Student Resources

• Acquire a laptop computer. Having a laptop computer will allow maximum flexibility for accessing resources in and out of class. The mobility of owning a laptop is essential as much of the work you will be doing is collaborative and happens in a variety of locations.
• Wheaton College does not require a specific wireless laptop because of the dynamic and diverse character of the computer marketplace. Rather, you are encouraged to make your own choice of specific manufacturer and configuration. We do generally recommend a laptop newer than 4 years old that is running either Windows or MacOS. Chromebooks, iPads, and tablets are suitable for many basic tasks, but they may not be able to run some software that you will need for your classes.
• Ensure your computer is up to date on operating system and security patches. This will help to keep your data, and the data you access safe.
• Cameras, microphones and speakers are built into most laptops, however if these are not available or working on your laptop, you should have an external webcam, microphone, and speakers/headset. 
• Review the 3 Simple Steps for Cyber Security.
• 6 weeks before the semester starts, make sure you activate your Microsoft Office365 subscription and install Microsoft Office on your computer.
• Log into LinkedIn Learning and explore the thousands of videos on how to use Microsoft Office, Google Apps, and just about any other application you can think of. There are also videos on writing, studying, story telling, and a plethora of other areas of interests.
• If you are bringing a Chromecast, wireless printer, or similar device, learn how to connect to the network without degrading your wireless connection.
• Update your emergency contact information. In case of emergencies, it is important that the College be able to contact you on a mobile phone number.
• Take advantage of the services you have access to as a Wheaton Student. Be sure to review both the New Student section, Flexible Learning Student section, and the Current Student section. 

We are looking forward to seeing you this year.

The general use computer recommendations are as follows:

(Generally laptops that are under four years will work well. Older than four years, and reliability, upgradeability, and battery life become problematic.)

Windows Minimum Specs (General Use)

• Intel i3 7th generation (2017) or greater (As of Dec 2020, the Intel 10th Gen processor is the latest version.)
• Windows 10
• 8GB RAM minimum
• 500 GB Hard Drive or 256 SSD (solid state drive)
• Webcam (built in or will require an external webcam)
• Microphone (built in or will require an external microphone or headset with a microphone)
• Speakers (built in or will require an external speaker or headset)
• Accidental Damage plan

 Mac Minimum Specs (General Use)

• 13" MacBook (Air or Pro)
• OS 10.13 or higher
• Intel Core m3 or above
• 8GB 1866MHz memory
• 256GB flash-based storage
• Webcam (built in or will require an external webcam)
• Microphone (built in or will require an external microphone or headset with a microphone)
• Speakers (built in or will require an external speaker or headset)
• Apple Care Protection Plan

Software (Windows and Mac) 

• Microsoft Office 365  
• Virus protection
• Wheaton College partners with Kivuto through Scholarbuys to offer student and faculty discounts on many software packages, including Adobe Creative Cloud, SPSS, Endnote, Parallels and more. More information is linked here regarding software resources.

Accessories

• USB-C multiport adapter
• Bag or sleeve
• Additional power supply
• Headset with microphone as an alternative to using the built in microphone and speakers of the laptop.