Information Systems

Internet and Computer Recommendations

Every dorm room and rooms in the HRC House are equipped to provide each student with a network connection. The Rankin, Dean and Dobson Residential Housing has wireless broadband. Additionally, there are several locations that offer wireless connection if you happen to have a laptop with wireless capability. This ensures that every student at Tusculum College has access to the Network/Internet.

If you are purchasing a computer to use at Tusculum College to help you obtain a degree, you need to purchase a new, state-of-the-art personal computer. Considering the speed of development in information technology, it does not make sense to handicap yourself with a computer hat is already out-of-date, and expect it to get you through four years. The configuration listed is the absolute minimum for accessing the network and the Internet at acceptable speeds

PC Configuration

  • Pentium 4 equivalent or better
  • 256 MB RAM (minimum)
  • 40 GB hard drive (size depends on applications)
  • sound card
  • CD-RW drive
  • 17 " Monitor
  • Windows XP Professional
  • Office XP or equivalent Office suite
  • Anti-virus and firewall protection is essential
  • 10/100 MBps Ethernet Card (we recommend 3Com) or 802.11b wireless card

Macintosh Configuration

  • G5 Processor
  • OS X Panther
  • 256 MB RAM (minimum)
  • 40 GB hard drive (size depends on applications)
  • CD-RW drive

Connecting to the campus network

Once you have your PC with Ethernet Card and a 10' patch cord, set up your PC. Before you connect to the ethernet port mounted on the wall in your room, make sure your anti-virus is configured for automatic update and current and your firewall is configured and turned on. Be sure to not confuse your ethernet port with the phone jack. Turn on your PC, and you should be able to access the internet using your web browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc). No logon is required. If you cannot access the internet using your browser, do the following:

  • Check all your connections to insure they are plugged into the proper places
  • Make sure your PC is configured for a network connection
  • Restart your PC
  • If you still cannot access the internet, call Information Systems at ext 4-5346, and be prepared to give us your name, residence hall, room number, phone number, and a brief description of your problem.