Kutztown University takes pride in promoting diversity on campus, and personal computing is no exception. Accordingly, the university does not officially recommend one computer system over another for students wishing to connect to ResNet. If you plan on purchasing a new computer and connecting to ResNet, here are a few things to consider:


The ResNet help desk currently fully supports the Mac OS and Windows Vista/XP/2000. There are also some KU students who connect to ResNet using Linux, but be advised that on-campus Linux support is limited.

Regarding routine computer maintenance, students should be aware that Kutztown University goes to great lengths to preserve the integrity of the campus network, including denying network access to any system without current anti-virus software or critical security updates and operating system patches installed. This primarily affects PCs running any version of Microsoft Windows.

To guard against loss of network access, students running Microsoft Windows need to install all operating system patches as they are released by Microsoft as well as update their anti-virus software every day. (Note: Anti-virus software is provided to all KU students free-of-charge. Click here for more information.)

ResNet uses Cisco Clean Access to ensure compliance of all computers connected to the network. Click here to see the current requirements for all student-owned computers.

If you've already decided on a major, talk with department faculty members to see which system(s) they recommend. There may be required courseware which is better suited for a particular operating system.


Laptop computers do offer some distinct advantages over desktops. First, they allow you to plug into the network from any building on campus. Second, they leave a much smaller footprint on students' desks which can quickly become overcrowded with a CPU, monitor, printer, etc. Third, when equipped with a compatible wireless network card, they can provide wireless network access at various locations around campus.

One concern with laptops is that because they are portable, they are more susceptible to theft, so we strongly recommend purchasing a laptop security device such as the MicroSaver® security cable made by Kensington.

An alternative laptop security solution is Lo-Jack® for Laptops. This is a software solution that embeds itself deep in the computer's BIOS and "phones home" whenever the computer is connected to the internet. Lo-Jack works directly with computer manufacturers so that it stays with the computer, even if the hard drive is reformatted. Lo-Jac for Laptops is available for Mac OS X, Windows Vista and Windows XP computers. In addition, KU's Public Safety office has been successful in locating stolen laptops that have Lo-Jack for Laptops installed.

Taking all this into account, here are some vendors' systems to consider:

Apple Computer® offers three desktop models (iMac, Mac mini and Mac Pro) and two portable models (MacBook and MacBook Pro), all of which can be custom-configured to your liking.

Apple systems run Mac OS X (and are capable of running Windows XP and Windows Vista as well) and have built-in Ethernet, so they're ready to connect to ResNet. As a student, you can purchase Apple systems online from the Apple Store for education, or by calling The Apple Store for Education Individuals at 1.800.692.7753. Apple systems can also be purchased from the KU Student Bookstore.

Please note that although a third portable model, the MacBook Air, is compatible with the campus wireless network, we don't recommend it for students living on campus because it doesn't have a built-in Ethernet port. As a result, it won't be able to connect to the campus network in those areas of campus where there is no wireless access, including most residence hall rooms.


Dell Computer® offers various configurations of it's desktop and laptop models priced for education. Standard Dell system configurations include the Windows operating system, and most provide built-in Ethernet. If you purchase a Dell system, be sure an integrated Ethernet network port is included. (Note: Compatible third-party Ethernet cards can be purchased on campus from either the KU Student Bookstore or the ResNet helpdesk.)

As a student, you can purchase Dell systems online, or by calling 1.888.987.3355.