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Bring Your Own Laptop (BYOL)
All students in a Mobile Computing program at Sheridan are required to own a laptop that complies with their program's hardware and software standards. Specific hardware and operating system requirements for individual programs for the 2011-2012 academic year are available here. Note that laptops may not be rented or purchased from Sheridan.
Laptop Pre-Check for Spring 2012 Term
The laptop pre-check utility for students beginning a Mobile Computing program in the Spring 2012 term is now available.
Sheridan Apple Store for Students and Staff
Are you in a Mac based Mobile program? Sheridan students and staff can take advantage of educational discounts on Apple products and many third-party devices and software through a special online Apple Store accessible only to students and employees of Sheridan.
Software Deals for Mobile Computing Students
Students who are enrolled in a Mobile Computing program at Sheridan can take advantage of some great discounts on software from e-academy.
Costs per Term
All Mobile Technology Services fees are included in your invoice total. These fees cover the costs associated with enriched curriculum, laptop computing resources, relevant software licenses, on-site support, and other program-related technology. For more information on academic fees, and what they include, please see the Academic Fees page.
| Technology Fees* | Cost |
| Information Technology Fee (payable by all students, including non-mobile students) |
$105 |
| Mobile Technology Services Fee | $125 |
| Total | $230 |
* fees are subject to change.
Laptop Specifications & Program Requirements
Students enrolled in a Mobile Computing program must bring their own laptop. Sheridan does not rent, lease or sell laptops. The laptop computer must comply with the program's hardware and software standards. A Netbook or tablet (e.g. an iPad) is not a suitable replacement for a laptop.
Pre-Check Utility
To confirm that your laptop meets the minimum specifications for your program you will need to run Sheridan's pre-check utility. General hardware/operating system requirements are available below.
2011-2012 Mobile Programs
Below is the list of Sheridan faculties and their associated Mobile Computing programs for the 2011-2012 academic year.
| Program | Apple Requirement |
Windows Requirement |
| Bachelor of Applied Arts - Interior Design* | Performance | Performance |
| Interior Decorating* | Performance | Performance |
| Journalism Broadcast | Mainstream | N/A |
| Journalism New Media | Mainstream | N/A |
| Journalism - Print | Mainstream | N/A |
| Media Arts** (Not mobile in 3rd year) |
Mainstream | N/A |
* Interior Decorating and Interior Design students can bring either a Windows-based Performance Model or an Apple Performance Model. However, if you plan to use a MacBook Pro you must be running Apple's OS X Snow Leopard (10.6.x) or higher and the Boot Camp utility. Boot camp will allow you to run Windows as well as Apple's OS X. You will need to have installed your own copy of Windows 7 Pro or Vista (all versions expect Home Basic) via Boot camp for your laptop to meet the pre-check requirements. If you are using VMware Fusion or Parallels to run Windows on your Mac, the ITSC cannot provide software/technical support.
** For the Media Arts program the Performance model is recommended.
* For students in the Enterprise Database Management program, we strongly recommend your laptop has at least 4 GB of RAM.
2011-2012 Laptop Hardware/Software Specifications
The specifications listed below are for the 2011-2012 academic year.
| Model | CPU Speed | RAM | Hard Drive | Video RAM | Supported OS |
| Mainstream | Minimum of 1.6GHz Core 2 Duo processor or AMD Equivalent (Intel Virtualization Technology-x or AMD-Virtualization enabled) |
3 GB * | 120GB |
128MB |
Windows 7 |
| Performance | Minimum of 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo processor or AMD Equivalent (Intel Virtualization Technology-x or AMD-Virtualization enabled) |
4 GB | Min. 120GB | 512MB |
* For students in the Enterprise Database Management program, we strongly recommend your laptop has at least 4 GB of RAM.
IMPORTANT
- Laptop specifications are only valid for one academic year (September through to the end of August). After the current academic year you may be required to upgrade or purchase another laptop.
- Windows 7 Home Basic and Windows Vista Home Basic are not supported. You will be unable to download academic software on a laptop running "Home Basic" versions of Windows 7 or Vista. Windows 7 Pro or Windows Vista Pro are recommended.
Using an Apple MacBook or MacBookPro for Windows-Based Programs
You may use an Apple MacBook or MacBookPro for a Windows-based program, provided your laptop meets the minimum hardware and software requirements for the program.
In order to run Microsoft Windows on an Apple MacBook or MacBookPro, you must be running Apple's OS X Leopard (10.5.x) and the Boot Camp utility. Boot camp will allow you to run Windows as well as Apple's OS X. You will need to have installed your own copy of Windows 7 Pro or Vista (all editions except Home Basic) via Boot camp for your laptop to meet the pre-check requirements. If you are using VMware Fusion or Parallels to run Windows on your Mac, the ITSC cannot provide software/technical support.
| Model | CPU Speed | RAM | Hard Drive | Video RAM | Supported OS |
| Mainstream 13" MacBook Pro |
Core i5 Processor 2.3 GHz or higher | 4GB | 320GB or higher | Intel HD Graphics 3000 | 10.6.x (Snow Leopard) or higher |
| Performance 15" MacBook Pro |
Core i7 Processor/ 2 GHz or higher | 4GB | 500GB | Intel HD Graphics 3000 AMD Radeon HD 6490M with 256MB GDDR5 |
10.6.x (Snow Leopard) or higher |
IMPORTANT
- Laptop specifications are only valid for one academic year (September through to the end of August). After the current academic year you may be required to upgrade or purchase another laptop.
- Purchase of the AppleCare Protection Plan is recommended for all Apple laptop purchases.
Laptop Pre-Check for 2011-2012
Pre-Check will determine if your hardware and operating system are acceptable for your Mobile Computing program and will confirm if you will be able to download licensed software from the Sheridan network for use in your program. You will be able to run this utility anywhere you have an internet connection – on or off campus. Please note that a Netbook is not a suitable replacement for a laptop.
Read the information below carefully before clicking the Laptop Pre-Check button.
About the Pre-Check Process
- For maximum effectiveness in determining your laptop's specifications, you MUST have your adapter plugged into a power supply.
Failed Pre-Checks and/or Warning Messages
Failed Hardware
If your laptop hardware is determined not to be acceptable, Pre-check will issue a warning and provide a description of your laptop's deficiencies. You will still be able to access the Sheridan network with your computer. However, if you fail to address your laptops shortcomings and are unable to install/run required software and/or are unable to meet the academic requirements of your program as a result, you do so at your own peril. The support offered by the Instructional Technology Support Centre will also be minimal.
Failed Operating System
If Pre-check determines that your operating system is not compliant with your program of study, you will not be granted access to download program-specific software until you upgrade your computer's OS to the required version. You will, however, still have access to Sheridan's network.
Sheridan Software Access
In order to control the licensing and distribution of academic software, students in Mobile Computing programs and staff/faculty with laptop computers will need to connect to the Sheridan network to download and run the Sheridan Software Access program. This software utility will be available to eligible students and staff via AccessSheridan. Once the program has been run, your computer will be authorized to download licensed software from AccessSheridan.
You should only need to download and run the Sheridan Software Access utility once – unless you upgrade your computer’s hardware or change computers.
For complete information please see the Software Access page.
Please note: any student whose Operating System does not meet the minimum requirements specified for their program of study will be unable to install academic licensed software.
Mobile News
Sheridan Apple Store for Students and Staff
Sheridan students and staff can take advantage of educational discounts on Apple products and many third-party devices and software through a special online Apple Store accessible only to students and employees of Sheridan. Mobile computing students and faculty teaching in a Mobile program can also enjoy additional discounts on recommended systems—just make the appropriate selection when you log-in to see the current offerings.
Software Deals for Mobile Computing Students
Students who are enrolled in a Mobile Computing program at Sheridan can take advantage of some great discounts on software from e-academy. Users are entitled to purchase a single license for software from companies such as Microsoft and VMWare at greatly discounted prices—some titles are actually free (e.g. Microsoft Office; Windows 7).
To see all of the offerings from e-academy, along with eligibility details and conditions, go to: http://sheridaninstitute.e-academy.com. You will need to sign-in with your Sheridan username and password to make any purchases.
Netbooks Are Not Suitable Replacements for Laptops
Netbooks have been gaining more popularity, and many users expect that these devices will offer the same functionality and performance as a laptop computer. While a Netbook may offer advantages and conveniences such as price, portability and power efficiency, it is not a replacement for a laptop computer.
Mobile Support
Mobile Computing students and faculty have access to a wide variety of support resources. In addition to being able to access a growing list of online, self-help tools, you have access to student tech tutors and staff professionals in the Instructional Technology Support Centre (ITSC).
Click the subject headings below to view support details. See the FAQs for more support-related information.
The Instructional Technology Support Centre is open 7 days a week for phone calls and drop-ins. (Closed weekends where there is a statutory holiday and the week between Christmas and New Years.)
The ITSC will provide basic software support for:
- Academic Software Troubleshooting
- Operating System Troubleshooting
- For hardware, or unsupported software-related problems, you will need to obtain support from your original vendor or a third-party service centre
- Mobile students are entitled to an emergency laptop loaner.
NOTE: If it is determined that the problem is with your operating system, or corruption due to a virus or conflicting, non-supported applications, you will be responsible for restoring your laptop to its original state which may require re-installation of the Operating System.
All mobile students are entitled to a free emergency loaner laptop for a duration of 7 days per term. Emergency usage is intended to be for academic requirements such as quizzes, tests, presentations and assignments in the event the student's BYOL unit fails. This is applicable to all students in a BYOL mobile program.
Laptop Loaner Details
- Loaners will be issued up to a maximum of 7 calendar days per semester per student—they can be split into multiple occurrences but total days cannot exceed 7 days (e.g. seven instances lasting one day each; two instances - one of 3 days and another of 4 days; etc.)
- The loan of a laptop for several hours on a particular day will be counted as one full day loan
- Emergency loaners are for students only and they must be in school (i.e. not on vacation or co-op)
- Emergency loaners will not be available during the break weeks between semesters
- Laptops kept longer than 7 days (cumulative) will be subject to a late return penalty fees as follows:
- On the 8th day if laptop is still not returned, the student will be charged the full list price of the borrowed laptop
- Upon return of the laptop, the charge for the laptop will be reversed, but the student will have to pay a late fee of $200 plus $10 for each day the laptop is late.
- On the 8th day if laptop is still not returned, the student will be charged the full list price of the borrowed laptop
- Due to limited inventory, use of a loaner laptop is not guaranteed.
To receive an emergency loaner laptop, BYOL students should visit the ITSC with valid Sheridan Student ID.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mobile Operations. Please include your Sheridan student number in your email to help us identify you.
Phone
- Brampton: 905-459-7533 ext. 2150
- Mississauga: 905-845-9430 ext. 2150
- Oakville: 905-845-9430 ext. 2150
It is your responsibility to perform the following actions to prevent system damage and to facilitate repair. Failure to do so may lead to computer problems, loss of network connectivity and a decreased level of support.
Students should:
- maintain up-to-date virus protection (Sheridan supplies anti-virus software)
- perform frequent back-ups of critical data
- maintain password security
- take steps to avoid unsafe computing
How to get Software Support
The ITSC will provide basic software support for:
- Academic Software Troubleshooting
- Operating System Troubleshooting
NOTE: If it is determined that the problem is with your operating system, or corruption due to a virus or conflicting, non-supported applications, you will be responsible for restoring your laptop to its original state which may require re-installation of the Operating System.
How to get Hardware Support
If you are having problems with your laptop and it is confirmed that the problem is related to hardware, you will be required to take your laptop to its original point of sale or a third party service centre.
Contacting Mobile Operations
Mobile Operations business hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We do not respond to email or voice mail outside of these hours. Please include your Sheridan student number in your correspondence to help us identify you.
Phone
- Brampton: 905-459-7533 ext. 2150
- Mississauga: 905-845-9430 ext. 2150
- Oakville: 905-845-9430 ext. 2150
- Mobile Operations
1430 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, Ontario
L6H 2L1
Frequently Asked Questions
Peruse the questions and answers below. If you still have questions, please contact mobileoperations@sheridaninstitute.ca. Be sure to include your student number in your correspondence.
Hardware
Yes. All students must bring their own laptop. However, Sheridan requires standardization to be able to fully support our students in the Sheridan environment. Your laptop must meet minimum hardware and software requirements set by your program. See Laptop Requirements for details. Only approved laptops will be allowed full access to our network and have program-required software installed (following Laptop Activation process).
No. All Sheridan students in a Mobile program must bring their own program-approved laptop.
As long as the laptop meets the minimum hardware and software requirements, it may be activated on Sheridan's network. Run the Pre-Check program available to you in AccessSheridan to be sure your machine meets the standards of your program. See Laptop Pre-Check for details.
Please perform a Pre-Check on any laptop that you are considering to bring for your Mobile Computing program. See Laptop Pre-Check for details.
The Mobile Computing program Laptop Requirements are the minimum main stream configuration approved for the current academic year (September until the end of August). Your laptop after the current academic year may no longer be valid. You may be required to upgrade or purchase another laptop.
Operating Systems & Software
Yes. Beginning in the September 2010 semester, Mobile Computing students in a Windows-based program can run a supported version of Windows 7 or Windows Vista.
All returning Mobile students from the academic year 2009-2010 who successfully activated their laptop and were using Windows XP can continue to use it. New Students beginning a Windows-based program in the 2010-2011 academic year must run a supported version of Windows 7 or Windows Vista.
In order to download course-required licensed software, students in Mobile Computing programs and staff/faculty with laptop computers will need to download and run the Sheridan Software Access program. This software utility will be available to eligible students and staff via the “Software” download link in AccessSheridan. Once the program has been run, your computer will be authorized to download licensed software from AccessSheridan. Note, any student whose Operating System does not meet the minimum requirements specified for their program of study will be unable to download licensed software.
Support
Laptop specifications are valid for 1 academic year. You may be required to upgrade or purchase another laptop. Pre-Check will determine if your laptop is acceptable for your next term. These specifications are determined by your school annually and are valid for a September-August academic year. Please be aware that a laptop used in the May-August term may not be acceptable in the September term.
No. The ITSC can only support the operating system outlined in the hardware/software requirements.
Mobile Computing students have access to a wide variety of support resources. In addition to being able to access a growing list of online, self-help tools, you have access to student tech tutors and staff professionals in the Instructional Technology Support Centre (ITSC). The ITSC provides in-person and telephone assistance, 7 days a week, for all mobile computing related support issues. See Mobile Support for more information.
Visit the ITSC to determine what the problem is. If it is hardware related or caused by software unsupported by the ITSC, you will be required to take your laptop to its original point of sale or a third party service centre to be fixed.
Visit the ITSC to determine the nature of the problem. If it is a hardware problem, you will be required to bring your laptop to its original point of sale or a third party service centre to be fixed.
Visit the ITSC to diagnose/resolve the problem.
The ITSC cannot support software other than program-required software. You will have to remove the conflicting software.
The ITSC will provide basic software support for:
- Academic Software Troubleshooting
- Operating System Troubleshooting
NOTE: If it is determined that the problem is with your operating system, or corruption due to a virus or conflicting, non-supported applications, you will be responsible for restoring your laptop to its original state which may require re-installation of the Operating System.
You will need to obtain support from your original point of sale or a third party service centre. BYOL students are eligible for an emergency laptop loaner that would provide short-term use of a laptop for academic purposes.
Costs & Extras
Yes. You need to purchase a network cable when you purchase your laptop.
Yes. Protecting your laptop is important to Sheridan and it should be for you as well. You should purchase a laptop bag when you purchase your laptop. It is also highly recommended that you purchase some sort of security accessories through the vendor (such as a Kensington Lock).
Students are strongly encouraged to obtain warranty coverage from your initial point of sale. It is recommended that you obtain three years extended warranty coverage to ensure your laptop is covered for the duration of your program of study. Note however, that your program's laptop requirements are valid for one academic year. You may be required to upgrade or purchase another laptop. Pre-Check will determine if your laptop is acceptable for your next term. These specifications are determined by your school annually and are valid for a September-August academic year. Therefore note that a laptop used in the May-August term may not be acceptable in the September term.
The Mobile Technology Service Fee of $125 (per term) is included in your tuition fee invoice. For more information on tuition fees, and what they include, please see the Academic Fees page.
Information Technology Fee of $105 is payable by all students. Students in Mobile Computing programs will be charged the Mobile Technology Services Fee of $125 per academic term. This fee covers the costs associated with enriched curriculum, laptop computing resources, relevant software licenses, on-site support, and other program-related technology. For more information on tuition fees, and what they include, please see the Academic Fees page.
Yes. Part time students have a reduced Mobile Technology Services Fee of $7.25 per credit, with the maximum charge of $125 per semester.
All students who apply for OSAP are considered for a computer allowance of $500 per year. Sheridan includes the Mobile Technology Service Fee (program charge) as part of the cost of mobile programs in the OSAP needs assessment.
Accessing Sheridan's Network
Accessing Sheridan’s wireless network has never been easier. Users can simply login with their Sheridan credentials to gain to access to Sheridan’s network. Please the Network Access page for complete details.
Loss & Theft
It is highly recommended that you purchase some sort of security accessories through the vendor (such as a Kensington Lock). A lost or stolen laptop is not covered under your vendor's warranty. Report your stolen laptops to Sheridan's security – regardless of where the crime took place.
If you lost your adaptor on campus, you should visit the security desk at your campus and check the lost and found. If you adaptor is truly lost, you will need to purchase a new one from the original point of sale.
You will need to purchase a new one from a computer supply store.
Miscellaneous
Sheridan faculty are provided with laptops that are used in the classroom as coordinated through their academic school.