment for more information.

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Questions to Ask Your Authorized Computer Dealer

Print a copy of this page and ask your dealer to check the configuration information to make sure your computer is SSU Network Ready!

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