Optional Hardware

The following is a list of useful items students may buy if they choose. They are not required.

USB Flash Drive

Also known as jump, thumb and pen drives. They may be used for transferring files from one computer to another and are great for a quick back-up. Prices range from about $10.00 and up, and sizes range from 1gb to 8gb.

Blank DVDs or CDs

Often referred to as CD-Rs and or DVD-Rs. Useful for submitting work or resumes, and storing files or projects. They can be purchased in towers of 25 or 50. They are cheaper purchased in bulk.

Digital Camera

Occasionally instructors assign projects which require photography. Cornish has a few cameras that can be borrowed. However, owning your own offers great benefits and you don’t have to depend on availability of school cameras.

Amazing features and quality can be found in point-and-shoot cameras ranging between $150.00-$300.00.

There are many brands to choose from, however Canon, Nikon, or Olympus are 3 which have evolved from the previous generation of SLR cameras and are well respected in the digital world. Sonys, although a popular reliable product, are not suggested as they require proprietary accessories or hardware and thus are not 100% compatible.

External Hard Drive

An external hard drive with a firewire connection is strongly recommended for backing up data. Like a car engine, hard drives will eventually wear out. They may also malfunction at any time. Hard drives can cost anywhere from $80.00 to $500.00 depending on the size and quality.

Backing up data daily or weekly is strongly encouraged. The most recent operating system offers “Time Machine” a utility which helps manage routine backups.

Ethernet Cable

Also called RJ-45 cable. These are useful to have with you while on campus in case you need to transfer or print large files. A 6 ft cable usually costs under $10.00.