Guidelines for Required ResNet Software

For better connectivity and computer security, residence hall students who bring computers on campus must comply with the following:


  • If the student is using a Microsoft Windows-based machine, that machine must be current on all critical updates including service packs.
  • A current and running virus scanner must be present. The latest virus definitions make a virus scanner current. Most for-pay virus scanners require an annual subscription to received updated virus definitions. We accept a number of free and for-pay virus scanners, including (but not limited to) McAfee VirusScan, Norton Anti-virus, Trend Micro’s PC-cillin, AVG, Avast! and others. Please have only one virus scanner installed as installing more than one anti-virus program will have undesirable results.
  • The PC must be spyware free. Spyware greatly impedes the computer from connecting to and utilizing the network. ITS recommends Microsoft’s Windows Defender beta, Spybot v1.4 and Lavasoft’s AdAware. Any combination or all of these will work together to improve the computer’s protection.
  • Cisco’s Clean Access Agent v3.6.x is required and will be provided when the student arrives on campus via the ITS Web site.


If a student is using network devices other than a PC, such as a Macintosh (though anti-virus software is still recommended), Xbox or something similar, the above software is not required. Please check with ITS if you have questions.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The campus network does not support the use of personal routers. Network hubs, switches or wireless access points (without a router) should all work adequately.

Disclaimer:

All software must be used pursuant to its license agreements. Software provided by the College to the student (Cisco’s Clean Access Agent) is provided under the condition that the student remains enrolled at Manchester College. If the student chooses to leave the college, he/she is required to uninstall the College-supplied software. An ITS staff member can provide assistance. You should contact the ITS Help Desk (helpdesk@manchester.edu) if you require assistance.

 

 

Guidelines for Required ResNet Hardware

The following is a list of required hardware, with ITS recommendations, for Windows-based PCs or Macintosh PCs. Which option is a matter of personal preference as is the difference between Laptop or Desktop.

Any computer that is purchased today will far exceed the minimum guidelines outlined below. Please visit http://itsdev.manchester.edu/deals for discounted pricing on hardware and software.

 

 

Windows XP Pro, Home, or Media Center

    Laptop or Desktop

  • Intel or AMD Processor and Motherboard supported by Processor
  • 233 MHz Minimum,

2.8GHz or more recommended

  • 64 MB RAM Minimum
    • 512Mb or more recommended
  • 1.5 GB Hard Drive Space
    • 60GB or more recommended
  • Monitor that supports at least 800x600 Resolution
    • 1024x768 recommended
  • CD-ROM or DVD Drive
    • CD-R/W or DVD+/-R recommended
  • Mouse and Keyboard
  • Floppy Diskette Drive strongly suggested
  • 802.11G compliant wireless for laptop

Windows based PCs will be required to download and install the Cisco Clean Access Agent provided by Manchester College in order to connect to the network.

Also, automatic updates must be enabled and all patches and updates must be installed prior to connecting to ResNet.

 

 

Mac Computer Systems

Laptop or Desktop

    • 10.0 (Cheetah)
      • Power Mac G3, G3 B&W, G4, G4 Cube, iMac, PowerBook G3, G4, iBook
        • 128MB RAM Minimum
        • 1.5GB Hard Drive Space Minimum
    • 10.1 (Puma)
      • Power Mac G3, G4, G4 Cube, iMac, PowerBook, iBook
    • 10.2 (Jaguar)
      • Power Mac G3, G4, iMac, eMac, PowerBook G3, G4, or iBook
    • 10.3 (Panther)
      • Power Mac G3, G4, G5, iMac, eMac, PowerBook G3 (bronze keyboard models only), G4, or iBook G3, G4
    • 10.4 (Tiger)
      • PowerPC G3, G4, G5
        • CD-ROM or DVD Drive
        • 256MB RAM minimum
        • 3GB Hard Drive Space
        • Built In Firewire (IEEE1394 or iLink

Macintosh and Linux based machines must be registered with Information Technology Services in order to connect to the network.

Any machine that will be connected to the Manchester College network must have a network card and a patch cable. An ideal length of patch cable would be between 14’ and 25’. Please make sure that you purchase a Cat5e Network Patch Cable. A standard RJ45 telephone cable will not work.

Further, all machines must have up-to-date Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs. Many newly purchased computers will come with 60 or 90 day free trials of popular Anti-Virus software, however after these trials expire, a subscription must be purchased. However, ITS does support a number of free Anti-Virus programs that are available on the internet such as AVG Free, AVAST! Anti-Virus, and Anti-Vir. ITS will also provide McAfee Anti-Virus for no charge, if desired.