Computer Policy

The Institute offers computing facilities for teaching and learning in specially equipped laboratories. Besides these facilities, students enrolled in the Institute can either use the Institute’s shared access computers and need a personal laptop to access to the GIHE intranet Web site which hosts Email accounts, the Student Support Center, documents and other learning resources on the internet.

Regarding the personal laptop, a choice of two options is available to meet our Institute’s requirements:

  1. Students may bring their own laptop but it MUST meet the Institute’s specifications.

  2. Students may purchase their personal laptop through a website jointly developed with the supplier of the institute. This site provides a range of three different models going from basic to the most sophisticated equipment, reflecting the latest trends of the market.

On arrival, Students will be charged CHF 150.- for the network connection set-up fee (one time only charge). However, in the case a machine has been significantly altered during the course of studies, the Institute reserves the right to charge the network connection setup fee again.

Technical specifications (as of 2008-01) the computers have to meet:

  • Windows XP Professional Operating System in French or English (only) or
  • Windows Vista Business or Ultimate in French or English (only)
  • No Dual Boot – Only ONE Operating System i.e. Windows XP Pro
  • The ‘Home’ Version of Windows cannot be accepted as it does not include the components to connect to a professional network
  • Microsoft Office 2003, including Access – The IT classes on Word, Excel, PowerPoint,… are based on the 2003 Version on Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 6.0 or higher or Mozilla Firefox 2 or higher
  • Minimum hardware requirements : 1.6GHz processor, 1Gb RAM (XP), 2Gb RAM (Vista), 40Gb available on hard drive, CD/DVD player
  • Network connectivity : Ethernet connector and WiFi (wireless card)

In terms of ordering a computer, please note that :.

You can follow the link below to our IT supplier’s Web site to order computers selected by the Institution :.
.
www.notebook.ch.

user : gihe (small).

password : GIHE (capital):

  • The order and payment of the equipment must reach the supplier five weeks prior to the beginning of the semester to ensure the delivery of the laptop on time.
  • Late orders will cause delays in delivery and may, in some circumstances lead to additional charges.
  • Payment terms can be found on the supplier’s Website.
  • The fully configured laptops will be delivered to students upon arrival on the Campus.
  • Only this option includes full technical support by the Institute’s IT Support Staff..
  • The Institution does not offer any technical support for personal laptops (not ordered though this supplier), but is ready to provide the students with counseling and a list of local suppliers..
  • IMPORTANT: The Institution does NOT provide any software (Windows XP, Office, …).
    The fully configured laptops will be delivered to students upon arrival on the Campus.
    Only this option includes full technical support by the Institute’s IT support staff.