Incoming Student Technology FAQ

Purchasing a Computer

Do I need to bring a computer to campus?

�鶹��Ƶ does not require students to bring their own computers to campus, however, many choose to. If you are unsure about purchasing a computer, we suggest that you spend some time on campus before making a decision.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop computer?

There are many advantages to bringing a laptop to campus:

• They are easier to transport, allowing you to take notes in class, or do homework from virtually anywhere. When problems arise, it's much easier to bring a laptop off to the Technology Helpline for quick help or virus removal than a bulky desktop machine.
• With the convenience of the network, you'll be able to access the internet from a growing number of wireless zones across campus.

Laptops are often more expensive than a comparable desktop. Their smaller size and portability often make them more prone to theft and damage.

We suggest that your choice reflect your own lifestyle, habits, and personal preferences.

What kind of computer should I get? Mac or PC?

Your platform choice should be determined by your relative comfort level and previous experience with each operating system. �鶹��Ƶ owns and supports both platforms, so the decision is completely yours to make.

Are there any computer purchasing programs at �鶹��Ƶ?

�鶹��Ƶ does not sell computers to students, but does maintain a relationship with allowing students to purchase machines at an educational discount direct from the vendor.

Apple

Please visit the or call 1-800-My-APPLE.

Do I need to bring a wireless router to campus?

No. Too many wireless access points in a small area can generate a substantial amount of interference. For best performance, we recommend that students use the . It is available in all residence halls.

What are the minimum requirements for the computer I bring to �鶹��Ƶ?

Before connecting to the campus network, all machines must have current virus protection and up-to-date security patches, along with the following list of minimal requirements:

Requirement	Windows	Macintosh
Operating System	Windows 2K/XP/Vista	System 10 or higher
Networking	10/100 base - T Ethernet card with RJ-45 connector. access available in same campus spaces.
Anti-Virus Software	Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition (supplied by �鶹��Ƶ)
Current Security Patches		Run Software Update

What are the recommended specifications for my computer at �鶹��Ƶ?

Recommendation	Windows	Macintosh
Operating System	Vista Home Premium or above	Macintosh OS 10.4
RAM	1 GB or higher
Connectivity	Wireless B or G, Built-in 10/100/1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45 connector)
Processor	2.4 Ghz Pentium 4, 1.6 Ghz Core 2 Duo	1.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Warranty	3 year warranty

Generally the "business class" models are more durable and come with longer warranties.

What did students bring to campus last year?

According to the 2005 New Student Survey (given September 2005):

Description	Percentage
No Computer	5.31%
Windows Laptop	65.71%
Windows Desktop	17.35%
Macintosh Laptop	9.18%
Macintosh Desktop	2.45%
% of Total w/Laptop	79%
% of Total w/Desktop	21%
% of Total w/Macintosh Computer	12%
% of Total w/Windows Computer	88%

490 Total Surveyed

What do I need to connect to the �鶹��Ƶ network?

For your computer to access the "wired" network, you will need an ethernet card (for most new computers this is standard), and an ethernet cable. Ethernet cables can be purchased on campus at the for a very reasonable price, or any electronics store. A length of 25' should be adequate for most students and situations.

To access the "wireless" network, you will need a computer with a built-in or external wireless card, and be in range of a signal.

Software

Things to do BEFORE you get to �鶹��Ƶ!

1. If you are a Windows user, make sure your "Windows Updates" are current (visit ).
2. If you are a Macintosh user, run Software Updates, and apply all critical updates.
3. Ensure that your machine is protected from viruses by using an Anti-Virus client with up-to-date definitions.
4. Verify that you have all of the necessary software documentation, serial numbers, and installation CDs.
5. During any transition, it's wise to make backups of any critical data.

Do I need Microsoft Office on my computer?

At �鶹��Ƶ, all faculty, staff, and employees use the Microsoft Office Suite for Windows or Macintosh.

It is not necessary for you to purchase Microsoft Office because it is installed on every lab computer. However, for convenience, most students choose to have it on their personal computers.

If you decided not to purchase or install the Microsoft Office Suite you should always be mindful of potential problems. Compatibility issues often arise when using alternative software to create documents that are later e-mailed to professors, and others.

Can I purchase a student/education edition?

Yes. A number of retail stores offer the student edition. In most cases, you will need proof of your status as a student, such as the �鶹��Ƶ student ID, in order to purchase this version.

Should I have Microsoft Office preloaded with the new computer that I am going to order?

If you are able to add the student edition of Microsoft Office to your order, then do so. If they don't offer the student edition, or you're concerned that the price is inflated, you can always purchase it separately elsewhere.

What about Anti-Virus software?

Should I come with an anti-virus product?

It is recommended that you use an anti-virus product before you come to campus. When you come to campus, you will need to remove your current product and install Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition(supplied by �鶹��Ƶ).

If you have purchased a subscription for an anti-virus product and would like to use that instead, please contact the Technology Helpline for instructions on registering your computer. Please remember, when your subscription is over, you must renew or uninstall your anti-virus software and install the �鶹��Ƶ provided Symantec Antivirus.

Please remember that our ability to support you and your computer in the event of a problem is greatly enhanced when you are utilizing our standard anti-virus product.

Does �鶹��Ƶ provide anti-virus software?

Yes. �鶹��Ƶ provides a full version of Symantec Anti-Virus for all students. It is available for download during the online computer registration. You must uninstall your previous copy of any Anti-Virus software before installing our anti-virus. Failure to do so will result in software problems that may result in OS instability.

What can I do to protect my computer from spyware?

Symantec Anti-virus, the anti-virus software �鶹��Ƶ provides to students, does provide some protection against spyware and adware.

The best way to avoid getting spyware and adware is by not installing "high-risk" applications like peer to peer music downloading software, and other suspect "freeware," and "shareware" programs.

Connecting to the Internet

Which connection method is recommended?

When connecting to the �鶹��Ƶ network from your residence hall room, we recommend using the "wired" connection. A wired connection is faster and more reliable.

How many wired ports are in each room in the Residence Halls?

This depends on the room that you are assigned. However, in most cases, for first-year students, it will be one per person. The wired ports are the recommended way for connecting your computer to the Internet while in the rooms. It is more reliable and faster than the wireless connections.

Is there wireless in the Residence Halls?

Please see the link below first. In most residence halls, wireless connectivity is available.

See also

• Residence Hall Wireless Pilot Project

Can I bring a wireless router to campus?

No. �鶹��Ƶ is currently expanding the wireless network to all the residence halls. Using personal wireless routers will interfere with this network, therefore, we do not allow personal wireless routers

Where else is the wireless network?

For an up-to-date listing of where the GACwireless network is located, please visit .

How do I connect to the �鶹��Ƶ network?

1. Turn on your computer.
2. Plug your ethernet cord into the wall jack (the wide one).
3. Plug your ethernet cord into the computer's ethernet slot.
4. Launch a web browser (Internet Explorer or FireFox).
5. You will be automatically redirected to a registration screen.
6. Follow the on-screen directions.

You may have to register your computer more than once. You will need to register your computer when you access the wireless network, the wired network, and when you plug your computer into any other buildings' network jacks.

How many networked devices can I register?

You can register as many as you would like.

How do I connect my video game console such as the Nintendo Wii or Playstation 3 to the Internet so I can use the online features?

Please call the Technology Helpline to help you register this device on the �鶹��Ƶ network. You will need to provide the MAC address of your video game console when calling.

Support

Is there anybody to help me connect to the Internet when I come to campus?

Yes, the Technology Helpline is here to help you! To contact us, dial 6111 on your campus phone or 507-933-6111 from your cell phone or from off-campus.

Can the Helpline visit my room and help me connect to the �鶹��Ƶ network?

During the Fall Orientation for first-year students, the Technology Helpline will visit the Residence Halls, visit your room, and offer connectivity help. They will also help install Windows Updates and install the �鶹��Ƶ-provided Anti-Virus.

During the rest of the year, the Technology Helpline does not visit students' rooms.

Printing

Do I need a personal printer?

All residence halls are equipped with black and white laser printers in the labs. It is not necessary that you purchase or bring a printer to campus. Please see HP Laserjet 4250 to set your computer to print to the residence hall printer.

If you need to print in color, it would be beneficial for you to bring a printer with you, however, color printing is available in the Olin computer lab as well as the Confer Digital Art lab.

Do I have access to campus owned printers?

Yes, there are printers in the Residence Halls that are available for you to print to from your personal computer in your room. Please read the information located on HP Laserjet 4250 to learn how to configure your personal computer to print to the printer in your building.

Is there any additional fees for printing in computer labs at �鶹��Ƶ?

No, printing to campus-owned printers in any of the computer labs is included in your �鶹��Ƶ tuition.

Other

When do I find out my username and password for my �鶹��Ƶ e-mail account?

E-mail usernames and passwords are scheduled to be mailed to you during the 2nd week in May 2007.

Is there an online storage space for me to save my files?

Yes, every student has an online storage space that they can access from anywhere. This includes anywhere that you have web access around the world. This is referred to your Home Directory or Z-Drive.

Do I need a USB flash drive?

USB flash drives or thumb drives are a great way of transporting data between different computers, they are not necessary but are a great thing to have. We would recommend at least 128MB.

�鶹��Ƶ does offer network storage for each student commonly referred to as a Home Directory. This is the preferred way of saving papers, pictures, or other documents that you want to make sure are safe.

What personal information can I view online - my grades, class schedules, degree progress, transcripts, or other information?

As a student, you will be able to check all of this by logging into with your �鶹��Ƶ username and PIN number. This is different than your �鶹��Ƶ email password.

How does �鶹��Ƶ manage e-mail spam?

By default, all accounts are set up to use the �鶹��Ƶ spam filtering service. This system will detect SPAM and place it in a mail folder on your account called Filtered_by_GAC. To increase or decrease your filtering sensitivity, please visit the .

Is there a way to find out contact information for faculty, staff, and other students electronically?

Yes, it is called the and is available online. It is only available to those who have a �鶹��Ƶ username and password.

Does �鶹��Ƶ provide a legal file sharing programs such as Ruckus?

At the current time, �鶹��Ƶ does not provide a service such as Ruckus.

Can I create and host a web page through �鶹��Ƶ?

Yes, you can. You can create web pages from a variety of different programs and place the .html files in your www-docs folder in your Home Directory. This will display your web page at the following link - .

What public access for computing is available to students, parents, and guests of the college? Are there any cyber cafes?

There are computers for public use in the Library, Campus Center, Student Union, and also parents can log in as a guest in the Residence Halls' computer labs. There is guest wired and wireless access located all around campus if you bring your own computer. The Courtyard Cafe has wireless access for people with laptop computers. You will be re-directed to a guest registration page. Please fill out the form, and reboot your computer. You should then be able to have wireless connectivity.

Where are the computer labs?

We have computers labs in all of the residence halls, most academic buildings, and computers located in the Campus Center and Student Union.

See also

• Computer lab hours