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 drop a laptop off at the Technology Helpline for repair, setup, 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? Apple or Windows?

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 both Apple Computer and IBM allowing students to purchase machines at an educational discount direct from the vendors.

Apple

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

IBM/ThinkPad

While �鶹��Ƶ does not have a "recommended model" for student PCs, we have put forth an exhaustive effort to determine the "correct" laptop for faculty and staff use, and have subsequently negotiated an excellent price.

We are able to offer the same significantly discounted price to �鶹��Ƶ students.

The laptops we are purchasing for faculty and staff this year are Lenovo Thinkpads (formerly the IBM PC division)

• LENOVO THINKPAD T60 1951 - CORE DUO T2400 1.83 GHZ - 14.1
• RAM: 512MB
• Drives: 60 GB - Serial ATA-150 - 5400 rpm, CD-RW / DVD-ROM combo
• Networking: Gigabit Ethernet, Wireless ABG
• Battery Life (spec): 6hr
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 12.2 in x 10 in x 1.2 in
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows XP Professional
• Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years warranty

Cost: $1,350 or $1,500 with accidental damage coverage

To order, follow these directions:

1. Go to
2. Create an account using the customer id number 1009490 and your newly activated @gustavus.edu e-mail address.
3. After you have logged on, select the Preferred ThinkPad T60
4. Add any options to the laptop.
5. Purchase the laptop.

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 , which we anticipate expanding to the Residence Halls this summer.

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	System 10 or higher
Networking	10/100 base - T Ethernet card with RJ-45 connector and cable. 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	Windows XP Professional	Macintosh OS 10.4
RAM	512 Mb 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 Duo	1.66GHz Intel Core 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 Book Mark 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 we 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 ours.

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. 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 , which we anticipate expanding to the Residence Halls this summer.

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 XBox to the Internet so I can use the XBox Live feature?

Please call the Technology Helpline to help you register this device as well as any other type of video game console on the �鶹��Ƶ network. You will need to provide the MAC address of your XBox 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 equipted with black and white laserprinters in the labs. It is not necessary that you purchase or bring a printer to campus. Please see HP Laserjet 4000 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.

Do we 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 4000 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 we find out our username and passwords for our �鶹��Ƶ email accounts?

Email usernames and passwords were mailed out May 11th, 2006 and should be arriving during the week of May 15th, 2006.

• If you have been experiencing problems receiving your �鶹��Ƶ email, there was a minor problem that caused this and this problem was fixed on May 16th.

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.

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 , which is available online. As of May 2006, it does not contain the Class of 2010.

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 webpage 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, and the Student Union. 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.

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