FAQ for Returning Students

1. I currently have a Lenovo Laptop. Can I purchase a new MacBook through the Academy?
   The Academy no longer sells laptops for personal purchase. If you would like to purchase a MacBook, you can do so through the online Apple Store (http://store.apple.com) or through brick-and-mortar stores like the Apple Store and Best Buy.
2. Where can I buy accessories for my Lenovo laptop or MacBook?
   Accessories for your laptop can now be purchased at Hitchcock House. You will find a variety of laptop sleeves, mice, external hard drives, and other accessories for your laptop.
3. Can I install my own programs on my original standard DA computer?
   You can install programs you have purchased as long as they don’t interfere with the proper functioning of the laptop. Occasionally, software may cause problems that our technicians cannot resolve and we would have to reimage the laptop (restore it to its original configuration) so that it is available for your academic use. In that case, you would have to reinstall any non-Deerfield software.
4. What if the software on my original standard DA computer needs upgrading?
   Periodically, we will ask you to bring your laptop to the Help Desk for refreshing. This service will include installation of the latest versions of our standard software applications.
5. Who takes care of my laptop if it isn’t working properly?
   The staff at the ITS Help Desk is available for any technology-related question or problem with DA-provided laptops. If your standard laptop is having any problems it should be brought to the Help Desk as soon as possible.Please note that it is sometimes necessary to reimage the hard drive (restore to its original configuration). In these cases, it is important to know that the ITS Help Desk will not back up any music or video files. You should plan to back up any of these types of files prior to bringing in your laptop. MacBook users have been given an external hard drive with their computer and no files of any type will be backed up from these computers. If you do not have an external hard drive, you can purchase one through Hitchcock House. The only exception to this policy is if the hard drive fails, in which case we will try to retrieve as much data as possible from the damaged hard drive.
6. Can I bring a different computer to school?
   You will be expected to use your Deerfield laptop in class and for school work. You may bring a second computer, but it will have to go through a registration process and have our standard virus protection installed. ITS cannot provide any technical support for non-standard computers (computers not provided through the Deerfield Academy Laptop Program) and all computers must conform to the required specifications listed below in order to connect to our network and the Internet. However, ITS will make documentation available with instructions for connecting to the Deerfield network and accessing the Academy’s public printers.

   REQUIRED Specifications for Non-Standard Computers
   Windows XP Professional, Vista Business, 7 Professional or higher
   Mac OS X Leopard or higher

   All computers connecting to our network will be scanned to verify that they meet these required specifications.

7. Do I need a personal printer?
   Some students find it convenient to bring their own personal printer, but we also encourage students to take advantage of public networked printers which are available in a number of convenient locations around the school, including the Help Desk and the Library.
8. What if my DA laptop is stolen, lost, or damaged?
   Lenovo laptops are covered by a four-year warranty and the “Lenovo ThinkPad Protection Program.” This program provides coverage for accidental damage including drops/falls, an electrical surge, or spills. You can bring your laptop to the ITS Help Desk to have it diagnosed and/or repaired. If your laptop needs to stay with ITS for reimaging or to be sent out for warranty repair, we will give you a Loaner Laptop to use immediately. If it is stolen, please file a police report and report the incident to the ITS Help Desk so that we can facilitate the insurance claim.MacBook laptops are covered by a 3-year AppleCare warranty covering manufacturer’s defects only. Starting this year, a secondary insurance policy through Student Insurance Partners (www.studentinsurancepartners.com) has been purchased for your laptop which covers accidental damage (e.g., spills, drops), theft, and loss of use due to fire, flood, or other natural disasters. If an insurance claim is filed, you and your parents will be responsible for paying a deductible in the amount of $200. In the rare instance where the insurance does not cover the damage or loss, you and your parents will be responsible for the repair and/or replacement according to the Computer Use Agreement you signed when you arrived on campus. If your MacBook is damaged, please bring it to the ITS Help Desk to be repaired. If it is stolen, please file a police report and report the incident to the ITS Help Desk so that we can facilitate the insurance claim .
9. What about telephone service in my dorm?
   Phone service is not available in dorm rooms but a public phone is provided in each dorm. For questions contact the Help Desk at 413-774-1444 (x1444) or send us an e-mail (helpdesk@deerfield.edu). 
10. How do I get help from Information Technology Services?
    The ITS Help Desk is located in the Koch Center for Science, Math, and Technology. Our hours of operation will be posted in the orientation schedule available when you arrive at school in September. They will also be posted online on deerfield.edu. Stop by or call us at 413-774-1444 (x1444 on campus) or send us e-mail (helpdesk@deerfield.edu).