Digital Communications at Lebanon Valley College

Starting with the 09-10 academic year, all new and incoming Digital Communications (DigiCOM) majors are responsible for providing a wireless-enabled notebook computer (PC or Mac) that meets the minimum hardware and software requirements listed below.

This policy saves students 80% on the cost of the Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection Software bundle and allows you the opportunity to experiment with the software over college breaks, work on projects from home, and have constant access to your work in and out of class. The policy's flexibility will also afford you a greater degree of choice and far more control over your tools. You can choose between bringing to campus a PC or Apple notebook, and modify or alter the hardware and software as you see fit. You'll use these tools to prepare for your career and take these tools with you upon graduation.

The estimated cost of purchasing the notebook and software will be included in your financial aid package, which means that you can use your loans, scholarships, or grants towards securing these resources. Many manufactures (such as Dell and Apple) offer financing plans. If you have any concerns or questions, please feel free to contact the chair of digital communications at ritchie@lvc.edu, who will gladly help you explore the options available to you.

Hardware
Incoming or new DigiCOM majors can acquire a computer that meets the Program's minimum computer requirements on their own or by purchasing the recommended PC or Mac systems through IT services "buying a computer page." 

Program's Minimum Computer Requirements:

• 2.7 GHz dual core processor or 2.2 GHz quad processor minimum
• 15.6" or larger display; Full HD graphics (1920x1080) or Hi-Res (1680x1050)
• 4 GB of memory (RAM); 1 DIMM recommended
• 512MB or larger discrete video card
• Firewire port
• 250 GB or larger 7200 RPM hard drive
• DVD/RW drive
• Wifi (802.11 a/g/n) and Bluetooth enabled
• Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate® or Mac OS X® (v10.6)

* We recommend as well that all students have a four year basic limited warranty on their notebooks.

 

Required industry-standard software:
All new or incoming DigiCOM majors must have the following software from Adobe and Microsoft. Adobe and Microsoft bundle their most popular applications in suites that make it more economical to purchase. The College also works with JourneyEd to provide the best pricing and student discounts available. For example, students can purchase Adobe Creative Suite Master Collection for $599.98; saving $2,000. Through December 31, 2010, Microsoft is offering Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 for $59.95; a savings of over $400! Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac is available for $84.98. 

Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Master Collection is available for both Mac and PC and includes the following applications:

Students can continue to use earlier versions of the Creative Suite, but the program highly recommends that when a student declares they purchase the latest version of the Master Collection. 

Students should also purchase the latest version of the Microsoft Office suite.

To purchase these educational versions, which are substantially less expensive, follow this link. 

Consult our frequently asked questions document for more information.

Lebanon Valley College is located in Annville, Pa. just 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg. Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Baltimore are all approximately two hours from LVC. Founded in 1866, the College welcomes more than 1,600 full-time undergraduate students studying more than 30 majors, as well as self-designed majors. LVC has graduate programs in physical therapy, business administration, music education, and science education.