We recommend buying a computer for the fall sometime between mid May and the end of June. If you purchase too soon, you may be paying too much since prices continue to drop. If you purchase too late you may not receive the computer before the first day of class. Windows or Macintosh Williams College is committed to supporting both Macintosh and Windows computers. Backup When shopping for a new computer, remember to include a backup device.
Floppy disks are a poor medium for backing up and storing files.
Every semester we have several students who lose papers or theses due to inadequate backup. Zip drives are the most common backup peripherals used on campus. Since computers are not required at Williams, federal regulations prohibit including such costs in our financial aid student budgets. More Information Check our specific recommendations for Mac and Windows models. Copyright 1999 Williams College, all rights reserved.