Gann Academy 2009-2010
Computer System and Software Recommendations for Students

Gann Academy only makes recommendations for student’s personal laptop purchases. A secure wireless network name, “GANN_Students”, has been created for student personal laptops to connect to the Gann wireless network.

We ask that you keep compatibility issues in mind. Gann is a Window’s XP-Pro environment. There are connection requirements for you to consider with regard to the device and applications that you use on the school network. Details of which are provided in this document. The IT HelpDesk does not provide troubleshooting support for personal machines.

Families may want to consider a netbook purchase. Netbooks are mini-computers, primarily designed for web browsing and e-mailing. These can be purchased at a significantly lower cost. Most of the major vendors have netbook models. We have looked at Fujitsu, Lenovo, and ACER models. In addition, Microsoft and OpenOffice offer smaller versions of their office applications software for netbooks.

Recommendations for full featured laptops

Operating Systems:

Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2 Preferred
Microsoft Windows Vista (Business version) SP1
(Avoid “Home” Versions)

Minimal Window’s Hardware Recommendations

Processor:
Intel® Core™ 2Duo
2MHz
Memory:
Minimun1GB of SDRAM-667MHz (more is always better)
Disk Drives: 
Minimum 80G hard disk
CDRW drive
AC Power supply
Battery:
Minimum 3 hours run time                              
Wireless NIC
Internal
IEEE 802.11 a/g/n     
Service and support:
3 year next business day on-site service 

Software Compatibility Requirements

Student should be aware of these Gann application standards for compatibility purposes:

• Microsoft Office 2003 (extensions .doc, .xls, .ppt)
• OpenOffice 2+
• OpenText FirstClass 9.1+
• Microsoft Internet Explorer

Student Network Connection 

Students may connect their personal laptops through Gann Academy’s wireless services with these considerations:

• user and device authentication is required
• devices must meet and maintain Gann Academy’s device health standards which include:

            1. a current and patched Operating System (OS)
            2. antivirus with updated definitions and with real-time protection enabled
            3. no critical vulnerabilities

• user and devices are subject to Gann AUP (acceptable use policies) and the school’s filtering and monitoring applications

Note that anti-virus is required on on machines connecting to the Gann network regardless of Operating System. We are happy to provide Sophos anti-virus for students’ laptops that will be used at Gann.