Students can use any brand computer to connect to the Penn State network connection in their room. The connection has been limited to a single computer.

BE AWARE: There are "Internet bandwidth limits" imposed on how much Internet traffic is used on the connection for each student connection. Going over the limits 3 times in a semester will cause a student to loose the privilege of having a connection in their room. These limits are strictly enforced. Please see all details in the Housing Connection Agreement. 

The computer needs to have an Ethernet card or built-in Ethernet connection to use the network connection. As long as the computer meets the students power, speed and storage requirements, it should work with the Housing network.

Parents and students ask us for a minimum computer recommendation. ResCom recommends that the computer meet or  exceeds the following requirements.

Other items you need bring to campus:

• All program and restore CD's and CD keys

• A Power strip to plug everything in

• A CD or DVD burner to backup data. Some students use an external hard drive instead. Have a plan for personal data backup already worked out ahead of time.

• Warranty information for your system

Please note:
A computer that does not meet this recommendation may work fine but it will take longer to get connected or repair in case of problems over the semester.

Ethernet cards and other computer accessories can be purchased at Penn State's Computer Store, located at 12 Willard Building: www.computerstore.psu.edu.