Computer and Network Help
Purchasing a computer
We do not recommend one particular brand of PC. If you would like to configure and buy a computer online, the following Web sites may be helpful:
Start at the Wofford College Bookstore
Dell Computers (offering Dell University Program purchase plan)
Compaq Computers
Gateway Computers
Connecting a Computer to the Network
The Wofford College Campus Network allows your personal computer to connect to campus computing resources from the comfort of your office or dorm room. Guidelines for buying a personal computer that will work well with the campus network are included on the Technology for Students page. This means you will have access to the Internet, e-mail, and any other resources published to the network (such as documents placed on the network by professors for their students). There are computer labs in the Olin Building, the Library, and the Great Oaks Hall for students not otherwise able to connect to the campus network or for resources published by faculty that may be inaccessible from your residence hall.
The blue network wall jacks are located in the bedroom quarters of each dorm room. Network ports can be identified by their blue color and labels located on the wall jack. The labels will have a 7-digit alpha-numeric code. The 4th digit will be a letter that identifies the type of connection. Any letters between A-S in the 4th digit identifies a network port (a "T" indicates a telephone jack and a "V" indicates a video cable connection). This is where you should plug-in your network patch cable. Any other letter in the 4th digit identifies other types of connections that may cause damage to your network card or computer. Below are some examples to help you more easily identify your network port.
MH1C034 - this is a valid network port
GH1B002 - this is a valid network port
DH2A010 - this is a valid network port
SH2T003 - this is a telephone connection (do NOT plug in a network patch cable)
ND1V005 - this is a cable TV connection (do NOT plug in a network patch cable)