Bringing your computer to Berkshire

The Technology Department supports the connection of both Windows and Mac systems on the Berkshire School Network (BSN).  The following sections outline our requirements and recommendations regarding student computers, how to prepare your computer for the BSN before arriving on campus, and what to expect when you connect to the BSN.

Windows

Required:

• Windows XP SP3, Vista SP1, or Windows7
• 512MB of RAM for Windows XP
• 1GB of RAM for Windows Vista and Windows 7
• Internet Explorer 8 or Mozilla Firefox 3.6

Recommended:

• 1GB of RAM or more for Windows XP, 2GB of RAM or more for Vista and Windows 7

Mac

Required:

• Mac OSX 10.5 or greater
• 1GB of RAM 
• Apple Safari or Mozilla Firefox 3.6

Recommended:

• 2GB of RAM

Recommendations for all student laptops:

• 160GB or larger hard disk
• Laptops should be large enough to work on comfortably for extended periods of time and small enough to easily carry around campus as needed. We find that laptops with 13” screens strike the best balance.
• Laptops should have a rated battery life of 6 hours or more.
• We recommend purchasing a 3-year, on-site warranty, if possible. Accidental damage warranties may also be a prudent investment if available. If purchased outside of North America, ensure that your warranty will allow for service from a US-based provider.
• The operating system on student laptops should be able to display in English.

Other items and considerations:

• Berkshire School provides all current students with a copy of the latest Microsoft Office suite, so families need not purchase it.
• Bring an Ethernet cable, 15ft. or longer. In Crispin-Gordon-Rose and MacMillan dorms, a 25ft. cable will offer the most flexibility in room layout, as the Ethernet jack is only available where the desk is located when you arrive.
• Bring all disks and paperwork that came with your computer. This will help us help you if your computer is in need of service.
• Bring a case or protective sleeve for your laptop.
• Consider purchasing a locking cable to secure your laptop.
• A personal printer can be convenient at times, but printing to the school’s high-volume printers is more cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally sustainable.  Many teachers accept assignment submissions via e-mail and/or our online course management system, reducing the need for printing.
  
  

Preparing Your Computer

• To ensure your computer will connect quickly and easily to the BSN when you arrive at Berkshire, take the time to perform the following steps before leaving for school.
• Get the latest updates for your operating system. (How-to: Windows | Mac)
• Remove any anti-virus and anti-spyware software that is currently installed on your computer.  (How-to: Windows | Mac)
• Download and install Berkshire's managed Sophos anti-virus software onto your computer.  (How-to: Windows | Mac)

Computer Registration

• Students and Parents must read Berkshire's "Policies Governing the Use of Technology" document and return a signed acceptance form before students may access the BSN. 
• When you first attempt to connect to Berkshire's wired or wireless networks and access the internet through a web-browser, you will be prompted to login with the username and password that is provided to you at registration.  Once the system accepts your login, your computer will be quarantined while your system is tested to ensure that your computer has been prepared as described above.  If your system fails the test, you will be prompted to fix the issue(s) that are causing your computer to fail.  Your computer will have extremely limited network and internet access until your computer passes the test.