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.
Financial aid recipients will receive a stipend towards the purchase of a laptop computer. If you choose to purchase the laptop through our purchase program (see information on Small Dog Electronics below), the stipend is applied at time of purchase in the form of a discount. If you choose to purchase your laptop from another vendor, you will need to go out-of-pocket for the purchase and then submit the receipt to the Financial Aid Office for reimbursement up to the amount of the stipend.
To purchase a computer, visit any authorized Windows or Apple reseller.
Apple device bundles are available through Small Dog Electronics, an Apple specialist, for the purchase of tablets and computers. To purchase an item through Small Dog Electronics, email team@smalldog.com using an Exeter.edu email address to inquire about pricing and availability. Small Dog will assemble a package and price quote to review, including any discounts the Academy may offer. While Small Dog may create a bundle for review, (of computers/tablets and cases), you are not limited to these options. You may purchase any item on the website.
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.
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.
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.
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.