Computer Requirements - Phillips Exeter Academy

Computer/Antivirus Requirements

Laptop Requirement and Specifications

All students are required to bring a laptop to school. (Please note that students enrolled in Japanese language courses must also have an iPad to use the iBooks created for that program.)

The Academy does not require students to own a specific brand or operating system, however, the device should have either a Windows or Mac operating system. (An iPad Pro or Chromebook are not recommended for a laptop due to software compatibility.) The device should run the latest available operating system or the one prior.

Laptop Stipends for New Financial Aid Students

New students receiving financial aid will be provided with a stipend towards the purchase of a laptop computer.

You have two options for using the stipend:

Purchase through MacEdge (Recommended Option):
If you purchase a laptop through our preferred vendor, MacEdge, the stipend will be applied automatically as a discount at checkout. MacEdge offers both Apple and Lenovo device bundles.
Purchase from Another Vendor:
If you choose to buy your laptop from a different authorized Windows or Apple retailer, you must pay the full cost upfront. You can then request reimbursement (up to the stipend amount) by submitting the Reimbursement Request Form available in the Financial Aid Portal.

MacEdge

All Exeter community members are welcome to browse and purchase MacEdge device bundles. To purchase a bundle, please visit MacEdge’s website using your Exeter.edu email address. For questions or help choosing a device, use the ‘Contact’ form found on the website. If you are local to the area, you may also visit their store in Portsmouth, NH.

Other options to purchase a computer, visit any authorized Windows or Apple reseller.

Apple offers Mac for Education. In order to get the discount you must use you Exeter email address.

Dell Technologies offers educational discounts. For more information, visit the Dell K-12 student discount website.

If you purchase a new Windows laptop for school, during the initial set up make sure you create your own Microsoft account with a personal email address.

When purchasing a computer, IT strongly recommends purchasing AppleCare or a Service Support plan for the life of the computer.

Hardware support is the responsibility of the device owner. When employees or students have problems with their personally owned computers, they need to make private arrangements for support and service. IT strongly recommends the purchase of AppleCare or a Service Support plan for the life of the computer.

Students may request onsite support by a vendor of their choice at their own expense, but the visit must be scheduled with previous approval of the dorm head. Students may also meet the technician at the Academy Library. Please check with library staff for specific information.

Install Microsoft Office 365 Apps
As an employee or student, you can use your Exeter account to install Microsoft Office 365 apps. On the Welcome to Microsoft 365 page, click on the Install and more link. For other available software check out the Standard Software page.

Virus Protection for Personally Owned Computers
Phillips Exeter Academy requires that current antivirus software be installed on any computer that connects to the network, including personally owned computers that connect either remotely or directly. The purchase, installation, and updating of antivirus software on personally owned computers is the owner’s responsibility.

Antivirus Software

Windows owners should run Windows Defender, which is included with the Windows OS.

Mac owners should consider the following:

Norton by Symantec
McAfee Total Protection
AVG Antivirus Protection
Avast (free for PC & Mac)
Sophos (free trial for PC & Mac)

If your computer is infected with malware, install Malwarebytes and run a scan to clean up your computer. For assistance, contact itservices@exeter.edu.

Parental Browsing Tools
Phillips Exeter Academy blocks access to malicious sites, however, we do not block what may be considered “inappropriate” sites for adolescents. If parents have a concern, they can consider purchasing a parental tool such as Net Nanny, Aura, or Qustodio.