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This is going to be a rough start. Let Wiki do its thing.

Purchasing a Computer

Do I need to bring a computer to campus?

Most people bring computers to campus, however it is not absolutely necessary. If you are unsure of buying a computer, come to campus and wait a week. Then, ask yourself this question again.

Should I get a laptop or a desktop computer?

There are many advantages to buying a laptop. They are easier to transport, allowing you to take notes in class, or do homework from virtually anywhere. With the added convenience of the GACwireless network, you'll be able to access the internet from a growing number of hotspots across campus. 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.

Laptops are, however, 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?

You should buy the type of computer with which you are most comfortable with. �鶹��Ƶ owns and supports both platforms.

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

You are able to purchase an Apple computer at an educational discount on-line.

While �鶹��Ƶ does not have a "recommended model" for PCs for students, we put extensive effort into finding the correct computer to purchase for faculty and staff laptops, and we negotiated an excellent price.

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

The laptops we are purchasing this year for faculty and staff 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: 50 or 00 with accidental damage coverage

Do I need to bring a wireless router to campus?

No, due to the interference that can be caused by too many wireless access points in a small area, we recommend that students use the wireless provided by the college and NOT bring their own.

What are the minimum requirements for a computer at �鶹��Ƶ?

What kind of computers do most people get?

2005 New Student Survey Stats

No Computer - 26 students - 5.31%
Windows Laptop - 322 students - 65.71%
Windows Desktop - 85 students - 17.35%
Macintosh Laptop - 45 students - 9.18%
Macintosh Desktop - 12 students - 2.45%

490 Total Surveyed

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

To access the wired network, you will need an ethernet card (new computers, this is standard) and an ethernet cable. Ethernet cables are for sale in the Book Mark. These are priced excellent. 25' feet should be adequate for most students.

To access the wireless network you will need a desktop or laptop with a wireless card either built-in or external and wireless signal.

Software

Things to do BEFORE you get to �鶹��Ƶ!

Keep your computer updated with Windows Updates.
Keep your computer protected from viruses by using an up-to-date and updated Anti-Virus client.

Do we need Microsoft Office on our computers?

At �鶹��Ƶ, all faculty, staff, and employees use the Microsoft Office Suite on both Windows and Macintosh platforms.

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

There are some problems associated with not having this software and/or using different word processing software, such as an incompatibility with their professor's computer. The most common problem is when a student emails their professor a document that is not in the Word format and the professor cannot read the attachment.

Is there a student edition available?

Yes, there is a student edition available at many retail stores. In most cases you will need proof of student status to purchase this edition of the software.

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

If you can add the student edition of Microsoft Office to your order and you would like to buy it, go for it. If they will charging more than 0, pass on it, and then purchase the student edition.

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 ours (there is no extra charge to you for this).

If you have purchased a subscription for an anti-virus product and would like to use that, please contact the Technology Helpline for instructions on registering your computer. Keep in mind, when your subscription is over, you must renew or uninstall your copy and install ours.

However, we still would recommend uninstalling your current copy and installing ours. When you have our copy installed, you have a 4-year subscription instead of 1-subscription.

We can provide the most support when you have our anti-virus installed.

Does �鶹��Ƶ provide one for us?

�鶹��Ƶ provides a full version of Symantec Anti-Virus for all incoming 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.

Does �鶹��Ƶ provide a full version of a spyware removal program?

Symantec Anti-virus, the anti-virus software �鶹��Ƶ provides to students, does provide some protection against spyware and adware, however, it is not perfect.

The best way to avoid getting your computer infected with spyware and adware is to not install "risky" programs such as peer to peer music downloading software on your computer.

Is a firewall necessary?

What do most people have for software?

Connecting to the Internet

Recommended Connection

While connecting to the �鶹��Ƶ network in your dorm room, we recommend using the wired connection as it provides faster and more reliable Internet connection. Consider wireless as a convenience while visiting your friend's rooms or out in your section.

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.

Can I bring a wireless router to campus?

Due to the interference that can be caused by too many wireless access points in a small area, we recommend that students use the wireless provided by the college and NOT bring their own.

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 network?

Turn on the computer.
Plug your ethernet cord into the wall jack (the wide one).
Open up a web browser.
You should be automatically redirected to a registration screen.
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 Fall orientation for the 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 we need personal printers?

It is not necessary that you purchase or bring a printer to campus if you would like to print just black and white. Please see the information located on HP Laserjet 4000 to set up your computer to print to the residence hall printer.

If you need to print many things in color, such as pictures, 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

Is theft of laptops a concern? What is �鶹��Ƶ doing about this?

When do we find out our username and passwords for our �鶹��Ƶ email accounts?

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.