COX INTRANET

Computer Software Requirements

Before we cover the hardware recommendations, there are some requirements involved in operating a computer on the Cox Network.  There are requirements for the operating system, office suite, as well as a requirement for anti-virus software.  We strongly recommend that you read and follow them in order to have the best computing experience possible and not to be a source of concern for your fellow users on the network.  This information is included in the Safe Computing Guidelines.

You may also wish to review our list of recommended accessories.  We have compiled a list of items that are considered highly desirable by many students.  While these items are not required, many have found them to be extremely useful.

Operating System Requirements

In order to operate your computer on the Cox Wireless Network and/or the Cox Wired Network, you must have all the "Critical" Updates applied to your operating system. Since Windows Update now checks to see if the license for the operating system is "legitimate", this has several implications which we will outline below.

  • You must have a legitimate licensed copy of your operating system. If this is Windows, it should be a copy that is either provided by your employer, the manufacturer of the computer, or purchased at a retail outlet.
  • If you are in doubt, you can call Microsoft at 800-785-3448 (RULEGIT) and they will be able to advise you if you have a legitimate copy of Windows. 
  • This DOES NOT include copies of Windows downloaded from peer-to-peer networks such as Kazaa, e-Mule, etc. or "cracked" copies that no longer require activation.
  • Our currently recommended version of Windows is Windows XP Pro.  We are not yet recommending Vista.
  • Windows 2000 ,Windows 98 and Windows ME are no longer acceptable as Microsoft is no longer publishing updates for problems found in the older Windows operating systems.

Anti-Virus Software Requirements

Another requirement for using the Cox Wireless or Wired Network is that you must have Anti-Virus software installed on your computer. It must have current virus definitions and it must be configured to perform a full scan the the hard drive at least one time per week.

  • Computer Corner offers a discount on McAffee Anti-Virus software. We strongly suggest that you consult them for pricing before purchasing elsewhere.
  • There are several free anti-virus products which are available for download from the internet. such as ClamWin and AVG.
  • Most anti-virus vendors check for licensing before allowing virus definition updates. If you anti-virus software is not updated, it is not able to detect current viruses and WILL NOT prevent you from becoming infected.
  • This DOES NOT include copies of anti-virus software downloaded from peer-to-peer networks such as Kazaa, e-Mule, Bit-Torrent, etc. or "cracked" copies that no longer require a license.
Anti-Spyware Recommendations

While this is not a requirement, it is a recommendation for your own safety and protection.  You should have an anti-spyware program installed on your machine.  You should have the definitions updated at at least once per week.  You should also have it scan your hard drive at least once per week.

  • Computer Corner offers a discount on Sunbelt's CounterSpy software. We strongly suggest that you consult them for pricing before purchasing elsewhere.
  • There are several free anti-virus products which are available for download from the internet. such as Spybot.
  • Most anti-spyware vendors check for licensing before allowing definition updates. If your software is not updated, it is not able to detect current problems and WILL NOT prevent you from becoming infected.
  • This DOES NOT include copies of anti-virus software downloaded from peer-to-peer networks such as Kazaa, e-Mule, Bit-Torrent, etc. or "cracked" copies that no longer require a license.

Office Suite Requirements

In many of your classes, you will find that having a specific version of the Microsoft Office suite is highly desirable or even required.

  • It has come to our attention that several manufacturers are offering a "Student" Edition of Microsoft Office. Please be advised that this is NOT equivalent to Microsoft Office Professional Edition. It may be missing Microsoft's desktop database - Access as well as some of the other office components such as Outlook. This may or may not be required for some of your classes. If you wish to purchase Microsoft Office, please contact Computer Corner to obtain your student discount. We also advise you to price Microsoft Office with Computer Corner before making a purchase elsewhere.
  • Some classes will require that you have specific Office updates installed. Since the update process now checks to see if the Office license is legitimate, you will need to have a legitimate licensed copy of Microsoft Office.
  • This DOES NOT include copies of Microsoft Office downloaded from peer-to-peer networks such as Kazaa, e-Mule, etc. or "cracked" copies that no longer require activation.
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