Desktop & Laptop Computers Minimum requirements are as follows:

* Note:

• No server operating systems (Windows NT/2000/2003 Server) are permitted.

Wireless Computing

Minimum requirements are as follows:

In addition to the minimum requirements, you will also need a special VPN client installed on your computer in order to access the wireless network.  Wireless networks are inheritably in-secure by design.  In order to protect the information that you are transmitting over the air on the wireless network, we require that you install VPN client software on your computer.  This software with encrypt any Internet traffic once you have authenticated, and also keep un-authorized (non SUNY Oswego folks) off of our wireless network.  The wireless VPN client is available once you connect to the wireless network, or via the CTS software page. 

If you’re purchasing a new laptop, you’ll want to make sure that it includes wireless support (e.g., Dell TrueMobile 1150). Laptops such as this don’t need a wireless card.

However, you can retrofit older laptops to work with the campus wireless network by purchasing a wireless card. Of all the PC cards we tested, the Linksys Wireless-G card and SMC Networks 54 Mbps Wireless C Cardbus Adapter gave the best performance with the campus wireless network. You can purchase these cards from your neighborhood computer store. They’re also available for sale in the College Store.

A nice feature of wireless G cards is that they will communicate with B access points (such as those commonly found in hotels, airports and coffee shops.) These cards will work not only on campus, but also out in the wider world. When the campus upgrades to the faster 802.11g standard later this year, you’ll be all ready to take advantage of the higher connection speed.

Macintosh users will need to have the Airport card installed in their Mac.  Both the older Airport and the newer Airport Extreme cards will work with the campus system, as well as with most systems in the wider world.