Computer Specifications
Eton has a strong computing provision – the entire campus is connected to a high-speed network with a very effective filtered connection to the internet.
Computing forms an important part of the curriculum for new boys in F block. Almost all school events are advertised via email and internal websites, and a boy will use his computer daily for work and administration.
With of the growing use of IT in the curriculum and the need to ensure effective technical support for boys throughout the school, we have defined a minimum specification for boys’ computers.
Each PC must be running:
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Vista Business, Vista Ultimate, Windows 7 Professional or Windows 7 Ultimate, (not Windows XP Home, Vista Home Premium, Windows 7 Starter or Windows 7 Home Premium).
- Microsoft Office 2003 Professional or 2007 Professional (Including Microsoft Access and Microsoft Outlook)
Each machine will also need:
- A 100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Network Adaptor and
- An 802.11g/b/g/n wireless adaptor.
Given these requirements, we currently run a scheme which enables you to purchase a laptop and have arranged with a major computer supplier, Dell, to provide a computer that meets these standards at a heavily discounted price.
The requirements we gave Dell were:
- Good Value – by buying in bulk we can source laptops at much lower prices.
- Properly Supported – faults fixed the next day through an effective warranty and business support service.
- Easy to Buy – the recommended laptop can be bought quickly and easily (on the school bill or by cheque).
- Simple for the boys to use – when boys turn up on the first day the computer logs into the network quickly and easily.
- Robust – good product quality with the ability to last a boy for up to five years.
The conclusion: our recommendation is for Dell Latitude E6410 laptops.
Please click here if you would like to see the full specification and an order form.
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Buying a Different Computer
You do not have to buy a computer from this scheme. If you already have a computer for your son, or if he is to inherit an elder sibling’s, or if you have a more economical way of procuring a laptop, we will assist your son in putting it onto the Eton network from the first day of the Michaelmas Half.
Each boy must have a computer with Microsoft Windows XP Professional (not Home Edition or Media Center Edition); Windows Vista Business or Ultimate (not Home of Home Premium); Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate (Home Premium). The computer will also require Microsoft Office Professional 2003 or Microsoft Office 2007.
Eton College cannot provide software upgrades for the operating system of your computer, but we do allow boys to purchase a copy of Office 2007 from us at a greatly reduced cost.
Each machine will need a 100/1000Mbps Ethernet Network Adaptor and – if a laptop computer – an 802.11g/b wireless adaptor. It must also run the required utilities (anti-virus, audit and inspection tools) that we use to maintain a safe and efficient network. If necessary we will install these utilities (see below).
The support provided by the in-house IT Department team is not affected by the choice of laptop computer.
Other Computing Costs
It is a condition of connection to the Eton network that computers have the correct anti-virus and audit and inspection utilities installed. These items are essential to the safe and secure use of the Eton network by all boys. They are installed when a boy’s computer joins the network for the first time at a one-off charge at the start of the boy’s first half. For boys buying a laptop through the school this is included in the price. For other boys the charge is £60.
Enquiries
If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact us at boyslaptops@etoncollege.org.uk.