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Computer Services
The staff of Information Technology offers their knowledge and support for your computing and networking needs throughout the year.
Email Accounts
Principia provides every student an e-mail account on Principia's system, through which you’ll receive official correspondence, including course registration, orientation, and billing information.
Computer Purchase Plans
Principia offers special purchase plans in conjunction with Apple and Dell. Discounts with Apple are variable, while discounts with Dell are 7% off select models. Find information here for Apple and Dell purchases.
Computer Recommendations
For those who bring a new or used computer to campus, we recommend the following types and configurations. Approximately 40%–50% of students bring Apple computers, but both Apple Mac and Windows PC computers work well in our environment.
| Apple Mac | Windows PC | |
| Minimum Operating System | OS 10.11 or Above | Windows 10 |
| Productivity Software | Microsoft Office 2016 - Available for free to all students through Office365 | Microsoft Office 2016 - Available for free to all students through Office365 |
| Anti-Virus software* | Other preferred A/V product acceptable with current subscription | Other preferred A/V product acceptable with current subscription |
| Minimum Update Service* | Apple Software updates | Microsoft Update for Critical Security Patches |
*Any individual operating a computer that does not comply with these requirements is subject to both regulatory fines and fees for damages.
Computer Facilities
All student houses and most academic buildings have computer facilities for general use or specially equipped labs for student use that are available 24/7. All of the buildings and houses are networked and have hard-wired and wireless internet access.
Personal Computer Support
Principia’s technical support desk and Apple and Dell warranty repair station is staffed weekdays from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and can help with personal computer needs.
Charges for work on personally owned computers is generally billable at $50.00/hour in 1/4 hour increments. Owners will be asked to purchase needed parts. IT staff will provide guidance and tools, free of charge, for those wishing to google a DIY solution.
Networking
Free Wi-Fi networking is available in all dorms, classroom and athletic buildings, and such general spaces as Marshall Brooks Library, Howard Center, and Cox Cottage. Although most students use Wi-Fi, every dorm room has at least one wired Ethernet port. On request, the College will supply one wired Ethernet port for each bed in a dorm room.
The following types of personally owned devices are prohibited on Principia's network:
- Wireless access points
- Wireless and wired routers (including Apple airport base stations and variant products)
- Any device that is configured to offer DHCP services
The consumer versions of these products are built for ease of set-up at home but provide features that can interfere with the College network, impacting both the individual user and his or her neighbors. Any individual operating such a personal network device is subject to both regulatory fines and fees for damages.