Computer Information

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 email 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

Principia strongly recommends that all students have a laptop computer with them on campus. 

Please note that desktop computers, iPads, Chromebooks, Smartphones, and Microsoft Surface tablet computers are NOT recommended as the only device to successfully participate in Principia’s academic programs.

Recommended Computer Technical Specifications

The following are the recommended minimum laptop technical requirements recommended to allow you to participate fully in most of Principia College’s academic programs for the four years you are here.

Specific Laptop Recommendations for the following academic programs:

• Computer Science Program:
  The Computer Science program at Principia strongly recommend that students consider laptops with the added specifications:
  • Windows 11 or macOS
  • A 15 to 16 in screen with a minimum  2K (2048 × 1080) resolution
  • 1 TB SSD hard drive minimum
  • For Windows laptops, a CUDA (Compute Unified Device Architecture) compatible graphics card is recommended
• Engineering Program:
  • Windows 11 or macOS
  • 1 TB SSD hard drive minimum
  • For windows laptops a CAD compatible graphics card is recommended
• Digital Media & Journalism and Art Studio Programs:
  • Apple computers are recommended but not required for these programs
  • 16GB RAM
  • 1 TB SSD hard drive minimum

Productivity Software

Principia provides students with free access to the following software which they are expected to use:

• Outlook Email and Calendar
• Microsoft Office 365 - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.
• Google Workspace: Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Meet, etc.

Computer Security*

Principia strongly recommends:

• Your computer has antivirus software with a current subscription installed.
• You install operating system updates regularly such as:
  • Apple Software Updates
  • Microsoft Updates for Critical and 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.

Related Links

• Green Electronics Purchasing Standard
• Resources for Current Students and Employees