I will be a new student at Case. Is there anything special I need to know about computing requirements?
Congratulations on your acceptance to Case. Computing plays a vital role in academic and social life here and computer access is important for full participation in classes and in university activities.
Known worldwide for its innovative technology environment, Case operates one of the fastest and largest networks in higher education. Case's fiber gigabit network provides computing speeds exponentially faster than cable or DSL.
So get ready for a fast ride on our network...
However, to connect to the Case network, your computer MUST be equipped to handle the exacting technical specifications of fiber optics gigabit connections. This means that your computer MUST have "10/100/1000 Ethernet" or "Gigabit Ethernet" connections.
So be sure to read our computer specifications very carefully.
Click here download a PDF which addresses many questions asked by newly admitted students.
I will be buying a new computer. What does Case recommend?
If you plan to buy a new computer, first be sure to check our computer tech specs at Computer Specifications.
Then visit Case's e-Store at http://www.case.edu/its/estore/ for great systems at super discounts. The highly recommended Dell systems available through our e-Store come loaded with many premium software programs including Microsoft Office Professional, Symantec Antivirus, and more, all at no extra cost to you.
If you buy your computer through a retailer (on-line, store, chain, etc.) make sure that it meets the "10/100/1000 Ethernet connection" or "Gigabit Ethernet connection" requirements.
I plan to live in the residence halls. Is there anything special I need for my computer?
Every student living in our residence halls will have a dedicated connection to the network through a network outlet ("faceplate") in his/her room.
I plan to commute to campus. How should I access and use the network?
If you do not plan to live in campus housing (residence halls or the Greek houses), we recommend that you consider a laptop computer. Today's laptops are lightweight, powerful, and, very often, wireless compatible. With over 1,400 wireless access points around the campus, a laptop with a wireless card (external or built-in) will give you great flexibility and allow you to access the network wirelessly throughout the University. Make sure that your laptop's wireless card meets the 802.11b or 802.11g protocol.
For connecting to the Case network from your home, we recommend high speed DSL/cable access through an internet service provider of your choice.
I will be a new student and I will be residing on campus. Can I use a wireless connection exclusively to connect to the Case network?
While there are over 1,400 wireless access points across campus, the Case wireless network is primarily a tool of convenience which allows for great portability and mobility. The speed and available bandwidth of the wireless network varies based on the number of users on any given wireless access point. To take full advantage of the network's capabilities, we recommend that all students residing in the residence halls use the dedicated (hardwired) network connections while in their rooms even if they have a laptop. A dedicated connection is considerably faster and offers greater bandwidth than a wireless connection. These capabilities are especially important in more demanding applications such as streaming video.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact us help@case.edu or 216-368-HELP. |
