Recommended Computer Specifications

As a general observation, the college has shared computer resources strategically located around the campus: in the Miller Information Commons (library), computer labs, the student lounge and other areas.

Our IT helpdesk provides assistance connecting personal computers to the campus network and installing the College's anti-virus software. If the student computer needs hardware repair, the student will be referred to his warranty service provider or a local vendor for service. Champlain College cannot guarantee full network resources for computers that do not meet the recommended specifications, including older Microsoft Windows computers as well as Macintosh or Linux computers.

LAPTOP PERSONAL COMPUTER OR MAC - MINIMUM CONFIGURATION

The specifications below can be applied to configure either a Windows laptop or a Mac Laptop.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate
Minimum Mac OS -- OSX Tiger (10.4.6)
1.88+ GHz dual processor
2 GB RAM with Windows XP, 4 GB RAM for Vista editions
Wireless capable
Ethernet port
Additional 1+ GB on video card is desirable
160+ GB hard drive
CD/DVD Drive
160+ External USB drive for backup
Student/Teacher Edition Microsoft Office Suite (see Software below)
Anti-virus software

This configuration is designed to serve a four year college career.

DESKTOPS

For personal preference or other usability reasons some students will find a desktop computer (PC or Mac) preferable. This is acceptable, though a laptop offers more versatility and flexibility in a college environment.

EDUCATIONAL DISCOUNTS

Students are reminded that most computer manufacturers offer a higher-education discount (Acer/Gateway, Dell, HP, Levono, etc.) on their websites. These discounts often range from 10-15%. That said, greater savings can be sometimes be achieved at outlets such as Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. so buyers are encouraged to shop around for the best value.

Most software is available in an academic version that is deeply discounted but fully functional. The restriction is that these licenses are granted for educational purposes only and the software is not licensed for commercial use. These licenses are available from select online retailers, Staples (often best price on Teacher/Student MS Office Suite) and the college bookstore.

To maximize savings, students may wish to secure their student ID and then purchase the less expensive academic license for required/desired software.

WARRANTY / MAINTENANCE

An extended four-year warranty plan including on-site maintenance is highly recommended. Even on-site service can take 48 hours when parts must be shipped, so student learning may be delayed. Mail-in service can take 10 days or longer and is not recommended. A broken computer is not considered a valid excuse for missed or delayed coursework as there are common area computers available. It is a good idea to consider a thumb drive for immediate backup and portability of current assignments (cost $25 and up)

INSURANCE/THEFT

Students are advised to be sure that they have an anti-theft device for their laptop. This can be a physical lock cable and/or a LoJack-type software which allows police to track a missing or stolen computer. A lost computer is not considered a valid excuse for delayed or missed coursework.
Students should inquire whether their personal property insurance covers their college laptop and consider an insurance rider as appropriate or desired.

BACKUP

There are numerous backup devices available including online storage and physical external USB drives. Students are responsible for maintaining and updating an adequate backup copy of their work product to allow them to continue working in the case of a computer loss or malfunction. A common solution is to include an external USB drive with at least the same capacity (160+GB) as the student laptop drive.

A smaller thumb drive is useful for porting files around campus but can be easily lost or damaged and is not recommended as the students' primary backup.

SOFTWARE

The college is standardized on Microsoft Office applications and students are responsible for submitting coursework in compatible formats. Incompatible formats will not be accepted or graded.
There are open source, online, and non-Microsoft applications such as Open Office, WordPerfect and Symphony (free) that provide compatible formats but it is the student's responsibility to submit the standard file format to their professors. Incompatible files that cannot be read will not be graded.
A reliable anti-virus program should be acquired and it may be advisable to consider a spy-ware program. Additional software may be required for specific classes. Details will be provided at the start of such classes or listed with textbook requirements.

PRINTERS

There are network printers located at select locations on campus but students are strongly encouraged to consider a USB connected color inkjet printer for personal use or a small personal laser printer. Even a low-end inkjet can be a life saver on a project due date.

ACCESSORIES

In addition to the aforementioned external USB drive, and anti-theft cable, consideration can be given to a laptop backpack or a padded laptop sleeve to protect the computer.

Optionally, many consider an external wireless or USB keyboard and mouse for dorm use with the laptop to increase ease of use which can provide a productivity boost. An external monitor and docking station could be considered but are not required.

An initial set of supplies in the form of CDs, printer toner/ink cartridges, paper, etc.

LEASE / FINANCING

Despite declining prices and increasing power, a computer purchase still represents a major expenditure. It may be advisable to investigate a lease option with a plan to replace the computer in the junior year (for example) or to consider a monthly financing option. Most manufacturers offer these options and occasionally promote special programs.

The Division of Business

The main instructional campus has wireless access in classrooms and common areas which makes a PC or Mac laptop the ideal choice for business students at Champlain.

The information below applies to the following majors:

Accounting
Business
Hotel/Restaurant Management
Event Management
International Business
Marketing: Advertising & Marketing Management Tracks
Paralegal Studies

Laptop Personal Computer or Mac - Minimum Configuration

The specifications below can be applied to configure either a Windows laptop or a Mac Laptop. Mac users will also need to acquire a licensed copy of a Windows operating system for their Mac computer.

Microsoft Windows XP Professional or Vista Home Premium or Vista Business
1.88+ GHz dual processor
2 GB RAM with Windows XP, 3-4 GB RAM for Vista editions
Wireless capable
Ethernet port
Additional 1+ GB on video card is desirable
160+ GB hard drive
CD/DVD Drive
160+ External USB drive for backup, matching the internal drive above
Student/Teacher Edition Microsoft Office Suite (see Software below)
Anti-virus software
Parallels Desktop for Mac application software for Windows virtualization (Mac only

This configuration is designed to serve the user for their 4 year college career.

Desktops

For personal preference, budgetary, or other usability reasons some students will find a desktop computer (PC or Mac) preferable. This is acceptable, though a laptop offers more versatility and flexibility in a college environment.

Software

The college is standardized on Microsoft Office applications and students are responsible for submitting coursework in compatible formats. Incompatible formats will not be accepted or graded.

There are open source, online, and non-Microsoft applications such as Open Office, WordPerfect and Symphony (free) that provide compatible formats but it is the student's responsibility to submit the standard file format to their professors. Incompatible files that cannot be read will not be graded.

The Division of Business recommends the Student/Teacher edition of Microsoft Office.

A reliable anti-virus program should be acquired and it may be advisable to consider a spy-ware program.

Additional software may be required for specific classes. Details will be provided at the start of such classes or listed with textbook requirements.

Printers

The Division of Communication and Creative Media

Many of the majors in the CCM Division are computing intensive and require the use of highly specialized software, which is why we continue to maintain and expand our outstanding computer labs and classrooms. Specific hardware and software needs vary tremendously by course and by program, and it can be costly and difficult for students to keep their computers as up-to-date and as fully equipped as our labs. Here is some general information based on program of study:

Digital Filmmaking. Mac laptop strongly recommended starting junior year - please contact program director for specific hardware and software specifications.
Graphic Design and Digital Media. Because of the high costs of font packages and other specialized software, use of laptops in GDD classes is not recommended. A Mac laptop is recommended as of the first semester of the senior year. A digital single lens reflex (dSLR) is recommended as of the second semester of the freshman year.
Game Design. Because of the high costs and high processing demands of game design software, use of laptops in Game Design classes is not recommended. For recommended desktop configurations please contact the program director, Amanda Crispel at crispel@champlain.edu
Game Art and Animation. Because of the high costs and high processing demands of game design software, use of laptops in Game Art and Animation classes is not recommended. For recommended desktop configurations please contact the program director, Amanda Crispel at crispel@champlain.edu
Public Relations. Constant access to a computer will be essential, but the choice of laptop or desktop is largely a matter of a student's preference.
Broadcasting. Mac laptop strongly recommended starting junior year - please contact program director for specific hardware and software specifications.
Mass Communications. Constant access to a computer will be essential, but the choice of laptop or desktop is largely a matter of a student's preference.
Professional Writing. Constant access to a computer will be essential, but the choice of laptop or desktop is largely a matter of a student's preference.

The Division of Education and Human Studies

Applied Psychology
Criminal Justice
Early/Elementary Education
Middle Education
Secondary Education
Social Work

Although the College has considerable shared computer resources available on campus, a student owned personal computer will allow flexibility and convenience. As the campus provides broad wireless access, a laptop computer is especially practical but the choice of laptop or desktop is largely a matter of a student's preference.

Students in the Teacher Education majors: Early Childhood/Elementary, Middle School and High School will find a scanner and / or digital camera useful.

The Division of Information Technology and Sciences

Most of the majors in the IT & Division are computing intensive:

Computer & Digital Forensics
Computer Information Technology
Game Programming
Computer Networking & Information Security
Software Engineering for Emerging Technologies
Web Development & Design

They require the use of highly specialized software, which is why we continue to maintain and expand our outstanding computer labs and classrooms. Specific hardware and software needs vary tremendously by course and by program, and it can be costly and difficult for students to keep their computers as up-to-date and as fully equipped as our labs. Here are some general guidelines:

Most small computers sold through retail venues or the major online distributors (laptop, desktop or mini-tower) are generally adequate for a student's coursework both in and out of the Information Technology & Sciences Division at Champlain College.

It is possible to use Intel-based Apple Computers, but some of the software needed for course work will only work with Windows, and you will need an installed and working copy of Windows XP (or above) either via BootCamp, or using virtualization software like Parallels (4.0 or above).

The following are some general guidelines for all majors in the IT&S Division. These are the minimum guidelines for you to think about if you plan to purchase a new computer or upgrade an existing computer.

A system (laptop, desktop, or mini-tower) running either Windows XP or Windows Vista Home Premium.
A minimum of 3 GB or more of main memory; CD/DVD RW (dual layer, usually standard anyway).
A minimum of 200 GB disk space.
A graphics card with a minimum of 256 MB dedicated (not shared) memory (512 MB preferred).
A minimum graphics resolution (graphics card & display) of 1280 x 800 (higher preferred - 1440 x 900, 1680 x 1050, and up).
An Intel or AMD dual-core (or above processor), with a minimum processor speed of 2.2GHz Office software that supports: word processor, spreadsheet, and presentation applications specific software as required by program.
Wireless capable.